From the American Horse Council

Tomorrow, the Senate Appropriations Committee is slated to take up the fiscal 2016 Department of Labor (DOL) funding bill, which includes important and helpful language that will make the H-2B program easier to use for employers.  However, there might be an attempt to remove these helpful provisions from the bill and action is need immediately.

The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs as grooms, exercise riders, and stable attendants at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities.

If you, your business or members of your organization rely on H-2B workers, please contact your Senator if he or she serves on the Appropriations Committee and express support for the H-2B appropriations language that is included in the DOL appropriations bill. Click Senate Appropriations Committee Members for a complete list.  

You can reach your Senator through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121.  Once connected to the Senator’s office, ask to speak to the staff person who handles Department of Labor appropriations. 

Call them today and tell them;

  • You support and rely on the H-2B Program.
  • You support the H-2B language in the DOL appropriations bill.
  • The Senator should oppose any potential amendments by Senator Merkley or others that would attempt to strike the helpful H-2B language from the bill.
  • Horse farms, trainers, horseshows, and others in the horse industry are often unable able to find Americans who are willing and able to take jobs as grooms, and stable attendants.   
  • Despite substantial efforts to recruit American workers the industry has been forced to rely on foreign workers and the H-2B temporary worker program to meet their labor needs.
  • The H-2B language in the DOL appropriations bill will help ensure the H-2B program is available to the horse industry and other small and seasonal businesses.

If you have any questions please contact the AHC at info@horsecouncil.org