Chambers Unite to Encourage US Congress to Consider Temporary Worker Pilot Program

In a letter to members of the US Congress, Chambers of Commerce across Arizona have urged federal lawmakers to authorize Arizona to create and implement a Temporary Worker Program.  Legislation has been introduced in the Arizona legislature that would create such a program if passed, however, Congress would have to authorize its implementation for it to ultimately take effect.

The program, introduced by Arizona State Senator Marsha Arzberger and State Representative Bill Konopnicki is designed to allow employers unable to find sufficient American workers to hire foreign workers on a short-time basis.

Additionally, the Chambers are urging Congress to consider eliminating or raising the arbitrary cap on high skilled H-1Bwork visas.  In 2007, the 65,000 allowed visas were gone in a day with over 150,000 applicants.  Business leaders feel that, in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace, more visas are needed.

A delegation of Arizona Chamber and business leaders will travel to Washington, DC early in May to deliver this message to our federal elected officials and also to discuss transportation and education issues for Arizona.  Farrell Quinlan, lobbyist for the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and the West Valley Chamber Alliance, will represent our business community as part of the delegation.