|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
News
|
Letter recently sent to Senator Graham by Democratic Executive Committee of Collier County DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF COLLIER
COUNTY April 4, 2002 Senator Bob Graham Dear Senator Graham: Today our Florida economy is highly dependent on a successful agricultural industry. Agriculture, in turn to be successful, must attract necessary farmworkers. The ability to do this has been exacerbated by the tragic events of September 11th. One solution to what could become a critical labor shortage is new tax credit/living wage legislation for the fanning industry. At several meetings initiated by Harvest for Humanity in Immokalee, Florida these issues are currently being discussed. This letter is being written in support of the work being, done in Immokalee, Florida by a new organization called Harvest for Humanity. The founders, Richard and Florence Nogaj, have been working with your staff, namely Ms. Caroline Berver, on a new Tax Credit/Living Wage Initiative for the farming industry. Enclosed for your review is an article that appeared in the Naples Daily News that describes this tax credit/living wage approach. We believe that a tax credit incentive for growers to pay living wages to farmworkers, coupled with an ad campaign to promote Living Wage/USA Grown Produce at our supermarkets, could have far reaching positive effects on retailer, grower and farmworker needs throughout the agricultural industry. This new legislation could be an amendment to the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act. Tile Democratic Party of Collier County would like to state our support for this highly innovative and new approach and encourage your staff to work to prepare similar legislation necessary to bring about needed improvements. If you need additional information please contact me at 941-262-1410. We look forward to hearing from you on this important matter. With kindest regards. Chuck Mohlke Collier County Chairman CM /fan |
|
|
|
