Other Federal Advocacy Priorities 

Guest Worker Reform and Reliable Guest Worker Programs

The irrigation industry needs a dependable workforce to fulfill the seasonal labor requirements for irrigation companies, as well as the broader landscaping and agriculture sectors. Congress should enact reforms to address the critical shortage of workers, as well as

• Reform the H-2B guest worker program for nonagricultural workers to address unmet labor needs stemming from the program’s high costs, low visa caps and bureaucratic hurdles. In particular, Congress must enact permanent cap relief for the program to provide predictability for businesses and allow them to meet their temporary labor demands.
• Ensure an affordable and reliable workforce for the agriculture sector by reforming the H-2A guest worker program and providing a pathway for workers to gain legal status through continued agricultural employment.

Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act

Professional certifications are critical tools for the irrigation industry that help advance water conservation through an expert workforce, while also creating enhanced professional opportunities for those who hold them. Congress should

• Support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S.722/H.R.1477), which would expand eligible uses of 529 savings plans to cover costs associated with workforce training and credentialing programs, such as professional certifications. This bill would provide valuable tax-advantaged resources for workers who pursue career growth, mid-career changes or alternative career pathways.