Kan. officials protest proposed farm labor rules

[December 10, 2011]  TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Gov. Sam Brownback and other Kansas officials say proposed rules from the federal government would limit farm work too much for younger workers.

Brownback and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor, protesting proposed changes in regulations for young farm laborers. The state's secretaries of agriculture, labor and commerce sent their own statement, asking the federal agency to revise its plans.

As examples, Brownback and Schmidt say the rules are too strict in limiting the ability of 14- and 15-year-olds to operate tractors and other equipment.

A department spokeswoman says the agency will carefully consider all comments. But in summarizing its proposed rules, the department has said it is trying to prevent injuries and deaths.

[Associated Press]

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