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This week, from Monday through Wednesday, TNLA was in Washington, D.C. as part of AmericanHort’s Impact Washington Fly-In. Texas brought one of the largest state delegations in the country to advocate and educate our U.S. Senators and Representatives. Nine TNLA members participated alongside more than 120 advocates from across the nation. These fly-ins are always fast and frantic, as we zigzag across Capitol Hill to meet with as many legislators and staff as possible. But they are also one of the most important ways we make sure the voice of the Texas green industry is heard in our nation’s capital. Key Issues We RaisedWorkforce & Labor (H-2A & H-2B) Our industry depends on seasonal and year-round workers to grow, install, and maintain landscapes. The H-2A and H-2B visa programs are vital, but both need reform. We called on Congress to expand access, streamline applications, and modernize wage calculations so that businesses can meet labor needs while keeping costs predictable. Without these improvements, growers and landscape businesses face growing shortages that threaten their ability to operate. Tariffs, Trade & Supply Chain Tariffs on key horticulture inputs are driving up costs across the board. Many of these products cannot be produced anywhere in the U.S.—leaving green industy businesses no alternatives. We urged Congress to support a transparent and functional exclusion process so businesses can reliably access the inputs they need without being burdened by unfair costs. Farm Bill The Farm Bill expires on October 1, 2025. While it’s a cornerstone for agriculture, too often specialty crops and horticulture are left out. Current programs lock our industry out of crop insurance and other protections. We pushed for a bipartisan Farm Bill that reflects the realities of horticulture, ensuring access to risk management tools and expanding support for nursery, greenhouse, and landscape operations. Why It MattersFrom labor shortages to supply chain costs to ensuring our growers have a safety net, these policies directly affect the health and competitiveness of Texas’ horticulture industry. Trips like this Fly-In show how TNLA is actively fighting for our members’ businesses—from Washington, D.C. to back home in Texas. Questions?Contact Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3851 or Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Karan Mehta by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3874
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The Texas Garden Retailer Awards (TGRA) shine a spotlight on the very best in our industry — and the deadline to enter is October 3, 2025. If you’ve been waiting to start your application, now’s the time! Why Enter?
See What a Strong Application Looks Like
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. That’s why we’ve included a sample application from a past TGRA entrant to give you an idea of how the process works. This example shows:
View An Award Winning TGRA Application HERE Tips for Success
Ready to Apply? Show Texas what makes your business stand out. Submit your application before October 3, 2025: 👉 Apply for the 2025 Texas Garden Retailer Awards Corpus Christi
Status & Restrictions
Austin New Irrigation/Plumbing Requirements (new one- and two-family homes permitted after July 10, 2025) Pressure Regulation
Houston What Council Approved
Why It’s Happening
What Customers May Notice
Central Texas (Highland Lakes)
San Antonio (SAWS)
East Texas Groundwater Fight (Special Session)
Why it matters: This signals a larger groundwater debate ahead—potentially export guardrails, stronger ties to available water in aquifer, and more monitoring/reporting next regular session (2027). El Paso / Far West Texas Rio Grande Compact Settlement (Proposed)
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TNLA StaffInterpersonal stories all from TNLA Archives
October 2025
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