03/21/2025

Advocacy in Action: What I Learned at NPMA Legislative Day

Government Affairs

Written by: Javier Ramos, Nisus Corporation

Attending NPMA Legislative Day for the first time was an eye-opening experience. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect—I knew we’d be meeting with lawmakers, but I didn’t fully grasp the impact our voices could have. Once there, I saw firsthand how essential it is for pest management professionals to engage in advocacy. Legislators rely on us to provide insight into the real-world challenges our industry faces, and having those conversations helps shape policies that affect our businesses and communities. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to educate lawmakers on how pest control directly protects public health. Too often, our industry is misunderstood, and these meetings gave us the chance to highlight the science, regulations, and responsibility that go into what we do. It was also encouraging to see how receptive many legislators were to learning more about our work.

For anyone hesitant about getting involved in advocacy, I’d say this: Your voice matters more than you think. If we don’t step up to share our expertise, decisions will be made without our input. Whether it’s through events like Legislative Day or by engaging with state-level associations, being involved ensures that our industry remains strong and well-represented. I’d absolutely encourage more Washington pest management professionals to participate—you won’t regret it. Looking forward to continuing the conversation and seeing even more industry professionals step into advocacy!