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Chandler's essential worker
measure reduced to
'title-only' partisan bill
'We can and must do something, not
nothing, now,' Chandler says
House Democrats have sponsored a "title-only" bill which
takes concepts from
Rep. Bruce
Chandler's bill to provide employers with a stable, legal
workforce, yet directs no plan of action.
House Bill 2241, sponsored solely by Democrats, states "the
Legislature intends to develop strategies to help employers obtain a
legal and stable workforce, and to ensure that farm workers have fair
and safe housing and working conditions." The bill does not include any
action by the state.
"We
can, and must, do something, not nothing, now to prevent employers from
experiencing a labor shortage at critical times in their business
operations," Chandler said. "Employers cried out for help and leadership
at the public hearing on House Bill 1896. I don't think the majority
party realizes the importance of this legislation and what it would do
for our economic vitality. Instead, their solution is a do-nothing bill
with rhetoric instead of action."
House Bill 1896, sponsored by Chandler, would provide access to an
adequate, stable, legal workforce for Washington businesses. Chandler
noted that two to five percent of agricultural production is left in the
fields because only 75 to 80 percent of the work force needed is
available.
Chandler said he was disappointed that partisan politics have prevented
an important bill from moving forward. His bill has not been scheduled
for a vote in committee and the deadline for House bills to be voted out
of House committees is Friday, Feb. 20.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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