Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 18, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs bill to begin addressing farm worker housing crisis

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today signed a bill he requested to begin addressing the housing crisis facing farm workers and their families in Washington state. After vetoing a measure last year, Locke called on all parties to work together to forge a better approach.

Locke said the bill he successfully won legislative approval for this year represents real progress over last year's. "The more than 37,000 farm workers in Washington who have no housing for themselves or their families deserve a decent roof over their heads," Locke said. "This new law provides a clearer building code. With more plumbing, electrical and insulation requirements, this law will provide better protection for the health and safety of farm workers and their families who live in temporary housing.

"In addition, the Legislature this year approved my request for $2 million to begin building permanent housing in the community for farm workers and their families," Locke added.

Grandview Mayor Jesse Palacios said, "There is a need for housing, and this is probably the best we can do right now. We've got a long way to go, but this bill is a step in the right direction," Palacios added.

Mike Esquivel, founding president of the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic, supported Locke's decision. "I support the governor's signing of the bill because it's time we get started on building some housing for farmworkers. For the past 22 years that I know of, we've been battling this problem, and haven't gotten anywhere. I feel that this is a start, and if the governor makes a commitment to go forward, well, we have to start someplace. Farm workers need housing now," Esquivel said.

Larry Estrada, chair of the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs, also backed the measure. "I support this bill as a first step in addressing a chronic need for farm worker housing. However, it is imperative that the governor and Legislature revisit this issue in subsequent years to increase funding for farm worker housing," Estrada added.

Locke pledged to continue working on the problem. "Next year I will ask the Legislature to build on this year's $2 million commitment to construct permanent housing for farm workers and their families," Locke said. "It's a moral and economic imperative."

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive