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Senators propose farm worker protection bill

Six U.S. Senators have introduced a bill of protections for farm workers. The FARM Laborers Protection Act provides more paid leave and other measures to protect essential farm workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley of California, the top Democrat on the Senate Ag Appropriations Subcommittee. He says agricultural workers ensure food security and during the pandemic “many are working in high risk conditions without appropriate equipment, paid sick leave, or safety requirements.” Merkley says Congress has the responsibility t make sure farm workers are protected, no matter their immigration status.

Co-sponsors are: Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).