Laundry Hill Day Draws Industry Leaders to DC

More than 130 industry leaders convened in Washington, DC, this week for TRSA’s 16th Annual Legislative Conference, including 80 participants who met directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill during the second annual Laundry Hill Day. Together, participants conducted 110 meetings with members of Congress and key staff, uniting multiple national organizations for coordinated advocacy.

“Laundry Hill Day is a powerful example of how we are stronger together when we speak with a common voice,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA President and CEO. “TRSA is proud to convene industry organizations to highlight our shared priorities and demonstrate how our industry supports jobs, sustainability and economic growth nationwide.”

Participants advanced two key policy priorities:

• Reusable Healthcare Textiles: Participants urged lawmakers to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to release a long-awaited study on the benefits of reusable healthcare textiles. Conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in collaboration with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the study evaluates how the expanded use of reusable healthcare textiles can strengthen emergency preparedness, reduce reliance on foreign-sourced disposable protective equipment and lower overall healthcare costs. Originally promised for release in October 2024, the report remains unpublished.  Participants asked legislators to co-sign a draft letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling for its immediate release.
• Qualified Production Property (QPP) Tax Classification: Participants advocated for linen and uniform laundries to be recognized as meeting the “substantial transformation” standard under H.R. 1, enabling businesses to qualify for 100% bonus depreciation of production-related capital investments. Industry leaders explained that industrial laundries transform unusable textiles into hygienically clean, certified usable tangible products through advanced mechanical, chemical and thermal processes—operations that mirror manufacturing facilities and are essential to healthcare, public safety and other critical infrastructure sectors. Lawmakers were urged to encourage the U.S. Treasury Department to issue clear guidance affirming that commercial laundry operations qualify under this provision.

A Unified Industry Effort

In addition to TRSA, participating organizations in Laundry Hill Day included the Association for Linen Management (ALM), the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA), the CSCNetwork, the Independent Textile Rental Association (ITRA) and the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA). Together, these organizations represent the majority of the linen, uniform and facility services industry across North America.

“Events like Laundry Hill Day matter because they highlight the essential work our teams do every single day,” said Sarah Brobeck, president and CEO of ALM. “Reusable textiles support healthcare, protect workers and keep operations running safely. It’s important that policymakers understand the real-world impact of this industry. ALM is grateful to be part of this effort and appreciates TRSA’s continued advocacy on behalf of our industry.”

In addition to Laundry Hill Day, TRSA honored member companies and top performers on Feb. 18 during the Annual Industry Awards Dinner, highlighted by the presentation of the Best Plant Award. HandCraft’s High Point, NC, facility earned the Gold Level Award for exceptional operational performance and efficiency. In total, 84 honorees were recognized across 14 award categories, celebrating excellence in service, marketing, sustainability, safety and community leadership. The full list of awards and winners can be downloaded here.