LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT
June 9, 2004

ISSUE: The Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003, known as the AgJOBS bill, could be offered by Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) and Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill as early as next week. Please call or fax Senators Graham and Nelson to register your strong support for this amendment.

BACKGROUND: The Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003 (AgJOBS) represents a bipartisan initiative sponsored by 63 Senators, including lead sponsors Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Larry Craig (R-ID), and 103 Representatives, including lead sponsors Chris Cannon (R-UT) and Howard Berman (D-CA).

AgJOBS would allow legalization opportunities for undocumented farm workers, protect worker’s labor rights, and provide recourse for farm workers whose labor rights have been violated.  The bill would also make substantive changes in the current H-2A agricultural program. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has endorsed AgJOBS. Passage of the bill in the Senate by a large majority would create strong momentum for the House to approve AgJOBS, despite some House opposition. Both Florida senators are already co-sponsors, but for various reasons (involving timing, opponents’ strategies, and competing priorities), it is critical that senators know just how strongly their constituents want AgJOBS.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Call/fax Florida’s two senators to thank them for their co-sponsorship of AgJOBS and ask them to help bring AgJOBS to a vote as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill.

Senator Bob Graham: 202-224-3041 (phone); 202-224-2237 (fax)
Senator Bill Nelson: 202-224-5274 (phone); 202-228-2183 (fax)

Please fax your letter or make your call today!!

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