Posted: 12.09.2011

Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) is urging the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation not to support proposed changes in child labor regulations as they are currently written.  Danou’s letter signed by 28 Wisconsin legislators from both sides of the aisle, expressed concerns with new farm labor rules as drafted. If put in place, the new policy could have a negative impact on Wisconsin’s family farm tradition.

“As member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, I am committed to the highest standards of child safety in the workplace and on the family farm. However, I am deeply concerned with the proposal as currently drafted,” commented Rep. Danou. “I understand how important it is to update the current labor safety standards. However, these standards must be crafted with deep consideration and common sense.”

The proposed rule changes could have a deep impact on agriculture, affecting those in livestock, grain production, commodity transport, youth agricultural education, and other sectors of the agriculture economy. The proposal also prohibits youth from working around animals in everyday occurrences and ends 14 & 15 year old certification training to operate tractor and farm equipment. Furthermore, there are concerns that these changes may prohibit children from conducting work related activities at county fairs. As written, these rule changes will challenge the current composition of what constitutes a family farm in Wisconsin.

“As a legislator representing a rural district, I have a vested interest in the well-being and continued success of the agricultural economy and tradition in Wisconsin,” said Danou. “In Wisconsin, agriculture is a bipartisan issue. I am pleased that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle have joined me in expressing concern with the proposed farm labor standards.”

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