Monday, April 14, 2008

House panel advances temporary-worker bill

Mary Jo Pitzl
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 7, 2008 11:00 PM

A bill that would allow Arizona employers to hire temporary workers from Mexico passed a legislative committee Monday on its way to a pivotal vote Wednesday. House Bill 2863 was approved 5-2 by the House Commerce Committee.

It would establish a two-year trial program for employers who can demonstrate a labor shortage in their field. Employers would be responsible for traveling to Mexico, recruiting and screening workers. The state Industrial Commission would oversee the program and issue temporary-worker cards.

The bill drew support from business groups, ranging from the agriculture industry to home builders to various chambers of commerce. Rep. Ben Miranda, D-Phoenix, voted against it, partly because it would do nothing for thousands of workers who have been working in Arizona for years.

Submitted by EGH in El Paso.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

We don't need any more immigration bills to increase temporary workers. And we don't need any more elected representatives who don't represent Americans.