Craig Regelbrugge, senior director of government relations for American Nursery & Landscape Association, talks about some of the political issues that could impact the November elections.

Q. What major issues that impact the horticulture industry will play a role in the November elections?

A. The war in Iraq, the economy and immigration are the top three issues on many voters' minds. Far and away, immigration reform is the single biggest industry issue that is center stage in the campaigns. Regrettably, some Republican pollsters and consultants are advising House members in tight races that immigration is the one issue where they can gain traction against their opponents by focusing solely on border security and enforcement. Nationwide polls of likely Republican voters paint a different picture, with broad majorities supporting a more comprehensive approach to reform, this year. Yet, many House members say "I think my district is different."

So the environment is polarized and many traditional allies have turned their backs on business and the economy in favor of bashing illegal immigrants. Our challenge as an industry is to continue to make our case, and make it publicly. We must be a bur under the political saddle, or we will be taken for granted.

Other issues such as estate tax and health care will also play a role in campaigns, though a lesser one than immigration.

Q. Do you think that a compromise will be worked out between the Senate and House over the immigration bill?

A. Eventually, yes. Before the elections, almost certainly not. For six years, ANLA has led the national coalition working on the problem from a grower/producer perspective. Our long history and integrity positioned us to get exactly what we wanted in the Senate bill. Now, the challenge to every industry member is to stay active, telling our story with integrity and passion.

One way to do this is through face-to-face meetings with representatives or their staff when they are at home, in the district. While some report they are getting 400 letters from people screaming about the issue for every one letter supporting the Senate approach, a face-to-face visit means much more than an angry letter.

You are part of the economy, creating jobs and paying taxes. Tell your legislators what's at stake if you don't have access to a legal workforce.

Post-election, a compromise is possible. In fact, two dynamics are working in our favor. First, President Bush holds strong convictions on this issue and will not back down. Presidential leadership is important. Secondly, the issue has now ripened in the media and public discourse to the point that there's no turning back -- a solution is essential.

Our challenge is to ensure that the solution takes a forward-looking and comprehensive approach that includes a temporary worker program and earned legalization, not just more of the same, pouring billions of dollars into border walls and fences and guards.

Q. If a compromise isn't reached before the elections, do you think voter discontent with Congress and President Bush's poor job ratings could cause a major shakeup in whether the Republicans retain power in the House and/or Senate?

A. Yes, a shakeup could happen, but by no means is assured. In the Senate, there are a handful of contested races but Democrats would need to hold their own and win over most vulnerable Republican seats to gain a majority. In the House, redistricting has rendered most Congressional districts uncompetitive. Republicans hold a roughly 30 seat majority, and again, the dominoes must nearly all fall in the Democrats' favor to regain control of the chamber. How the American people are feeling about the economy and the war as September arrives will be key.

Q. If the Republicans do lose power in the House, do you think that there would be a better chance of passing an immigration bill that would be more favorable to the horticulture industry?

A. Both parties have their own internal conflicts. For the Republicans, it is the anti-immigrant far-right, which noisily opposes anything but enforcement. For Democrats, it's the old-line labor wing of the party, which clings to the view that immigrants erode American workers' job security and wages.

Still, from a grower perspective, our AgJOBS legislation has attracted broad bipartisan support including Democratically-oriented labor and immigrant rights groups, religious groups and their political champions. The AgJOBS negotiated agreement has stood the test of time. If the House switches to Democratic control, we might see more openness to an incremental approach which starts with areas of broad consensus such as AgJOBS.

Q. If Congress cannot work out a compromise on the immigration bill, do you expect that more states will begin passing their own immigration legislation similar to what Georgia has done and other states like Colorado are attempting to do? Do you think the increased passage of state immigration legislation would have an impact on Congress trying to work out a compromise on a federal bill?

A. The fact that we are seeing states pass their own laws is a direct reflection of Congress' own failure to deal with what is an inherently federal issue. While many aspects of these state laws are federally preempted and would be unenforceable, they are a "we did something, we feel better" opportunity for state legislators. The irony is that while these laws should prompt Congress to act, they also generate further political polarization.

If there is one thing we have learned over the years, it is the politics of immigration legislation. Neither party can do it alone. In the end, Congress must act, and in a balanced and bipartisan way.

Q. The Senate recently rejected efforts to advance a bill that would repeal the federal estate tax. The exemption currently stands at $2 million per spouse and will culminate in full repeal in 2010. In 2011 the tax is reinstated to pre-2001 levels. How much of an impact do you think re-instatement of this tax would have overall on the horticulture industry?

A. For any business owner that hasn't managed to fully plan for transfer of their estate, I suppose it's all about when you die. Passing away in 2010 looks much better than 2011 for these purposes. But seriously, this is a major issue for an industry still dominated by small and family businesses, and often with major value in appreciating land and related assets.

Congress is considering compromise legislation that would increase the exemption to $5 million and make a few other changes. We've heard from many in the industry who feel that a compromise of this nature makes good sense. Politically, it still doesn't look like a compromise will get the votes needed to be passed by the Senate. Odds are we won't see a final bill before November.

Q. The House recently passed a $93.6 billion funding bill for USDA for Fiscal Year 2007, securing the $6.25 million funding for the Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative. The Senate is now writing its own version of the bill for USDA. Total funding for the initiative has increased to the current annual $6.25 million. The funding has been in the USDA budget since 1999. What do you think are the chances of the initiative receiving increased funding?

A. 'Earmark' has become a four-letter word in Washington. Yet, not all earmarks are created equal. In the case of the Initiative, our industry is now enjoying the benefit of a significant coordinated investment in horticultural research. Core Initiative values include building strength at existing centers of excellence, encouraging collaboration and avoiding duplication of effort.

It is truly a success story, and deserves to be put into USDA's base budget rather than industry having to fight to retain Congressional support each year. We also need to leverage the successful research output of the Initiative to garner additional support and recognition within USDA of our industry as a viable and important part of U.S. agriculture.

The perfect storms of Katrina, Iraq and Afghanistan and the Medicare prescription drug benefit have stressed the federal budget to the limit. The threat of a gutting of earmarks is real. So far this year we are holding our own, and retaining the $6.25 million would constitute a victory. The eventual vision is for the Initiative to grow to roughly $20 million annually, and to be featured within the Agricultural Research Service's base budget. This may take years, and a steady hand of industry investment and lobbying support.

Q. Health-care costs continue to rise and small businesses, including most horticulture companies, are getting socked with escalating insurance rates. Is there any legislation addressing this issue?

A. The health-care issue is serious, and so much bigger than any one industry trade association can solve. To date, we have been working in coalition to advance the Small Business Health Plans legislation, which would make it easier for trade associations to offer more competitive plans across state lines. It is by no means the whole solution, but one piece. The House has passed a very good version of this bill several times; the Senate was moving a weaker version but it is now politically dead for the year, with the Senate again lacking the votes to move it to final passage. We will continue to monitor opportunities to work in coalition for reforms that will lower the tremendous cost burden of providing health care.

Send this article to a friend

Enter your e-mail address:


Enter your friend's e-mail address:


Click the image below to send:

© 2006 Branch-Smith Publishing