Advocates urge Vermont to remove farmworker wage exemptions, citing widespread low pay, unsafe housing and injuries Migrant Justice organizers told the committee H.403 would end minimum‑wage and overtime exemptions for farmworkers, citing a 2024 survey showing a median wage of $11.67, 87% below minimum wage, widespread housing problems and frequent injuries; they urged stronger enforcement and inclusion of worker voices.

Vermont farmworkers are facing dire conditions, with 87% earning below minimum wage and living in unsafe housing—advocates are demanding urgent legislative action to change this.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #WageFairness #HousingSafety #VermontFarmworkers #LaborRights

Delegation staff urge reporting after farmworker raid; ICE enforcement raises labor concerns Staff for Senators Sanders and Welch told the committee they first learned of a recent Franklin County farmworker raid from constituents, urged local officials and residents to notify congressional offices about enforcement actions, and said ICE activity in the region is being monitored.

Congressional staff revealed they learned about a recent farmworker raid from concerned constituents, highlighting the urgent need for local communication to protect vulnerable communities.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #CommunityReporting #LaborRights #VermontFarmworkers

Bridges to Health and Union Extension describe rising service needs as families settle on Vermont farms Bridges to Health and Union Extension told the committee they have expanded outreach to farmworkers and their children, coordinating services (nearly 3,000 appointments) across many farms and urging stable funding for healthcare navigation and migrant education programs.

Farmworker families in Vermont are facing rising needs, with dedicated outreach efforts coordinating nearly 3,000 health appointments and urgent calls for stable funding.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #VermontFarmworkers #CommunitySupport #MigrantEducation

Vermont farmworkers and advocates tell committee detentions, enforcement and fear are limiting access to food and health care Farmworker testimony and advocacy groups told the Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry Committee that increased Border Patrol and ICE activity is constraining movement on farms, worsening food access and delaying treatment; advocates urged stable funding for Bridges to Health and warned legislative tools are limited.

Vermont's farmworkers are facing dire challenges as intensified immigration enforcement is not only restricting their movement but also jeopardizing their access to essential food and healthcare services.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #VermontFarmworkers #FoodAccess #HealthCare

Vermont passes bill for fair farm worker pay and housing safety surveys New bill guarantees overtime pay and safety surveys for Vermont farm employee housing.

Vermont is taking a bold step towards fair labor rights for farm workers by introducing a groundbreaking bill that ensures overtime pay and improves housing safety conditions.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #HousingSafety #LaborRights #VermontFarmWorkers #FairCompensation

Vermont housing program invests $2.6M in farmworker housing repairs and replacements Vermont's VHCB funds $2.6M for farmworker housing improvements and new construction projects.

Vermont is making strides in improving farmworker housing with over $2.6 million invested in essential repairs and new constructions!

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#VT #HousingImprovement #VermontFarmworkers #AgriculturalSafety #CommunitySupport #CitizenPortal