large economic stimulus package to help revive the economy and he wanted that package to include massive “buy America” provisions, especially as they relate to rebuilding infrastructure. If the economy is stagnant in 2021 that idea would be very attractive and could very well gain bipartisan traction…and WG will attempt to secure money for “water infrastructure” in any infrastructure bill. With such an even split, passing bills will be very tricky, but since Biden’s political career was formed in the Senate, I would not be surprised to see his administration working toward compromise on issues big and small— sometimes without success but with more wins than many naysayers think possible. A Democratic-controlled House last year passed agricultural immigration reform that would have helped create a new guest worker system while also providing a pathway for earned citizenship for farmworkers who are already here. The same majority in the House will exist in 2021 for that type of package and President Biden has already indicated he will push for immigration reform. The variable
will be the Senate. With a Senate split down the middle, I do not like the prospects for large comprehensive immigration reform that tackles all issues at once, as it will be tricky to get a massive package passed on such a tight margin. However, smaller pieces of the immigration puzzle might find a home—doing something for Dreamers/DACA kids, helping agriculture, speeding up citizenship for doctors and nurses who are on green cards now but want to become citizens. These smaller pieces might get more traction than trying to tackle the whole immigration topic, but Democratic Senate control seemingly assures immigration legislation will be in play. Western Growers will be working hard to help create a better/ new guest worker program as well as provide certainty to farmworkers who are here now with questionable status. Every election brings both policy peril and opportunity. Western Growers and the office and staff I manage in Washington DC is here to help all our members navigate the crosscurrents, avoiding dangers and helping us all achieve success.
Democratic Senate control seemingly assures immigration legislation will be in play. Western Growers will be working hard to help create a better/ new guest worker program as well as provide certainty to farmworkers who are here now with questionable status.
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