State Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury), who represents St. Lawrence County in the 45th Senate District, recently issued the following statement concerning the state Department of Labor’s decision to lower the overtime threshold for farm labor from 60 hours a week to 40:

“Between the fallout from the pandemic and continually rising costs, our family farms have faced tremendous economic difficulties. The decision from the Department of Labor to lower the overtime threshold beginning in 2024 only exacerbates these conditions. The fact that this decision comes after widespread opposition from farmers and farm workers alike makes it even more concerning.

“For years, our state has been a leader in agriculture. This decision will put that status in jeopardy, as it will be harder than ever for farmers to find and keep workers. These workers are now more free to seek better hours and wages in other states. This will also make it more difficult for farms to produce the healthy, quality foods that New Yorkers purchase each day and lead to a rise in costs on these products as well.

“If New York State wants to be an economic leader, we must stop enacting policies like these that stifle our businesses’ abilities to grow, develop and produce the goods and services we rely on each day.”