Bauer honors National Farmworkers Awareness Week, Cesar Chavez, and Proteus, Inc.
INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana House today joined State Representative Pat Bauer (D-South Bend) in recognizing National Farmworkers Awareness Week, the birthday of Cesar Chavez, and the work of Proteus, Inc.
[The text of Bauer’s resolution is available here.]
Indiana agribusiness employs over 30,000 year-round, seasonal and migrant farmworkers. These employees are key Hoosiers for maintaining the safety, security, and sustainability of our food supply.
“These farmers contribute billions of dollars to the state’s economy,” said Bauer. “They keep Indiana thriving by supporting one of the principal industries in the state. It is my pleasure to honor all of those who plant, cultivate, and process our agricultural products.
“I also want to celebrate the birthday of Cesar Chavez, who was born on March 31,” Bauer continued. “Chavez led a peaceful nationwide struggle for farmworker justice, as well as organized fair wages, safe labor conditions, and dignity for all Hoosiers who work in the agricultural industry.”
“Finally, I want to recognize the incredible work of Proteus, Inc., a private, nonprofit organization based in Iowa that has been helping migrant, seasonal farmworkers, immigrants, and others since 1979,” Bauer added. “Their assistance is invaluable in creating a thriving and productive agriculture community.”
Proteus, Inc. was founded to help provide communities with health, education, and economic opportunities. They strive to make programs accessible to as many members of the community as possible and embrace diversity throughout their organization. The organization’s main Indiana office is in Kokomo, with satellite facilities in South Bend, Columbus, and Vincennes.
Bauer was joined by Jesusa Rivera, a case manager in the South Bend Proteus office, who he complimented for her unstinting support for farmworkers across the state.
“The people at Proteus create, evaluate, and maintain programs that meet the changing needs of their communities and treat all people in an honest, caring, and respectful manner,” Bauer noted.