Moolenaar Provision to Support Michigan Farmers Passes Appropriations Committee

Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed legislation to provide funding for the Department of Labor (DOL). The bill included provisions proposed by Congressman John Moolenaar that support Michigan farmers by addressing high wage rates imposed by DOL for migrant farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). Moolenaar’s provision reverses the federal increase from this year and freezes the rate through the end of 2025.

“Michigan farmers work hard to provide the food we rely on every day. The Department of Labor has been raising labor costs on them for years and made it difficult for them to continue operating. I have met with fifth and sixth-generation farmers who worry that unless something changes, they will be the last ones in their families to farm. Passage of my legislation in the committee’s bill today is a step toward providing relief for Michigan farmers,” said Moolenaar.

On January 1, 2024 the Department of Labor increased Michigan’s AEWR for the tenth consecutive year, to $18.50 per hour, an increase of $1.16 per hour from December 2023. This rate is the fourth highest rate in the nation.

Moolenaar’s legislation is endorsed by the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Apple Association and The Michigan Vegetable Council, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the International Fresh Produce Association, the American Soybean Association, and the U.S. Apple Association.