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On May 8, 2024 members of Maryland ASLA represented the state chapter and national ASLA for our annual Advocacy Day with the United States Congress. We were able to share updates regarding our chapter, our profession, and the important responsibility we manage in the built environment. Our team met with staff members from Senator Chris Van Hollen and Senator Ben Cardin’s legislative teams. We were able to educate their team members on the life, safety, and welfare aspects of our profession and how we are playing an active role in water quality, social justice and climate change. We were also able to advocate for some national legislation, through a unified national ASLA voice. The 2 pieces of legislation included:
House Bill 1477 / Senate Bill 722 – Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforces Act
This would expand 529 savings plans to help cover costs for obtaining and maintaining professional licenses and other certifications. This will provide assistance to small businesses in Maryland who are unable to provide workforce benefits, which larger firms can provide, including licensure study material, exam and registration fees, and continuing education credentials.
House Bill 2921 – Water Infrastructure Sustainability & Efficiency (WISE) Act
Increasing investments in the Green Project Reserve (GPR) to implement nature-based solutions that can successfully and cost-effectively help communities manage their stormwater and other water issues, while promoting economic growth, improving water and air quality, providing wildlife habitat, mitigating heat, and reducing downstream flooding.
Attached are a few resources that we shared with these Congressional staff members, on behalf of ASLA and our Maryland Chapter:
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