Moolenaar Questions Labor Secretary on Policies that Hurt Michigan Farmers

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar questioned Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, in a hearing of the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. In his questioning, Moolenaar pressed Su on department policies that have policies hurt farmers in Michigan. This year, the Department of Labor raised labor rates, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), for farm laborers in Michigan for the tenth consecutive year, to $18.50 per hour, the fourth highest rate in the nation.

"Acting Secretary Su's indifference to rural Americahas harmed Michigan farmers and their hope for a prosperous future. I have heard fifth and sixth-generation farmers in my district say they will be the last in their family to farm unless something changes. Unfortunately, the Biden administration and Acting Secretary Su are not addressing this issue with the urgency that is needed. The House should pass my Supporting Farm Operations Act to stop Biden's increases and provide relief for farmers," said Moolenaar after the hearing.

In January, Moolenaar introduced the bipartisan Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would reverse the Department of Labor's decision to raise the AEWR on Michigan farmers and freeze the rate from increasing until the end of 2025.

Moolenaar previously questioned Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on this issue last month. A video of Moolenaar's questioning of Acting Secretary Su can be found here.