Unshackle Upstate Submits Testimony Urging Lawmakers to Support Family Farms

April 25th, 2019

“Upstate, agriculture remains a significant driver of economic development and an important piece of our regional identity. With over 33,000 farms spread across the state, the men and women in this industry work tirelessly to put food on the table for people across New York, the nation and the world. Unfortunately, the proposed Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act would jeopardize this industry – hurting employers, consumers and the nearly 200,000 agriculture employees across New York.

With the vast majority of Upstate counties experiencing significant out-migration and anemic economic growth, leaders in Albany should be focusing their efforts on policies that will reverse these trends and support growing communities. Unfortunately, this proposal will have the opposite effect, further burdening our agriculture industry, and chasing more jobs out of our state.

We strongly urge the Legislature to reject this costly proposal and focus on improving New York’s harsh business climate for all businesses across the state.”

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Today, Unshackle Upstate submitted written testimony to Senate hearing on the Farmworkers Fair Labor Protections Act at SUNY Morrisville. That testimony can be viewed here.

Unshackle Upstate is a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from all parts of Upstate New York. The coalition’s website, www.unshackleupstate.com, allows citizens to join the Unshackle Army and send messages to elected officials in Albany. Connect with Unshackle Upstate on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unshacklenyand Facebook: www.facebook.com/unshackleupstate.