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Farm Bureau supports house passage of farm labor pilot programColorado The State House of Representatives yesterday voted 46-18 in support of House bill 1325, sponsored by Rep. Marsha Looper (R-Calhan) which aims to create a pilot program for the purposes of assisting agricultural producers navigate the cumbersome and bureaucratic Federal H-2A visa program. "The Colorado Farm Bureau appreciates the efforts of Representative Looper and her understanding of the need to address farm labor issues. We are also very pleased with Representative Kathleen Curry who was presiding over the debate," Foutz continued. "She showed tremendous leadership in making sure the debate stayed relevant to the issue at hand." "It's unfortunate that the debate got drug through the mud. We understand that emotions run high when we talk about this issue. However, what is important to remember is that seasonal workers, who only come here to work and then return home when the harvest season is over, are essential to ensuring that we as Coloradoans can provide a healthy, safe and abundant food supply for our country," said Foutz. "The Federal H-2A program is designed to provide the agricultural industry with temporary seasonal guest workers. Unfortunately the program is broken," said Colorado Farm Bureau President, Alan Foutz. "These seasonal workers perform very physically demanding work; work that must be done in order to deliver food from the farm to the table." The bill must now move to the Senate for further consideration. "With only a few days left in the legislative session, we hope we are successful in getting something in place to help address this growing issue," Foutz said.
Date: 5/15/08 Advertisement
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