TRSA Tells Texas State Legislators Importance of New Bill

TRSA members were in Austin, TX, to support legislation that would allow the linen, uniform and facility services industry the opportunity to pay taxes at the retail tax rate of 0.357%, as opposed to the wholesale tax rate of 0.75%, which the industry is currently paying.

Due to the influence of UniFirst Corp., Texas State Rep. Drew Darby (R) introduced HB 1769 earlier this legislative session on behalf of the industry. The legislation adds the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes to the industries eligible to receive the lower tax rate.

“It is good to see so many of the industry here in Austin; I did my part in introducing the legislation, it is time to do your part to persuade the rest of the legislature to support the bill,” Rep. Darby said to the TRSA members in attendance. “I am only one vote, we need 76.”

State Rep. John Bucy III (D) also spoke to the group, adding that, “Your industry has a great story to tell, it is up to you to tell that story and tie in the need to get this bill passed.”

The newest group of “TRSA Lobbyists” visited more than 70 legislative offices. The 21 operator members represented UniFirst, Division Laundry, Metro Linen, Prudential Overall Supply, Cintas Corp., PureStar, Alsco Uniforms and ImageFirst. The two supplier partners were from Tingue.

“I really enjoy the state legislative capital visits,” said Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations. “I feel the front-line local facility managers make the best story tellers and lobbyists for this great industry.”