Kansas Common Sense: Questioning Labor Secretary about DOL Proposed Youth Farm Rules

Statement

On Wednesday morning, I had an opportunity to question U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis about her Department's proposal to ban youth under the age of 16 from participating in many common farm-related activities during a Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. I've been continually working to show the Department of Labor (DOL) that its proposal is not only an unprecedented overreach by the federal government, but will fundamentally alter rural America. As currently drafted, the proposal would prohibit our youth from operating the most basic tools like a battery-powered screwdriver or a pressurized garden hose. A major concern that I have, and a question that I continually find myself asking is: "if the federal government can regulate what youth can do on their own family farm, what can't they regulate?"

On Thursday morning, I spoke about this ridiculous federal overreach with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on Fox News' "Fox and Friends" morning show. In the weeks ahead, I will continue to work with my colleagues to try to stop this destructive rule. If you are also concerned about the DOL's proposed rules, you can share your concerns at www.keepfamiliesfarming.com.

Source