Agriculture is a vital part of Colorado’s future, playing a unique role in our economic strength. The industry provides more than 100,500 jobs and generates more than $16 billion of economic activity annually. As part of that economic engine, Colorado is ranked the 16th largest agriculture producer in the United States.El Paso County ranks 25th in agriculture production, and contributes more than $32 million annually to the state’s economic prosperity. Most of this production is in eastern El Paso County in our House District 19. I am thankful for the cattle and dairy producers and the nurseries in El Paso County for providing beef, dairy products, fruits and vegetables to the families of Colorado and the United States. The farmers and ranchers help feed the world, exporting nearly $1 billion in food products annually.Colorado’s agriculture industry requires an estimated 9,000 seasonal workers annually and faces critical shortages of seasonal workers.A bill is being introduced to establish a pilot program to expedite the application, screening and approval process for the federal H-2A program. The program also enhances protections for employers, workers and the public – and in a timely manner to meet the demands of Colorado farmers and ranchers.In addition to requirements already set forth under the federal H-2A program, the Colorado Nonimmigrant Agricultural Seasonal Worker Pilot Program adds the following provisions to provide additional accountability, enforcement and oversight.EACH WORKER SHALL COMPLETE AN APPLICATION/CONTRACT TO ALLOW OR REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING:
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph to the CBI for background checks paid for by the applicant
- Submit to a thorough medical screening prior to application approval
- Allow the Colorado Department of Labor to withhold 20 percent of the worker’s earned wages to be refunded when the worker returns to their country of origin
- Require the worker to notify the employer within 24 hours if the worker is sick/injured or unable to work temporarily for any reason
- NOT reject any U.S. worker or terminate any U.S. worker from employment in favor of a foreign worker participating in this pilot program
- Comply with federal provisions of the H-2A program regarding housing, wages, hours, transportation fees, and all other existing requirements
- Assure that employment of foreign seasonal workers under this pilot program will not adversely impact the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers
- Notify the Department of Labor and law enforcement within 48 hours if an employee cannot be located
