Our farmers and rural communities deserve real solutions. Even in a divided Washington, I am working to strengthen agriculture, support Pennsylvania’s growers, and protect our food supply.
Bring Down Grocery Prices by Fixing Agricultural Immigration
Reverse Trump Administration cuts to the number of foreign farm workers allowed into the U.S., so that more workers can come legally to pick crops that Americans won’t.
Allow the H-2A visa system to work year-round, so year-round farmers like dairy and mushroom farmers can bring in foreign guest workers more efficiently.
Establish a program for agricultural workers in the U.S. to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.
Modify the H-2A program to make it more responsive and user-friendly for employers.
Defeat Hunger by Helping More People Afford Food
Restore programs that buy food from local farmers on behalf of local food banks, which provide revenue to struggling local family farmers and healthy food options to struggling families.
Support the federal share of funding for the SNAP Program. This program primarily benefits the disabled, elderly, and children who can’t work, as well as those who are working but make so little they cannot afford a nutritious meal.
Expand federal funding for childhood nutrition to implement a nation-wide free school lunch program for k-12 students. Nine states have already implemented universal programs, which have increased test scores and decreased bullying because when everyone gets a free lunch, they can learn without being hungry or singled out.
Level the Playing Field Between Big Agricultural Monopolies and Family Farmers
Allow family farmers the right to repair their own tractors and other equipment, rather than being forced to go to specific retailers for the repair.
Prohibit family farms from being sold to foreign investors (especially those in China) and give local farmers right of first refusal on all farm sales to prevent private equity or large conglomerates from squeezing out small farms.
