Senate Approves Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill With Money for Central Valley Farm Workers
– Includes $20 million to assist unemployed Central Valley Farm Workers –
May 20, 1999

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Senate today approved the FY 1999 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Bill which includes $20 million requested by Senator Feinstein to fully fund a previously unfunded USDA program which assists farm workers put out of work by natural disasters.

Senator Feinstein authored the amendment, Emergency Grants To Assist Low-Income Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers, to provide the funding after a massive freeze struck California citrus and other winter crops this past December.

“I am delighted that my colleagues recognized the urgent need to support this Emergency Appropriations bill,” Senator Feinstein said. “It not only provides much needed funding for the operation in Kosovo, but also provides critical assistance to the thousands of unemployed farm workers and their families that have suffered so much in the wake of the freeze.”

“This important funding will be used to alleviate the financial pressures on those who have been unable to find work but who still need to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table for their families.”

The funding will be allocated at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.