After the California Assembly passed AB 1066, the ag overtime bill this afternoon by a vote of 44 Yeas, 32 Nays and 4 abstentions, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif released a statement expressing “extreme disappointment” with passage of the bill.
Nassif said the legislation, coupled with the recently enacted $15/hour minimum wage in California, threatens the earnings potential and jobs of farmworkers, as well as ag production throughout the state. Nassif’s statements are backed up by a recently released Highland Economics report that confirms what our members already know — an overly burdensome regulatory climate places California farmers at a competitive disadvantage with farmers who grow in other states and internationally.
The bill will now be sent to the governor to sign or veto. Western Growers will continue to urge the Governor for a veto of the legislation.
For more information, contact Matthew Allen at (916) 446-1435.