This is what the agribusiness lobbyist is sending out. Please make the calls to the Senate to agree to the House version of HB 87. We do not want the bill to go to conference committe. The Lt. Governor will take even more out of the bill. DAK.

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From: Georgia Agribusiness Council [mailto:dcartee@ga-agribusiness.org]
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:13 PM
To: Georgia Agribusiness Council
Subject: Immigration legislation update – action needed asap

Dear GAC Members,

We are reporting to you this morning with some good news on HB 87, the immigration reform legislation. Under the leadership of Senator John Bulloch, the Senate voted to remove the E-Verify mandate for private employers, which has been our desired outcome since the legislation was introduced in early February. There are still some issues in the legislation that passed the Senate relating to 1099 forms and the use of E-Verify, but this is a huge step in the right direction. Senator Bulloch shared the industry letter with 270 business signatures with each senator and referenced it during his comments. With your help, we made a difference in the future of this bill. BUT, it isn’t over.

The bill now goes back to the House where indications are that it will go to a Conference Committee. This process could provide the needed opportunity to take out other issues that are harmful to Georgia agribusiness.

Please contact your State Representative and State Senator as soon as possible and request that HB 87 go to a Conference Committee and that the E-Verify mandate remain excluded from the bill. They are hearing from a number of people who may not understand the impact this legislation will have on the business community and they need to hear from you! CLICK HERE to access State Representatives and CLICK HERE to access State Senators.

Also, please send a note of thanks to Senator Bulloch at your convenience. His email is: john.bulloch@senate.ga.gov. His efforts in standing up for businesses in Georgia made a great difference last night and we need to finish the drill and make sure that, if this legislation passes, it will not be detrimental to agribusiness and our state economy.

Thank you,

Bryan Tolar & Daniel Groce
Georgia Agribusiness Council
www.ga-agribusiness.org

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