A resolution to urge the United States Congress to pass legislation temporarily freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program.
Impact
Should Congress heed this resolution and pass the suggested legislation, it could alleviate some of the financial strain on Michigan's farmers, enabling them to maintain their workforce while coping with other escalating costs such as feed and machinery. The urgency is underscored by the recognition that farming is a critical economic driver in Michigan, with farms being foundational to rural community sustainability. The resolution reflects a concerted effort to bring legislative attention to the financial challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Summary
House Resolution No. 29 is a resolution put forth by several Michigan representatives urging the United States Congress to enact legislation that would temporarily freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program. The resolution highlights the significant increases in this wage rate, which has gone up by 81 percent since 2008 and 34 percent since 2019, imposing financial pressures on Michigan farmers. It emphasizes the necessity of this freeze to mitigate the economic burden on agricultural operations, particularly amid rising overall farm production expenses.
Contention
The resolution does not explicitly outline points of contention, but there are underlying concerns regarding the balance between fair wages for laborers and the sustainability of the agricultural economy. Supporters argue that freezing the wage rate may be necessary to prevent the closure of farms, while opponents may contend that such a freeze could undermine fair compensation for workers. As Congress considers this resolution, these competing interests are likely to play a significant role in the debate.
Memorializes the United States Congress, the President of the United States, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to take all necessary and appropriate actions to reclassify all job duties of the crawfish industry as agricultural labor services for purposes of the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program
Memorializes the United States Congress, the President of the United States, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to take all necessary and appropriate actions to pass the H-2B Certified Seasonal Employer Designation and reclassify all job duties of the crawfish industry as agricultural labor services for purposes of the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program.
A resolution to urge the United States Congress to enact legislation requiring documentary proof of United States citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, such as House Bill 22 of the 119th Congress, also known as the “SAVE Act.”
Urges and requests the United States Congress, the United States Department of Labor, and the United States Department of Homeland Security to authorize Louisiana to establish a pilot program allowing the state to administer and regulate the H-2B temporary worker visa programs for horticulture and landscaping, sugar processing, and seafood processing industries
A resolution to urge the President of the United States and the United States Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act and expand the program to include other sub-Saharan African countries.
A resolution to urge the President of the United States and the United States Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act and expand the program to include other sub-Saharan African countries.
Gaming: horse racing; Michigan agriculture and equine industry development fund; modify. Amends secs. 2 & 20 of 1995 PA 279 (MCL 431.302 & 431.320). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4346'25
A resolution to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Michigan’s economy by advocating for strong, fair, negotiated commercial relationships with North American trading partners.