Carnival & Fair Buzz

Leaders from the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) spent time in Washington, D.C., this week advocating for a new worker visa tailored specifically to the carnival and mobile amusement industry. The proposal is known as the CARE Act in the House and the RIDE Act in the Senate and aims to create a reliable, long-term labor solution for operators who depend on seasonal, skilled workers.

According to OABA leaders, support in the House of Representatives is strong. However, additional backing in the Senate is critical to move the legislation across the finish line.

A Critical Moment for the Industry

The need to address the labor shortage within the carnival industry has never been more urgent. Operators continue to struggle with securing sufficient temporary foreign labor under existing visa programs, which jeopardizes their ability to meet the demands of fairs, festivals, and events nationwide.

Call for Industry Participation

To maintain momentum in Washington, the OABA is calling on industry members to contribute to key political fundraising efforts that support champions of the proposed P-visa. Contributions will help ensure continued advocacy on behalf of the mobile amusement industry.

Donations can be made to the following lawmakers who play pivotal roles in advancing the legislation:

• Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Senate Appropriations Committee

• Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee

• Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD), House Appropriations Committee

A Shared Responsibility

If you are an employer who relies on temporary foreign worker visas to supplement your U.S. workforce, now is not the time to assume others will carry the load. This effort requires industry-wide participation from employers and event organizers to manufacturers and suppliers. Together, the industry has the opportunity to secure a visa category designed specifically to meet the unique needs of the mobile amusement sector.