Page 67 - MNLGA Free State Spring 2024_WEB SPREADS

News parties will reimburse taxpayers for replacing the Francis

AMERICANHORT A
Scott Key Bridge. This follows past instances where the
federal government covered all recovery costs, like after
from the Northridge earthquake and the I-35W bridge collapse.

Funds have already been made available for responding to
damage caused by the cargo ship Dali to the Francis Scott
Key Bridge on March 26. The full bill text can be found here
the Hill https://www.cardin.senate.gov/wp-content/
uploads/2024/04/Baltimore-BRIDGE-Relief-Act.pdf.

Rachel Pick

Matt Mika
Vice President, Advocacy &
Government Affairs
MattM@AmericanHort.org
Response Invests and Delivers Global Economic Relief Act” 202-789-8113
or “Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act” in both the House and
providing jobs and contributing to farm gate value. The Senate. Rachel Pick
caucus will focus on issues such as market access, research Senior Manager, Advocacy &
funding, and sustainability measures to ensure the success The Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act proposes changes to Government Affairs
of specialty crop producers. Members of the caucus federal funding rules for highway and bridge repair after RachelP@AmericanHort.org
emphasize the importance of recognizing and supporting disasters. It clarifies that funds from insurance or liable 202-789-8112
specialty crop producers, especially amidst challenges like
supply chain disruptions, rising costs, labor shortages, and
climate impacts.
Rachel Pick WHY BECOME A

Agriculture Stakeholder Letter on U.S. Trade Agenda
AmericanHort joined a number of agriculture groups CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
in a letter requesting that the United States Trade HORTICULTURIST (CPH)?
Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai work
on a trade agenda for U.S. farmers, ranchers, producers, Career Advancement: Open the door to higher-level positions and
growers, and Agribusiness. In the letter, the U.S. food and leadership roles, propelling your career to new heights.
agriculture community emphasizes the importance of Industry Recognition: Gain respect and acknowledgment within
trade policies to enhance global competitiveness and the horticulture community, positioning yourself as a committed and
knowledgeable professional.
Bipartisan Congressional Caucus Formed to advocates for a renewed focus on trade agreements,
Champion Specialty Crop Industry accountability, and enforcement mechanisms. Client Trust: Attract homeowners, businesses, and institutions with
the confidence that comes from being a certified professional—
Matt Mika making certification a powerful selling point for your business.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. David
Rouzer (R-NC-07), Rep. David Valadao (R-CA-22), Rep. Jim Bipartisan Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act Introduced in Continuous Learning: Stay ahead of the curve with ongoing
Costa (D-CA-21), and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), have Congress education and professional development, ensuring you remain
established the Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus. In a bipartisan and bicameral effort, Maryland legislators current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging LEARN MORE &
technologies for long-term success in the field.
The caucus aims to address the challenges faced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D), Sen. Ben Cardin (D), Rep. Kweisi APPLY TODAY!
the specialty crop industry and advocate for policies Mfume (D-MD-07), Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Rep. Steny
supporting specialty crop growers, processors, and Hoyer (D-MD-05), Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD- MARYLAND
partners. Fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, herbs, nursery crops, 02), Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD-03), Rep. Jamie Raskin NURSERY, LANDSCAPE GET ACTIVE – STAY INVOLVED
AND G REENHOUSE
and ornamentals all fall into the specialty crop umbrella (D-MD-08), Rep. David Trone (D-MD-06), and Rep. Glenn A SSOCIATION, I NC. MNLGA.ORG/CPH • 410-823-8684
and play a significant role in the American economy, Ivey (D-ND-04) introduced S. 4114, the “Baltimore Bridge

66 SPRING 2024• Free State News Membership Matters • SPRING 2024 67