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Supervisor Hidahl recommending the Board consider authorizing the Chair to send a letter of support to Senators Feinstein and Harris in support of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act
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On February 17, 2020, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) sent a letter to Senators Feinstein and Harris supporting the passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (HR 5038). This legislation was approved last year by the full House of Representatives and is now pending before the Senate. HR 5038 is a reform effort designed to stabilize employment in the nation's agricultural sector by expanding work opportunities for foreign-born individuals. Well over 300 agricultural groups are on record supporting this legislation, including the California Farm Bureau Federation. HR 5038 would establish a first-of-its-kind merit-based visa program for the nation's agricultural sector. CSAC is urging Counties to respond by sending letters of support for HR 5038.
In response to this letter of support, the Agricultural Commissioner responded that the Agricultural producers are in favor of H.R. 5038 and it is a great step forward in securing labor for farms.