Congressman John R. Moolenaar | Rep. John R. Moolenaar Official U.S House Headshot
Congressman John R. Moolenaar | Rep. John R. Moolenaar Official U.S House Headshot
Today, Congressman John Moolenaar, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, questioned Biden administration Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. In the questioning, Moolenaar pressed Vilsack on the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which affects Michigan farmers. As was previously reported by Michigan media outlets, Michigan farmers feel the AEWR may drive them out of business.
"Secretary Vilsack had an opportunity to side with Michigan farmers today and commit to standing up for them within the Biden administration, especially with the Department of Labor. Unfortunately, Secretary Vilsack refused to do so. He should stand up for Michigan farmers and endorse my Supporting Farm Operations Act," said Moolenaar.
This year, the Department of Labor raised the AEWR in Michigan to $18.50 an hour, the fourth highest rate in the nation. In January, Moolenaar introduced the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the AEWR until the end of 2025. The legislation is endorsed by the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Apple Association, and the Michigan Vegetable Council.
Video of Moolenaar’s questioning of Vilsack can be found here.
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