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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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A high-profile battle over groundwater in East Texas is drawing attention from lawmakers, water districts, and industry leaders across the state — including many TNLA members in East Texas and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Recently, WFAA published a detailed report on Dallas investor Kyle Bass’s plan to pump up to 15 billion gallons of water each year from rural East Texas. The project has sparked fierce local opposition and renewed debate over Texas’s century-old groundwater laws. Legislative Response In response, State Representative Cody Harris (R–Palestine), Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, has filed a package of bills aimed at modernizing Texas’s groundwater rules. While he has urged the Governor to add them to the current Special Session agenda, it remains uncertain whether they will be taken up before the next regular legislative session in 2027. Two bills in particular have emerged as his top priorities:
A Broader Debate Over Texas Water Law The publicity surrounding Bass’s proposal has reignited conversations about the “rule of capture” — the nearly 120-year-old doctrine that allows landowners to pump as much groundwater as they want from beneath their property, regardless of impacts to neighboring wells. Lawmakers, local water districts, and stakeholders are now discussing what could be the most significant overhaul of groundwater governance in state history. Proposals under discussion include:
TNLA will continue monitoring these developments closely. Any changes to Texas groundwater law could have significant implications for our industry, and we will keep members informed as the legislative conversation unfolds. Questions? Please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] Texas Congressional Update: Redistricting & Green Industry ChampionsThe proposed overhaul of Texas’ congressional map—pushed by President Donald Trump—is designed to give the GOP five additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. While the newly drafted lines would likely deliver some Republican pickups, an analysis of the redistricting plan suggests that a full five-seat gain is far from guaranteed.
These changes, based on 2020 census data, could help solidify Republican control in up to 30 of Texas’ 38 congressional districts—a significant shift with long-term implications for the green industry’s federal priorities. 🔄 Key Districts to Watch Two South Texas districts remain highly competitive—and one carries particular importance for TNLA: 👉 Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28, Laredo) 👉 Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34, McAllen) Both represent districts that leaned Republican in the last presidential election, yet they successfully held onto their seats. The new map makes each district slightly more conservative—a calculated gamble banking on continued GOP gains among Hispanic voters. For TNLA, Congressman Cuellar is a critical ally. He has been one of the most consistent and vocal champions of the H-2A and H-2B guest worker programs, which are essential to the nursery and landscape industry. His leadership has helped secure program stability, visa processing improvements, and continued momentum toward year-round labor solutions. 🗳️ As redistricting reshapes the political landscape, TNLA is watching closely—not just for shifts in party control, but for how these changes could impact federal advocacy for the green industry. 🔵 Other Competitive Districts Several Democratic-held urban and suburban districts could also become heavily Republican—under the proposed map. These include: • TX-9 – Rep. Al Green (Houston) • TX-32 – Rep. Julie Johnson (Dallas suburbs) • TX-35 – Rep. Greg Casar (San Antonio to Austin) If adopted, these changes could turn currently blue districts into strong-performing Republican seats, further reshaping the state’s congressional delegation. 🧠 Why This Matters to TNLA Members Programs like H-2A and H-2B are the backbone of a reliable workforce for TNLA members. Continued engagement with trusted allies like Rep. Cuellar ensures our industry’s needs are front and center in Washington. Your voice—and your vote—matter. They help protect essential workforce programs and ensure support for pro-industry champions in the 2026 election cycle. Stay tuned for more updates as TNLA continues to monitor congressional developments and advocate on your behalf. New Tax Breaks, Workforce Wins, and Industry SupportOn July 4, 2025, H.R. 1—known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—was signed into law. At 870 pages, it’s one of the most sweeping federal laws in recent history. But here’s the bottom line for TNLA members: it includes some powerful wins for your business.
Here’s what matters most: 🌿 529 Plans Can Now Fund Certifications You can now use 529 education savings to cover industry licenses—like irrigator training, pesticide applicator certification, or landscape credentials. This makes workforce development more accessible for young professionals in our industry. 🔧 Full Write-Offs for Equipment & R&D Businesses can now fully expense:
That means lower tax bills and more room to innovate and invest. 🏦 Loan Interest Deductions Restored Businesses that borrow to buy land, expand greenhouses, or manage inventory can now deduct more interest expenses, thanks to the return of EBITDA-based limits. 💼 199A Pass-Through Deduction Made Permanent The Qualified Business Income deduction for S-corps, LLCs, and sole proprietors now increases from 20% to 23% starting in 2026. That’s more relief for small and mid-sized businesses. 🌱 Expanded Grower Support & Plant Protection
These provisions mean long-term investment in plant health, crop resilience, and industry sustainability. The Takeaway: While the bill didn’t fix everything (especially on the labor side), it delivers significant financial and operational benefits for Texas green industry businesses. TNLA will continue monitoring how funding rolls out—and will keep pushing for additional reforms where they’re needed most. Steady Workers Mean Steady Business—Here’s Where We StandIf your business depends on seasonal help through the H-2B visa program, there’s some promising news coming out of the U.S. House—but still roadblocks in the Senate.
In late June, lawmakers in the House advanced an important amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This amendment would allow long-time users of the H-2B program—employers who’ve participated in any of the last five years—to bring in the same number of workers again, without counting against the annual federal cap. This would give law-abiding employers more predictability, reduce lottery risk, and help protect your business from labor disruptions. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate didn’t include any H-2B reform in H.R. 1, the sweeping legislation recently signed into law. A proposal to create a “Certified Seasonal Employer” designation was removed late in the process after stalling over disagreements with the White House. What’s Next:
 We’re excited to share great news--HB 1592 is now law in Texas, creating a statewide pest and plant disease alert system through Texas A&M AgriLife.
This important legislation was authored by Rep. Mihaela Plesa, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, and backed by strong bipartisan support. It moved smoothly through the Capitol and was allowed to become law by Governor Greg Abbott. What Does HB 1592 Do? The new law creates a real-time, email-based alert system to notify:
Why It Matters ✔️ Faster response times to outbreaks ✔️ Less damage to plants and landscapes ✔️ More protection for Texas ecosystems and the green industry ✔️ Better preparedness for changing weather and pest patterns From nurseries and retail centers to city parks and farms, this new tool gives Texans a better way to protect the plants we depend on. TNLA Member Voices Made the Difference We’re proud that Bill Carson of Native Texas Nursery testified in support of the bill. His voice—and the support of TNLA members across the state—helped lawmakers understand the real-world need for this kind of early warning system. Looking Ahead When HB 1592 reached the Governor’s desk on May 25, we celebrated. Now that it’s law, we celebrate again—knowing that Texas is better prepared to fight invasive species and plant health threats. This is more than just a policy win. It’s a step forward for:
TNLA Joins Texas Business Leaders in Calling for Permanent Protections for DACA Recipients6/16/2025  On June 11, TNLA’s Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith, joined a coalition of chambers of commerce, trade associations, and directly impacted individuals in Austin for a roundtable hosted by FWD.us and the Texas Association of Business, marking the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
Moderated by Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Business, the event brought together Texas business leaders to underscore a shared message: DACA recipients are vital to our workforce—and our future. “I have seen firsthand how DACA recipients strengthen our workforce every day,” said Curtis Smith. “They are critical to keeping our industries competitive, and we need policies that reflect their value to our state and our economy.” 📉 The Threat of Losing DACA Protections Is Real—and Costly Participants heard testimony from Edilsa Lopez, an Austin-based DACA recipient and accountant, as well as updates from FWD.us policy staff on the current legal and political landscape surrounding DACA. The event highlighted the widespread economic risk posed by ending the program. Key data shared at the roundtable included:
🧾 Additional Background: The DACA Policy Legal Landscape The legal future of DACA remains uncertain—especially for Texas. As of now, the Texas v. United States DACA case is returning to Judge Hanen, following no petitions being filed to escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court by the May 19 deadline. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals instructed Judge Hanen to revise his prior ruling. Here's what that means:
🌱 Why This Matters to the Green Industry The Texas nursery and landscape industry already faces a growing labor shortage. DACA recipients have become essential contributors—whether on farms, in nurseries, or running their own businesses. At TNLA, we continue to push for practical, bipartisan workforce policies that reflect the current needs of our members and the economic realities of doing business in Texas. Have questions about DACA, TNLA’s workforce advocacy, or how this could impact your business? 📩 Reach out to Curtis Smith at [email protected] 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 |
TNLA StaffInterpersonal stories all from TNLA Archives
October 2025
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