Speech #880029297

I thank the gentleman. I want to point out again that I have been keenly interested in this program and I urge that it be fully funded as soon as is reasonably possible. I have introduced virtually a bushel of bills on aid for American migrant workers. I have also. as you know. for several years been opposing the extension of Public Law 78 for reasons I will amply develop later this session. But it seems to me it would be a shame to permit the continued extension of the bracero program if we cannot at least provide the funds necessary to adequately implement the sole bill passed in the last Congress to help domestic migratory workers. As the record pointed out last year when we considered S. 1130the medical services for migrant farm families billmigrant families have little access to health care. yet they have even greater needs than other low income groups. These needs not only cause personal misery and suffering. they also create fiscal problems for local hospitals and health facilities. both public and private. In addition. migrant families are frequently either barred from local medical services by local residence requirements. or these facilities are unavailable at times and places which would enable the people to avail themselves of the services. The Division of Community Health Services has stated that within 30 days after funds become available under this legislation. migrant family health clinics will be in operation in a number of areas. Needy migrant workers. mothers. and children will be able to receive health services not previously possible. Furthermore. a major focus of this program is to help migrants understand and assume greater responsibility for meeting their health needs. and this certainly is a goal in the common interest of us all. Considering these factors. and also the additional point that the State of California alone has submitted a request for $490.000 under this actan amount which falls Just short of the total amount reported by the committeeI would like to urge again that the full amount requested be approved as promptly as possible. Mr. Chairman. the committees hearings make the very important point that the imperative need for a health program for domestic migrant agricultural workers is made even more clear by the fact that health services are being made available for the thousands of foreign agricultural workers who come to the United States each year. The agreement under which these workers enter our country provides medical care for onthejob accidents under workmens compensation and offthejob health insurance at a reasonable cost to the workerbenefits which are not accorded in the great majority of instances for our own migrant farmworkers. Mr. Chairman. this point and others discussed in the committees hearings have great relevance for the proposed extension of Public Law 78 which. as I understand it. we will be considering shortly.