Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Supporting American-grown Flowers
As the calendar flipped to July, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating July as “American Grown Flower Month” and encouraging consumers to buy “Certified American Grown” flowers. The resolution was introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) introduced a similar resolution in the House. American […]
2020 H-2B Relief and Appropriations Process
In advance of the House Appropriations Committee’s expected consideration of the fiscal 2020 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, a bipartisan group of 58 Members of Congress sent a letter to committee leaders asking that the bill include an H-2B returning worker exemption or other meaningful cap relief. The letter was led by Reps. Bergman (R-MI) and […]
USDA Proposes New Regulations for Genetically Engineered Organisms
USDA, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Biotechnology Regulatory Services (APHIS-BRS) has proposed revisions to current biotechnology regulations, which were established in 1987. This marks the third attempt by USDA to alter these regulations, previously in 2008 and 2017; however, the proposals were withdrawn in the face of substantial pushback in public comments. The changes […]
House Passes “Dream and Promise Act”
On June 4, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. The final vote tally was 237-187, with seven Republicans voting for the bill. Should this legislation become law, the bill would provide a path to legal residency for individuals brought to the country as minors, and for those holding Temporary Protected […]
FMCSA Delays HOS Proposed Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has delayed proposing changes to its Hours of Service (HOS) rules. The changes, which were expected to be released on June 7 as a notice of proposed rulemaking, are still expected to be published during the month of June according to FMCSA officials. The delay stems from the […]
H-2B and Appropriations Update
With Congress returning from its July 4 recess, the House is expected to continue to focus on passing the annual spending bills that fund the federal government. While it may seem a bit like “groundhog day,” this process may determine how many seasonal H-2B visas are available next year. On June 19, the House of […]
Using Social Media Before, During, And After An Event Or Trade Show
AmericanHort Contributor Terri Brown; Marketing and Member Engagement, AmericanHort, TerriB@AmericanHort.org As an attendee or exhibitor at a trade show or conference, social media can help you and your business in a lot of ways. First and foremost, it helps you engage and connect with your audience. This is essential for sharing your message and having a lasting impact on your customers. Aside from that important factor, having […]
Official Comments Submitted on Overtime Exemption Issue
AmericanHort joined Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity coalition colleagues in filing official comments regarding the exemption from overtime pay for certain Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, commonly known as the “white collar overtime exemptions.” The comments recapped problems with the Obama-era rule that was later invalidated. We and coalition partners urged that the Department […]
NASS Floriculture Crop Summary Released
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has just released its 2019 Floriculture Crops summary (2018 data), after a two-year hiatus. The new report is available here.
SSA No-Match Vexes Employers; Guidance Available
Employers continue to struggle with how to handle “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration, as underscored in a recent article that appeared in the New York Times. Just a reminder that AmericanHort has developed compliance guidance for members on the tricky subject. Also, premium members of AmericanHort have access to our labor and employment law counsel at CJ-Lake, […]