With a new Congress that is less hostile to a guest-worker plan, groups like the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Nursery & Landscape Association and state and local groups are expressing optimism that 2007 could be the year when political compromise brings relief to the labor shortage that landscapers, contractors and horticultural growers have endured for years.

?EUR??,,????'??It would seem we have the votes. The chances for success are better than ever,?EUR??,,????'?? said Larry Rohlfes of the California Landscape Contractors Association. ?EUR??,,????'??Next year is an election year, which will put more pressure on legislators. This is the year to do it.?EUR??,,????'??

On March 27, Rohlfes helps lead a group of 10 California landscape contractors on a trip to lobby lawmakers in Washington, D.C. The delegation includes Barbara Alvarez, Richard Cohen, Cathy Gurney, David Norred, Pete Navarro, Cyndi Smallwood, Mickey Strauss, Robert Wade and Lori Wolf.

Some of the same members traveled to the capitol last year, where they ran into a firmly-entrenched group, mostly Republican House members passionate in their opposition to illegal immigration.

To make the guest-worker bill more acceptable, supporters will likely add provisions that will toughen border security and mandate a system that will check workers?EUR??,,????'??? citizenship status when they apply for employment. The final bill could mandate penalties for contractors and others who hire undocumented workers.

When the California landscape contractors visit D.C. later this month they?EUR??,,????'???ll greet Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives, where opposition to guest worker legislation is stronger than in the Senate. Rohlfes said they?EUR??,,????'???ll be sure to meet with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D?EUR??,,????'??+San Jose). Lofgren chairs the House immigration subcommittee and is a key to building consensus across partisan lines.

?EUR??,,????'??The strategy last year was to talk to House Republicans to make them feel uncomfortable about their opposition to comprehensive immigration reform,?EUR??,,????'?? said Rohlfes, a CLCA Assistant Executive Director. ?EUR??,,????'??The strategy this time around is to speak to Democrats and Republicans, especially Republicans who are more likely to be persuaded.?EUR??,,????'??

If introduced soon, the bill would likely hit the Senate floor for debate in April.

But procedural matters could hold up passage of a compromise bill until next year, or maybe longer, said Tom Delaney, PLANET's director of legislative affairs.

"With the new congress, we?EUR??,,????'???re likely to have a workable plan by the end of the year but it probably will not be voted on by both the House and Senate this year," Delaney said. "The details will be the most important part, and if it get too late the (2008) elections may hold it up."

?EUR??,,????'??+Erik Skindrud