Inslee: Signs H2-A Legislation Into Law

On Tuesday, Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation allows the state oversight when it comes to the federal H2-A program.  House Bill 5438, created a new Office of Ag and Seasonal Workforce at the state Employment Security Department.  The new law also sets up an advisory committee made up of representatives with farm workers and the ag industry to address H-2A issues.

The H-2A program allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers when there aren’t enough U.S. workers able, willing and available to do needed work. Employers must meet specific requirements, including pay, housing and transportation.

The state expects growers to request more than 30,000 H-2A workers this year.  The H-2A program has grown 1,000% since 2009 in Washington.

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