SALEM A coalition that includes nursery, restaurant, wine, dairy, wheat and homebuilders associations, the Hispanic Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Oregon Business Association and tourism industry groups has been formed to address growing concerns among business and agriculture interests over immigration issues. The Oregon Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, launched in February, is concerned about labor shortage and will advocate, among other issues, for some type of guest worker program. “We want a legal, willing workforce,” says Jeff Stone, co-chair of the coalition and director of government relations for the Oregon Association of Nurseries. Bill Perry of the Oregon Restaurant Association also co-chairs.

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