Rep. Moolenaar Questions Labor Secretary on Agricultural Workforce Collaboration

H2A Visa Program and Agricultural Stress

• 👨‍🌾 Michigan farmers, particularly fifth and sixth-generation fruit and vegetable growers, are facing tremendous financial stress.
• ⚠️ This stress is largely due to a federal mandate, the H2A visa program, which increases labor costs including transportation, housing, and wages exceeding $18 an hour.
• ⚖️ Representative Moolenaar has introduced legislation to pause H2A wage increases for two years to provide immediate relief while longer-term solutions are developed.

Collaboration and Technical Assistance

• 🤝 Moolenaar urges collaboration between the Department of Labor (Secretary Chavez-DeRemer) and the Department of Agriculture (Secretary Rollins) to address these issues.
• 💡 The Labor Secretary expressed willingness to provide technical assistance on the proposed legislation and participate in workgroups to find short-term and long-term solutions.
• 📞 The Secretary noted ongoing communication with Secretary Rollins regarding workforce and agriculture, and with Secretary Vilsack on H2 programs.

Navigating Workforce Programs

• 🗺️ The Department of Labor is working to streamline navigation of workforce programs for farmers and ranchers, recognizing that time is money.
• 🎯 A dedicated focus is being placed on assisting members of Congress and states needing help understanding and utilizing these programs.
• 🇺🇸 The President has directed all secretaries to work together to understand and address workforce needs, acknowledging that pipelines differ by state.

H2B Visa Cap and Seasonal Workforce

• 🏝️ The H2B visa cap is a significant issue for places like Michigan's Meno Island, impacting businesses that rely on seasonal workers for operations like carnival rides at county fairs.
• ❓ The current cap and lottery system create uncertainty for businesses, potentially leading to lost American jobs as businesses cannot guarantee staffing.
• 🚀 The Labor Secretary committed to working with other secretaries to streamline the H2B process and provide more certainty for businesses and workers.