A bipartisan coalition of 120 lawmakers is pushing for a freeze to H-2A guest worker wage increases in the upcoming appropriation process.

Michigan Farm Bureau’s National Legislative Counsel John Kran says Congressman Bill Huizenga’s call on House Appropriation leaders is gaining traction.

“A similar letter led by Huizenga last appropriations cycle had 75 members of Congress sign on,” he explains. “This one now is at 120, so the momentum is increasing, and I think that increased pressure hopefully can urge the appropriations leaders to include some of these concepts.”

AUDIO: John Kran, Michigan Farm Bureau

Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow tells Brownfield she’s cosponsoring legislation for a longer-term fix capping increases at three percent, but, “If that doesn’t happen, then I’m certainly going to be working with colleagues on something short term, something needs to happen.”

AUDIO: Senator Debbie Stabenow

Kran says the appropriation process would give farmers a bridge to help manage costs before a long-term solution can be enacted.

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