AgJOBS is a bipartisan, compromise bill that is the result of years of negotiations among farmworkers, growers, and Members of Congress. The legislation has two parts: 1) an earned legalization program for unauthorized farmworkers who meet certain eligibility requirements; and 2) a revision of the H-2A temporary foreign agricultural worker program. Numerous organizations from across the political spectrum believe that the bill is necessary to create a stable agricultural workforce, improve the lives of farmworkers, and give employers access to the workers they need.

The fun started after the health fair on our basketball court. There were fewer contests this year but the prizes were bigger. There was plenty of music and dancing. Our own Teen Dream Team danced and Ballet la Onda also performed. Local families once again served authentic Mexican food at bargain prices. We want to thank everyone that helped to make this year's even a success and a very special thank you to our staff that worked so hard to prepare the parade and fiesta.
For years, FSH has been committed to improving women's health. In January 1997, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut sponsored H.R. 135, the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 1997, in the 105th Congress. The bill sought to "amend the Public Health Service Act and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide coverage for a minimum hospital stay for mastectomies and lymph node dissections performed for the treatment of breast cancer."
Maybe the folks with no faith say that there is an economic crunch but God didn’t say it because His people took care of over 1,000 children and fed them well. We were worried that there would not be enough food and presents to go around but just as Jesus fed the multitude with two fish and five loaves of bread, I believe God multiplied the toys food and blankets. His children and all the parents went away content and happy and there was food left over.
This past Sunday, November 23rd, saw us in the old pool hall where in the past; gambling, drinking, fighting and drugs were daily activities. That started long ago when this was a white community. Then when the Mexican community came, they too fell victim to the pool hall. Most recently gangs called it home but yesterday the roof almost came off from all the praising and singing. The building was almost full!
Members of Teen Dream Team recently laid the foundation for the stage at My Other House. The stage is actually a section of computer flooring that, once carpeted, creates an 18’ by 10’ stage where a variety of performances can take place. Through My Other House we are hoping to offer the youth several creative outlets.
Some of the youngest members of our Teen Dream Team program recently
participated in the Center for Health, Environment and Justice’s Green Flag
Schools Program. Schools across the nation are using the Green Flag School
Program to make their schools healthier places to work and learn. This flexible
three step program will help kids advance their schools environmental behaviors
and become a shining example to others.
So much is going on at My Other House, our new teen center on Calle de Milagros in Tommytown. The power is on, the water will be on by the end of the week and the stage will be in place next week. At one time My Other House was a pool hall and game room but gone now are the pool tables and other games. We are planning a high tech game center for the kids consisting of several Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 consoles.
What would you do if you were told that your husband might be one of three people found dead in the desert? What if you would have to wait three months for DNA testing to confirm your worst fears? Roberto Sanchez-Martinez of Lacoochee, Florida, was only 25 years old. His crime? Seeking a better life for himself and his family and driving without a license.
There was much discussion and opposition to the Risk Mitigation Options proposed by EPA from the growers and agricultural interests. Growers feel that the restrictions proposed will be too difficult to follow and could result in much acreage, due to mandated buffer zones, taken out of production. Cabbage and strawberries are expected to be significantly impacted. The Florida Farm Bureau is pro-actively opposing these measures, during this final comment period. In fact, Florida is taking the lead in organizing other states to collaborate in taking a coordinated response to oppose these restrictions.