Memorandum of Support
Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act
A.7528(Nolan) / S.3884 (Flanagan)
Rural and Migrant Ministry, serving over sixty thousand farmworkers across New York State and representing over one million people of faith strongly applauds the passage of the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act A.7528 (Nolan)/ S.3884(Flanagan) as a critical step toward restoring the soul of agriculture in New York.
For over seventy years farmworkers in New York have been excluded from basic human rights and as a result all of us in New York have suffered. We cannot continue on with the knowledge that we are living in a system that is based on the exploitation of our brothers and sisters, and, their children.
This legislation is a powerful statement that we, the people of New York, refuse to maintain an agricultural system that thrives on the oppression of some and denies the dignity of all. This legislation would acknowledge the vital contribution of those who serve as the foundation for an essential industry of New York and say to them: "Your health and safety is important to us"
In recent years the New York State Legislature has taken critical steps toward removing these unjust exclusions. The Legislature has ensured that men, women and children working in the fields of the State will have drinking water, field sanitation, and the same minimum wage as others.
Now it is time to remove the final barriers that deny the dignity of all in New York It is time to restore the soul of agriculture in New York. The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act will treat farmworkers equally by ensuring collective bargaining rights, the right to a day of rest and overtime pay. It will remove many other inequalities in the Law as well. More importantly it will enable all of those who live and work in New York: farmworkers, growers, consumers and legislators, to have the sense of pride and deep peace that comes when we know we have done the right thing for all of us, and that no one is excluded.
Rural and Migrant Ministry strongly supports the enactment of the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act.
For further information please contact the Rev. Richard Witt at (845) 485-8627.
Immigration Reform Moving in the Wrong Direction: Call, Write, Email or Fax Your Support of Real Reform
The US Senate will begin their debate on their Immigration Reform bill next week and after the House considers its version in July.
The pivotal concessions would make illegal immigrants' access to long-term visas and the new guest-worker program contingent upon the implementation of the border crackdown. Criminalization of immigrants, increased penalties and the erosion of due process accompany this proposed legislation.
Before immigrant-rights measures could go into effect, the government must deploy 18,000 new Border Patrol agents and four unmanned aerial vehicles; build 200 miles of vehicle barriers, 370 miles of fencing, and 70 ground-based radar and camera towers; provide funds for the detention of 27,500 illegal immigrants a day; and complete new identification tools to help employers screen out illegal job applicants.
This proposed immigration system is designed to measure the reunification of families with a point system. Radically eliminating family unity for millions of US citizens and legal immigrants. Automatic family-reunification visas would no longer apply to the adult siblings and children of US citizens, and visas for parents would be capped.
Immigrants coming into the country under the temporary work program would have to leave when their permits expire, with no chance to appeal for permanent residence. Without any pathway to citizenship this provision may lead to the creation of another underclass with limited rights.
IN THE SENATE: CALL, FAX OR EMAIL YOUR SENATORS TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL AND THAT THEY SHOULD SUPPORT IMMIGRATION REFORM THAT IS PRO-FAMILY, PRO-WORKER AND PRO-AMERICA! Visit www.senate.gov for an easy link to all of the members of the United States Senate.
Hillary Rodham Clinton-202-224-4451 (phone)
Charles Schumer-202-224-6542 (Phone)
RMM NOTES
