Press Releases
Latta Statement on Labor Department’s Announcement to Re-Propose Parental Exemption for America’s Farm Families
Washington,
February 2, 2012
Facing pressure from farmers and lawmakers, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it would reconsider its rule proposal, which significantly narrows the parental exemption on American farms. The original rule proposal made it illegal for youth family members to work on family farms owned by other relatives, and further would have prohibited them from working on their family farm if the farm was held as a corporation or partnership. “I am relieved that the Labor Department realized the negative effects its narrowly tailored parental exemption would have on families who want to train the next generation of farmers,” said Congressman Latta. “It is important for the agricultural community to remain vigilant and continue to pressure the Labor Department to seek a broader interpretation of the parental exemption,” added Latta. The re-proposed portion of the rule is expected to be published for public comment by early summer. On December 13, 2011, Congressman Latta sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis regarding the proposed Department of Labor rule aimed at the agricultural industry that would threaten family farms. |