For Immediate Release: June 17, 2008
Contact: Karen Clifton
Phone: (559) 445-5532

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) sent a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger today, urging him to provide additional assistance for farmworkers hit hard by the drought.

In the letter, Assemblymember Arambula urged the Governor to provide more assistance, including food, for agricultural workers suffering the economic impacts caused by the water shortage and drought.

“The Central Valley is the heart of the state’s agricultural industry.  We cannot let those who work so hard to keep our economy running be left with no resources to help feed their families during these difficult times,” said Assemblymember Arambula.

Arambula was joined by Senator Dean Florez urging the request for additional assistance for those who have lost their jobs as a direct result of the drought.  Both Arambula and Florez represent areas of the Central Valley that rely heavily on the agricultural industry.

Governor Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought on June 4th after two years of below average rainfall. According to Fresno County, the drought has triggered $73 million in agricultural losses and the loss of over 500 jobs with that number continuing to rise.

“Such losses will have devastating impacts for all communities in the Central Valley, particularly on farm workers and their families that already struggle to meet the basic needs to survive,” said Assemblymember Arambula.

Arambula stated that the drought has caused the idling of thousands of acres of crop land, and has had a substantial economic impact on agricultural crops, the industry that supports agriculture and the people who work in the agricultural industry.

Arambula is also looking at a legislative measure to help farmworkers affected by this disaster.  More details on legislation will come at a later date.

Note to Assignment Editor:  To request an interview or satellite feed please contact Karen Clifton at (559) 445-5532.