Kathy Hochul: “Last week, like millions of Americans across this country, my family and I gave thanks for our blessings, our Nation's…”

“Last week, like millions of Americans across this country, my family and I gave thanks for our blessings, our Nation's freedom, and for the food on our table--provided by the hardworking farmers of our country and from my district. Now I ask my colleagues to join me in giving thanks for our farmers who make this great harvest possible. America's farms are the best in the world. Our food is safer, higher in quality, and more efficiently grown than that of any other country. The labor and innovation of America's farmers puts food on the tables of not just families here at home, but for hungry people across the world. As our farmers bring their goods to market in the 21st century economy, they expect to have a 21st century government that will help, not hinder, their business. That's why I call on the Secretary of Labor to allow farmers to submit their H-2A applications for temporary guest workers online. New York farmers are increasingly relying on this program for the legal labor they need to plant and harvest their crops. This summer, I was absolutely shocked to learn that one of my onion farms in Genesee County had to mail almost 20 pounds of paperwork to the Federal Government in order to participate in this program. There must be a better way. An online application program would save money for our farmers and our taxpayers, and I urge the Secretary of Labor to swiftly implement this program. ____________________”