PLANET announced that, on February 5, 2009, senators Mikulski (D-Md.), Specter (R-Pa.), and 18 other senators introduced “Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2009” (S. 388) to extend the H-2B returning worker exemption for three years. The following senators joined Mikulski and Specter in cosponsoring the legislation:
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.)
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)
Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.)
Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.)
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah)
Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.)
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.)
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
Sen. Christopher Bond (R-Mo.)
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.)
Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.)
Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
“This bill protects our borders, protects American jobs, and rewards people who play by the rules,” Sen. Mikulski said in a press release. “Without these seasonal workers, many businesses will not survive — they’ll be forced to limit services, lay off permanent U.S. workers or, worse yet, close their doors. As our nation confronts the most severe economic problems in generations, it is critically important that our government take bold steps to protect American jobs and small businesses. My bill does just that.”
Sen. Specter stated in a press release, “In times of economic turmoil, it is important to address the needs of the small businesses that constitute the backbone of our national economy. “This bill will provide businesses with the resources necessary for continued growth and expansion. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate on this important legislation.”
According to PLANET, you can reach your legislators through the congressional switchboard at 202-225-3121. Ask to speak to the staff person in charge of immigration issues.