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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
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.
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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 |
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
October 2026
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