LUPE PAC Supports Farm Workers Health and Safety Bills S-2602 and S-2596

Trenton – July 30, 2020 – LUPE PAC proudly supports two bills that were recently introduced regarding COVID-19 testing and safety among farm workers. The Senate Committee on Economic Growth legislation introduced the “Farm Worker Epidemic Health and Safety Act,” as well as another bill that would appropriate $5 million in federal CARES act funds to the Department of Health for grants to farmers for purchase of protective health materials for farm workers. These two important bills would ensure the agriculture industry is held accountable for the safety and wellbeing of their workers.

Farm workers are essential workers, especially during these difficult times. If passed, these bills would protect these workers, who often belong to the immigrant community. New Jersey has the third-largest share of immigrants in the country, or one in every five residents, according to Make the Road New Jersey. COVID-19 rates are highest among immigrants and minorities, due in part to the nation’s underlying healthcare structure that neglects these communities. These factors, in addition to New Jersey being the most densely populated state in the country, are crucial to consider when preventing the virus’ spread.

LUPE PAC greatly thanks Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez for introducing these bills which have bipartisan support, as well as Senators Nellie Pou, Patrick Diegnan Jr., and Joseph Pennacchio for their support. As an organization, we are committed to continually advocating for the Latino community that has been working diligently to feed New Jersey prior to and throughout this pandemic. Farm owners need to put the health of their workers first so that the least number of workers are affected by this virus and farms can continue to supply the produce that our state needs.

We urge Governor Phil Murphy and the leadership in the State Assembly to further this critical set of legislation.

About LUPE PAC

LUPE PAC is a non-partisan political action committee whose mission is to increase the number of Latinas in elected and appointed office in the State of New Jersey. The organization promotes and supports progressive leaders who stand up for an agenda that invests in Latina political leadership and advances critical issues that matter to Latinas in New Jersey. For more information, on LUPE PAC visit www.lupepac.org.