Mar 8, 2012

S.C. lawmakers spare migrant worker commission

Wary of interfering with South Carolina’s $34 billion agribusiness sector, a Senate panel has held up legislation that would eliminate the state Migrant Farm Workers Commission, a body that focuses on worker well-being.

“I was very concerned for the migrant worker and the farmers,” said Lee McElveen, program coordinator of Hispanic/Latino affairs for the S.C. Commission for Minority Affairs. “Where were they going to go to if they had any legitimate concerns? Any complaints, in terms of housing, safety, (and) where were they going to go if this commission was going to be gotten rid of?”

On Wednesday, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Agriculture Subcommittee decided not to advance S. 1033, which would dissolve the Migrant Farm Workers Commission, a six-member body of farmers appointed by the governor. Savanah Morning News

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