OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Correcting the Issue of Child Labor in West Michigan

Floor Speech

Date: March 30, 2023
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, this week I am introducing bipartisan emergency legislation to correct the devastating issue of child labor in west Michigan and across the country.

In west Michigan, we believe in protecting kids. When big companies and corporations go against that goal, we take the necessary steps to hold them accountable. I have heard from my constituents, and I am responding.

Here is what my bill, the Justice For Exploited Children Act, will do and why it is important. Right now, the maximum fine per violation of child labor laws is around $15,000, and there is no minimum. No minimum.

If you think that is an embarrassingly low price to pay for exploiting a child, you are right. That is because these are the fines that have been on the books since this law was first introduced almost 100 years ago, and they have not been raised.

These meager penalties, effectively pennies for big corporations, allow guilty parties to evade meaningful consequences, and as a result, continue these shameful practices. It is unacceptable. This legislation makes clear that exploiting kids cannot be the cost of doing business.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward