04/18/2024

President's Message from Samantha Forrest

Spring Fever Kicks the Maryland Pest Control Association into High Gear

Dear Members,

As we dive deeper into spring, I'm excited to share some important updates and initiatives from the Maryland State Pest Control Association (MSPCA).

NPMA Legislative Day Recap: Our recent participation in the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) Legislative Day was a pivotal moment for our association. I'm pleased to acknowledge the exceptional representation from our members, including Justin Nichols from Frontline Pest Control, Kaliksa Gooch with Top Notch Pest Services for Bedbugs, and Catalina Dunasky from Corteva Agriscience who were not only a part of Legislative Day/week, they represented our association with Hill Visits.

During our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, we emphasized the pressing need for preemption and other pertinent issues affecting our industry. Conversations with lawmakers shed light on the challenges faced by pest management professionals (PMPs) in Maryland, particularly regarding the absence of state pesticide preemption. Both Justin Nichols and Kaliksa Gooch articulated how this disparity complicates compliance with varying regulations across different counties in our state, underscoring the urgency for preemption legislation. State Pesticide Preemption Advocacy: NPMA continues to spearhead the campaign for state pesticide preemption, advocating for consistency and clarity in regulations across states.

MSPCA's Advocacy Against HB1515: In addition to our legislative advocacy at the federal level, MSPCA has been actively involved in local matters affecting our industry. Last month, we opposed HB1515, which proposed lowering the Maryland sales tax to 5% while imposing a 5% tax on services provided in the state. This measure could have significant repercussions for our members, the service industry, and the pest control industry as a whole. Our acting State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR), Dr. Richard Kramer, has been diligently engaged in combating this legislation and safeguarding the interests of our association.

Upcoming "Last Chance Webinar": Mark your calendars for our upcoming "Last Chance Webinar" on May 23, 2024. This half-day event promises valuable insights and updates on crucial industry topics. While we're finalizing the agenda, rest assured that it will address pressing issues relevant to our members. Stay tuned for further details as we approach the webinar date.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our members for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing our industry. Your participation in events like Legislative Day and our forthcoming webinar is instrumental in shaping a vibrant future for pest management in Maryland.

Happy Busy Season Everyone!

Sincerely yours, 
Samantha Forrest