 Last week, TNLA hosted a webinar with Jeremy Mazur, one of Texas’ leading voices on water policy, to examine how Proposition 4 and other statewide initiatives could shape the future of our state’s water supply, conservation, and infrastructure. Proposition 4—on the ballot this November—would dedicate $1 billion per year from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund producing up to $20 billion of new funding over the next 20 years.
Jeremy emphasized that while new funding tools are essential, Texas’ long-term water security will ultimately depend on sustained infrastructure investment and close collaboration among utilities, landscapers, growers, and irrigators. He highlighted the role TNLA members already play in leading the way—designing sustainable landscapes, advancing efficient irrigation practices, and advocating for balanced policies that promote both conservation and customer choice. 📺 Watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/lq-BuOC35qY 🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv6buk
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Big news for Texas—and for every community that depends on reliable water.
This November, voters will decide whether to approve the largest water investment in our state’s history: a proposed $22.5 billion over the next 22 years to fix aging infrastructure, develop new water sources, and protect the long-term water supply for rural towns, cities, and the green industry alike. This effort comes through two key pieces of legislation: ✅ Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) ✅ House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7) If passed, these measures would constitutionally dedicate up to $1 billion per year—from state surplus funds—to support water projects beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2047. Why It Matters Water isn’t just a resource—it’s a legacy. And Texas is facing real challenges:
This investment would support: ✔️ Desalination, water reuse, and aquifer storage projects ✔️ Upgrades to aging pipes and treatment facilities ✔️ Access to federal matching dollars ✔️ Support for small-town water systems Governor Greg Abbott called this the “largest investment in water in Texas history”—and for good reason. 🌱 TNLA Is Involved The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) strongly supported this legislation and worked with lawmakers to ensure our industry’s voice was heard. Water is vital to the success of landscape businesses, growers, and garden centers across the state—and it’s critical for the health of Texas communities. What’s Next 📅 November 4, 2025 – Voters will decide the fate of HJR 7 at the ballot box. This is a rare chance to secure long-term water funding for generations to come. TNLA will be doing its part to help educate members, clients, and voters about why this matters—and we hope you will too. Let’s invest in the future of Texas—together. This year, TNLA turns 25—and we’re feeling all the pride, gratitude, and excitement that comes with a milestone like this. For 25 years, we’ve grown together, advocated together, and built something bigger than any one of us. And none of it would be possible without you—our members. So as we wrap up our fiscal year and head into the end of membership renewal season, we wanted to say thank you… and remind you of everything that comes with being part of TNLA Did You Know Your Membership Includes All This? 💼 Advocacy That Protects Your Business From water restrictions to workforce rules, TNLA is your voice at the Capitol. This year alone, dozens of members cited legislative updates as one of their top-valued benefits. 🤝 Connections That Stick Members consistently name Expo and networking events as their favorite part of TNLA. Whether you're new or a longtime member, you’ve probably made at least one lifelong friend at Expo. 📣 Communication You Can Count On We know things move fast. That’s why we keep you in the loop with timely updates, member alerts, and resources. Coming Soon! A news app--so you never have to wonder what’s going on in your industry & stay connected- anywhere, anytime! 🎓 Education That Pays for Itself Need CEUs? Want to develop your next leader? From Leadership Bootcamp to certification programs, your membership opens doors to growth—for you and your team. 📬 Tools to Hire Smarter You asked for better recruiting help—and we’re delivering. Coming Soon!! A new mobile-friendly job board! Making it easier than ever to find the right fit. 📢 A Community That Cares Did you know members rated TNLA’s overall value at 4 out of 5? We’re proud of that—and always striving to make it a 5. Our fiscal year ends June 30, so now’s the time to lock in your benefits for another year of growth, connection, and progress. Because after all—we’re not just celebrating 25 years of TNLA… We’re celebrating 25 years of serving YOU. Renew Your Membership Now by visiting: https://www.tnlaonline.org/renew-now.html See how TNLA helped defeat a risky bill, passed a key alert system, and took your voice to D.C. for real impact!The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front. Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam. While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:
Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor. The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state. Benefits include:
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee. TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans. They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:
Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:
Why it matters for TNLA: The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha Upcoming Industry Events You Won't Want to MissFREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 Audits Thursday, June 12, 2025 🕐 12:30 PM I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar: “Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.” 🔍 Topics include:
Horticulture Exploration Day – Texas A&MJune 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843 Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way  Women in Horticulture Events – Two Unique Opportunities to ConnectWe’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out: 🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide) 📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located. 🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.  🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only) 📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM 📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652 This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting. RSVP to:[email protected]  OLE! Texas – Virtual Designer Training SeminarJuly 24–25, 2025 Hosted Online Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs. 💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!
 👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates! The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.
Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam. While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:
Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor. The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state. Benefits include:
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee. TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans. They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:
Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:
Why it matters for TNLA: The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha On April 2, 2025, new U.S. trade measures were announced that represent a major shift in federal tariff policy—with broad implications for the horticulture and landscape industries.
Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick refresher: What Is a Tariff? A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. It’s designed to make foreign products more expensive, either to encourage consumers to buy domestically or to apply pressure in trade negotiations. Example: If your business imports $100,000 worth of garden tools from Italy and a 10% tariff applies, you would owe $10,000 in duties—bringing the total cost to $110,000. Who Pays for Tariffs?While tariffs are technically paid by importers at the border, the costs often get passed down the supply chain:
Key Changes TNLA Members Should Know 🔹 10% Blanket Tariff on All Imports Effective April 5, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the U.S., regardless of country of origin. This is one of the most sweeping tariff measures in recent history. 🔹 Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 9A second round of tariffs will target goods from countries that impose barriers on U.S. exports. These “reciprocal” tariffs will vary by country and industry. Exemptions include:
🔹 Canada & Mexico Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:
🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:
This change will significantly impact small package imports and e-commerce. 🔹 Auto & Auto Parts Tariffs A 25% tariff on imported cars takes effect April 3, 2025. A separate tariff on imported auto parts will follow no later than May 3, 2025. Parts that meet USMCA requirements are initially excluded. However, the Commerce Department will soon introduce a system to assess which components count as “non-U.S.” for tariff purposes. What TNLA Members Should Do Now If your business relies on imported goods—such as pots, fertilizer, hand tools, or machinery—it’s important to take proactive steps:
Why Labor Access Matters More Than Ever These new tariffs will likely increase your cost of doing business. That’s why labor policy must be part of the conversation. A reliable, legal workforce—especially through programs like H-2A and H-2B—is critical to absorbing financial pressure and staying competitive. Tariffs and workforce access go hand in hand. In a more expensive global marketplace, stability and productivity at home are non-negotiable. TNLA will continue to monitor these changes and advocate for solutions that protect and support your business. Stay tuned for updates. You may have seen that President Trump has announced another 30-day pause on tariffs for "USMCA-compliant goods" coming from Canada and Mexico. Under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), products qualify for trade benefits if they are entirely made in one of the three countries or meet strict regional value standards—usually 75% or higher. Based on these criteria, peat moss should qualify for this 30 day pause on tariffs, though TNLA members should talk to their suppliers for confirmation.
This latest pause is a positive sign, but it is not permanent. We are continuing to push for long-term solutions, and momentum is building. Just this week, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) specifically raised the importance of peat moss with the White House: “I absolutely am weighing in … things like potash, nitrogen, I’d throw peat moss in there, too, because that’s important to horticulture and mushroom growers,” Thompson said in a Politico article. “I’m not bashful about weighing in with the White House. I got a great relationship with everyone, including the president. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no.” What happens next? We are working with a coalition of partners who have sent letters to key leaders, including:
Our message is clear: ✅ Exclude sphagnum peat moss and peat-based products from any tariffs, or ✅ Grant peat moss "critical mineral" status, which could protect it from future trade restrictions. In the meantime, things remain extremely fluid at the federal level. The situation in Washington, D.C., is being described as chaotic, with many industries scrambling to protect their supply chains from unexpected tariffs. TNLA is working hard to protect our industry’s access to critical materials like peat moss, and we will keep you updated every step of the way. Two key leaders in the Texas Legislature have filed major proposals that could dedicate $1 billion every year to support water projects across Texas. This money would be in addition to the $2.5 billion of one-time funding which is in both the House and Senate budgets.
To make this happen, they are proposing constitutional amendments. In Texas, this is the only way to automatically set aside state funding for a specific purpose, like water, and protect it from shifting priorities in future legislative sessions. For these amendments to become reality, they’ll need two-thirds approval from lawmakers and voter approval in November. Here’s a quick look at the two approaches:
Both of these proposals are significant steps toward securing long-term, reliable water funding for Texas, and TNLA is actively monitoring and engaging on your behalf as these ideas move through the legislative process. Make an Impact: Join TNLA Legislative Day at the Capitol
The 2025 TNLA Legislative Day at the Capitol is fast approaching, and your participation is more important than ever. This annual event, happening March 13, is a key opportunity for Texas’ green industry professionals to come together, meet with state lawmakers, and advocate for policies that directly impact our businesses. Why Your Voice Matters With the legislative session in full swing, lawmakers are making decisions that affect water resources, workforce development, and regulatory policies—all of which shape how we operate. When industry professionals like you engage directly with legislators, it helps ensure they understand the real-world impact of these policies. What to Expect Attendees will have the chance to: ✔ Meet face-to-face with key decision-makers ✔ Share industry experiences and challenges ✔ Ensure TNLA’s voice is heard where it matters most Cost & Registration💰 Cost to Attend: $180 – This fee covers breakfast, lunch, and event expenses to ensure a productive and impactful experience. Hotel Accommodations: Book your stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District, using our exclusive hotel block for the night before the event. Click here to reserve your room before Feb 20 deadline. If you call into the reservations line, the Group Code is TNLA Support TNLA’s Advocacy Efforts We’re also looking for sponsors to help make this event a success. If you or your company would like to support TNLA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, reach out—we’d love to have you involved. Your presence at Legislative Day makes a difference. Register today and help shape the future of Texas’ green industry! 🔗 Register Now Contact Information: For more information or questions, reach out to: Curtis Smith Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-579-3851 We look forward to seeing you at the Capitol! Water is the lifeblood of Texas communities and industries, especially our green industry, which depends on reliable supplies. Yet, urgent action is required with over 8 million Texans affected by drought and aging infrastructure struggling to keep pace.
Legislative Efforts: A Game-Changer State lawmakers, led by Senator Charles Perry, are making this legislative session pivotal for water policy. Perry, chair of the Senate Water and Agricultural Resources Committee, proposes allocating at least $1 billion annually to the Texas Water Fund. This funding could support critical projects like infrastructure maintenance, desalination, and drought mitigation. Why It Matters to TNLA For TNLA, this is a critical opportunity. Our members have seen firsthand how water shortages threaten economic growth and the green industry’s ability to thrive. Cities like Dripping Springs and Conroe have already paused new development due to water concerns, and South Texas agricultural operations have faced devastating setbacks. Take Action with TNLA TNLA is committed to advocating for sustainable water solutions through consistent state funding and strategic investments. We support legislative efforts to address this challenge head-on and encourage our members to join us in calling for action to secure Texas’ water future. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous state for future generations. 📖 Read more: Austin American-Statesman: Water Issues Are on State Agenda click here 🔗 Get Involved: For more information on how to get involved with Advocacy efforts don't hesitate to get in touch with Curtis Smith, TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected] Hostile foreign ownership of agricultural land is emerging as a significant issue for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Nationwide, 25 states have already enacted laws restricting foreign ownership of land, with Texas now considering its own measures. The primary concerns revolve around land acquisitions by individuals or entities linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, particularly near U.S. military bases. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, foreign investors from Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany collectively own approximately 50% of Texas agricultural land held by non-U.S. entities. While much of the focus has been on countries considered hostile to the U.S., this broader context underscores the complexity of foreign land ownership in Texas  During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 147 (SB 147), authored by State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham). The bill sought to prohibit property acquisition by governmental entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It specifically targeted agricultural land, timberland, and property near military bases to mitigate potential security risks. SB 147 included definitions, exceptions for diplomatic and consular properties, and provisions allowing current landowners from these countries to retain their property while restricting future acquisitions.
In presenting SB 147, Senator Kolkhorst cited examples such as the purchase of 130,000 acres near Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio by a former member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. She emphasized concerns about national security and pointed out the double standard in which Americans cannot purchase land near Chinese military bases. Kolkhorst argued that similar restrictions should apply in Texas. As the 89th Legislative Session unfolds, several bills addressing foreign land ownership have been introduced. While some focus specifically on agricultural land, others take a broader approach to foreign ownership of Texas property. Most proposals center on limiting acquisitions by companies tied to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, or entities with significant ownership from these nations. Current Legislative Proposals:
For questions or concerns, please get in touch with Curtis Smith at [email protected]. |
TNLA StaffInterpersonal stories all from TNLA Archives
October 2025
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