Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) released the following statement after the recent announcement by the Department of Labor that they would withdraw a proposal limiting the types of work that children can perform on farms:

“Growing up, I spent a lot of time doing farm work and I’ll be the first to admit that it wasn’t always fun. But looking back, I can say unequivocally that the values and appreciation for hard work that it instilled in me played a large part in shaping who I am today. For the federal government to try to micromanage what sort of tasks kids can do on a farm is not only gross example of government intrusion, it erodes the agricultural and the rural way of life.

“I was proud to help lead an effort in the House to repeal this mandate and thank the many agriculture groups across our state, like the Tennessee Farm Bureau, and the numerous family farmers who joined in opposition to these rules. In particular, I want to recognize State Senator Bill Ketron for introducing legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly prohibiting state or local funds from being used to enforce this rule.”

“This proposal showed that the Obama administration does not understand family farms or agricultural life,” said Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro).  “The rules would have limited, or even eliminated, educational opportunities for kids who “learn by doing” on Tennessee farms.  I am glad that due to an outpouring of education from the agricultural community that they finally get it.”

You can watch a video of Representative DesJarlais questioning Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis on Farm Child Labor Rules here.