Pastors Seek Money For Hurt Farm Worker

Ministers of southern Idaho churches joined Gov. Phil Batt on Monday to launch a campaign to provide at least some financial stability for the farm worker who lost both arms and part of a leg in an accident late last year.

“It speaks to the hearts of people in Idaho that members of different faiths so easily work together to help another human being,” Batt said.

The aim of the Coalition of Faiths is to raise $200,000 to provide Javier Juarez $1,000 a month for the next 75 years.

“I’m so glad that all the people are willing to help me,” Juarez said on returning to Idaho for the first time since his Dec. 13 accident.

Batt was with him during last weekend’s Farm Worker Appreciation Day at Caldwell’s Memorial Park.

“He doesn’t show any evidence of feeling sorry for himself,” the governor said. “He wants to move ahead with his life. He wants to concentrate on farm safety.”

Juarez said he was especially happy that Batt was able to push Idaho’s Legislature to repeal the 79-year agricultural exemption from the workers compensation law so that all 35,000 farm workers will be covered beginning next year.

Had the law been in place at the time of his accident, Juarez would have had his medical bills paid and received a disability pension.

Instead, the Juarez family has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the post-hole digger that snagged his arms and leg.

The family receives its money today through donations, for which Juarez’ wife, Norma, expressed appreciation.

Idaho churches are asking for contributions to the Javier Juarez Benefit Trust at West One Bank through May 31.