Many of Pennsylvania’s small businesses rely on the federal H2 (A&B) programs for temporary, seasonal labor forces. H2A addresses agricultural-related work. H2B covers all non-agriculture related work, such as amusements, hospitality and landscaping.

While the federal government exempted the H2 programs from contributing to the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Fund a few decades ago, H2 employers and employees are required to contribute to Pennsylvania’s UC Fund. And despite paying hundreds of thousands of dollars collectively each year, H2 employees are not eligible to collect these funds if needed. Thus, employers and employees of the H2 program argue that they should not have to contribute to the fund, if they are not eligible to receive the benefits.

To address this discrepancy, we plan to introduce legislation to align the state and federal policy for H2B employers and employees and their contributions to unemployment compensation. Our bill will create an exemption for H2B employers and their employees from UC fund contribution requirements.

This legislation does not impact or change any immigration laws. We are simply solving a policy issue and putting hard-earned dollars back into the hands of the small businesses and workers. 

Please consider signing onto this bill and showing your support for Pennsylvania’s temporary, seasonal non-agriculture workforce.