02/01/2008
The first day of spring is just around the corner and Congress is running out of time to pass H.R. 1843/S.998, the "Save our Seasonal Business Act." This bill would extend the previously successful H-2B returning worker exemption that protects and promotes border security, rewards employers and workers that abide by the law, and mandates that foreign workers can ONLY fill those jobs that remain unfilled by American workers. An extension of the worker program should allow past participants in the H-2B program--those who have completely followed the law during the past three fiscal years---to not count towards the 66,000 statutory annual limit. These workers should be able to return to previous employers that cannot locate local workers.
As a member of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, NFIB supports this act because it promotes a stable and reliable seasonal workforce program. NFIB urges Congress to pass this act immediately, for failure to do so will threaten the livelihoods of thousands of small businesses and the jobs of thousands of American workers.
As the economy slows and the prospect of a recession looms in the future, it is crucial that Congress support small business interests by extending the H-2B worker exemption. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and passing this exemption will only serve to strengthen its resilience during this challenging time. By refusing to pass this exemption, Congress will essentially accelerate the downfall of an already tail spinning economy.
As another Congressional recess looms near, lawmakers are running out of time to take action and save the summer season. Call or write your members of Congress and urge them to pass the H-2B returning worker provision before they leave Washington.
Stand up for small business. Contact your members of Congress NOW.
