Yet another story from upside down world that has become known as the State of Michigan, via mLive
This year is different, with a level of fruit crop devastation not seen since the 1940s. Many growers aren't opening their camps this season, leaving migrants in a difficult situation.
"Many migrants came to Michigan or moved into different areas of Michigan and had work earlier in the summer in strawberries and blueberries and other crops not affected by the freezes," said Mollie Schweppe, director of the Michigan Department of Human Services Office of Migrant Affairs. "Then they normally move on to picking cherries and peaches, but since those crops were destroyed they have a gap in their income of four to six weeks potentially until the late summer crops are ready to be harvested such as squash, pumpkins, I hear there's still some work in pickles, there will be some apples available." An inter-agency migrant services committee worked quickly to come up with a means of assisting these workers. The Michigan State Housing and Development Authority has allocated $172,000 of its revenue for emergency housing assistance for migrant workers.
Through Aug. 31, the program will offer up to $400 to cover one month's rent either at a migrant camp or other rental property. The money should be able to help about 430 families, Schweppe said. Applications for the assistance must come from a household member that is in the country legally.
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Michigan has an estimated 90,700 migrant and seasonal farm workers and dependents, which includes some families that stay in Michigan year round, along with others that come from Texas, Florida or elsewhere for all or part of the harvesting season.
I have to ask, has there been anybody excluded or not invited to belly up to the Michigan taxpayer trough? Anyone? Anyone? Hellooooo? That must mean it's a no. Well, I guess the upside to this is that Lansing is at least requiring a frontman to have proper documentation. Thanks Big Agra for stuffing us with boarding your temp pool.
Ah, apple season. You know what that means? Rep. "known as more of a workhorse than a show pony," it's finally safe to reach into your cellar committee where bills go to die and dust off HB 4024 and HB 4026 to send up for a floor vote. It's OK bub, that little cherry secret is safe with me. Just you, and I will know.
