Farm Workforce Modernization Act passes Committe with a path to citizenship
Farm Workforce Modernization Act passes House Judiciary Committee
Rep. Panetta, five others, spearheaded the legislation that has been recommended for a full House vote
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The bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act passes the House Judiciary Committee and is recommended for a vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald) A farmworker uses a tractor in a field near Castroville on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald)
By JAMES HERRERA | jherrera@montereyherald.com | Monterey Herald
PUBLISHED: November 21, 2019 at 2:28 pm | UPDATED: November 21, 2019 at 2:29 pm
MONTEREY – Passed on an 18-12 vote of the House Judiciary Committee, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, and five others, has been recommended for a full vote of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rep. Panetta“The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a critical, bipartisan step forward for both our farmers and farmworkers that will help ensure the continued success of our agriculture and America,” said Panetta in a press release. “I am proud to have worked on this bill with Chairwoman (Zoe) Lofgren and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I urge House leadership to protect our existing farmworkers and promote an enduring workforce for agriculture by scheduling our bipartisan bill for a floor vote.”
The bipartisan legislation, led by Lofgren, D-San Mateo; Panetta; Dan Newhouse, R-Washington; Mike Simpson, R-Idaho; Doug LaMalfa, R-Oroville; and Mario Diaz Balart, R-Florida, is not guaranteed a vote.
“But we are hopeful it will be brought to the floor for a vote soon,” said Sarah Davey Wolman, a Panetta spokesperson.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would help alleviate some of the stresses faced by local agriculture businesses. It addresses issues, such as labor and immigration, that affect the $4.26 billion ag industry in Monterey County where it is the top economic engine.
The bipartisan effort was negotiated over eight months with input from agricultural stakeholders and labor organizations and was introduced with the support of 26 Democrats and 23 Republicans.
Lofgren said farmworkers across the nation are living and working with uncertainty and fear which contributes to the destabilization of farms across the U.S.
“Our bill offers stability for American farms by providing a path to legal status for farmworkers. In addition, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act addresses the nation’s future labor needs by modernizing an outdated system for temporary workers, while ensuring fair wages and workplace conditions,” said Lofgren.
https://www.montereyherald.com/2019/...ary-committee/
