Costa, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members Call on Congressional Leadership to Help Protect Farmworkers During COVID-19 Crisis

WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) and Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)spearheaded a lettersigned by all Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) calling on Congressional leadership to include protection and financial assistance for farmworkers to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The letter makes key policy recommendations to ensure future coronavirus related legislation includes protections for farmworkers. Support for farmworkers is vital for our food supply and public health:

"Farmworkers and farmers are essential in this time of crisis," said Costa. "Our national security depends on the dedicated men and women working on farms here in the San Joaquin Valley and across the country. We have deemed farmworkers essential, yet we need to do more to ensure they are safe and secure. I'm proud that my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are working together to keep these valued workers safe during this crisis."

The letter was also signed by CHC Chairman Joaquin Castro:

"During this crisis, our frontline farmworkers are laboring every day to put food on America's dinner table and maintain the world food supply. As this virus threatens the resiliency of our food supply chains, it has never been more important to ensure the well-being of our agricultural producers and workforce," the Members wrote.

"Farmworkers need our support. They should not live in fear. As this crisis evolves and Congress continues to explore response packages, we stand ready to work with you to ensure these protections are made available."

Full text of the letter can be found here.