Michigan House Bill HR0029

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25

Caption

A resolution to urge the United States Congress to pass legislation temporarily freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program.

Impact

Should Congress heed this resolution and pass the suggested legislation, it could alleviate some of the financial strain on Michigan's farmers, enabling them to maintain their workforce while coping with other escalating costs such as feed and machinery. The urgency is underscored by the recognition that farming is a critical economic driver in Michigan, with farms being foundational to rural community sustainability. The resolution reflects a concerted effort to bring legislative attention to the financial challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Summary

House Resolution No. 29 is a resolution put forth by several Michigan representatives urging the United States Congress to enact legislation that would temporarily freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program. The resolution highlights the significant increases in this wage rate, which has gone up by 81 percent since 2008 and 34 percent since 2019, imposing financial pressures on Michigan farmers. It emphasizes the necessity of this freeze to mitigate the economic burden on agricultural operations, particularly amid rising overall farm production expenses.

Contention

The resolution does not explicitly outline points of contention, but there are underlying concerns regarding the balance between fair wages for laborers and the sustainability of the agricultural economy. Supporters argue that freezing the wage rate may be necessary to prevent the closure of farms, while opponents may contend that such a freeze could undermine fair compensation for workers. As Congress considers this resolution, these competing interests are likely to play a significant role in the debate.