Written by John Leschak
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 10:34
Here is an excellent analysis of the amendment:
http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2009/07/13/hagans-farmworker-amendment-still-objectionable/
As the above analysis shows, protecting small farmers cannot be the real rationale behind the amendment, since all small employers, including small farmers, are already shielded from the health mandate by the general exception for small businesses. “True small farmers will never exceed 25 employees and will always remain within the same protections that cover other small business owners. This amendment will only end up protecting the large agricultural operations that bring in large crews of workers during the growing season”
The real reason for this amendment is simple – the powerful influence of the North Carolina Growers Association.
