Clayton: SB 5438 Would Be An Additional Tax On Washington Farmers

The proposal of charging a state fee for the H2-A program in Washington continues to receive hearings and lead discussions.  Senate Bill 5438 would charge producers in Washington that use the H2-A program, in addition to the federal fee those growers currently pay.  April Clayton with the Chelan Douglas Farm Bureau said SB 5438 is very similar to the head tax proposed by the Seattle City Council against Amazon.  She added if passed, this legislation would over inflate H2-A.

“H2-A is already expensive.  Especially for us here in Washington state, we already pay a set minimum wage this year, it’s going to be $15.03.  And we have to pay for their transportation to and from Mexico, or wherever we get our gues laborers from, as well as transportation from housing to the fields.  So, we’re already paying our fair share.”

Clayton added Washington is the only state looking at charging farmers a second time to use H2-A.

Clayton said the March 28^th hearing in Olympia served as a reminder the importance of agriculture telling their story, rather than letting someone else tell it.  She said there is a disconnect between those that live in urban area and the state’s farming community.

“Specifically Senator [John] McCoy believes that farmers and ranchers don’t pay taxes.  We do, every two months I pay payroll tax, I pay into LNI, these are some of the misconceptions that as farmers and ranchers, we really have to get our voices out there.”

Clayton says it’s important that farmers tell the Senate their thoughts on SB 5438.

She asks you contact your local senator.  Click Here is the Washington Senate directory.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com