Article by Billy Olesen, WSPMA SPAR

WSPMA Represents Members in Washington, D.C.

WSPMA was proud to represent you, our members, in the other Washington this week, Washington, D.C., meeting with Senate and House staffers to advocate for the vital role you play every day.

These conversations focused on the real impact of your work protecting public health, property, and our food supply. Whether it’s managing disease vectors, safeguarding homes, or supporting agriculture, your work matters, and your voice is being heard at the federal level because of WSPMA.

A key priority this year is the upcoming Farm Bill, including standalone provision Section 10206, which would establish federal recognition of state-level pesticide preemption. This ensures that one state lead agency remains in charge of pesticide policy, grounded in science and consistency, especially as pressure for increased restrictions continues to grow. This is exactly the kind of issue where your membership makes a difference, ensuring decisions are made by those who understand our industry.

We also made the case for a credit card competition bill that would increase competition and help lower interchange fees. Large retailers like Costco already benefit from negotiated lower fees through exclusive agreements. Expanding competition could help bring those same advantages to businesses like yours.

Representing you in D.C. were your WSPMA President Steve Wittig, your Executive Director Samantha Malone, and your State Policy Affairs Representative Billy Olesen.

This is what your membership supports, having a seat at the table, protecting your business, and shaping the future of our industry.

Thank you for being a member of WSPMA and for investing in the strength and future of pest management.