Farmworker advocate gets state tribute
Staff Report
Last update: 29 April 2004


TALLAHASSEE -- For giving his life toward improving the conditions of farmworkers, Alfredo Bahena was recognized

in the House and Senate Wednesday.Legislators dedicated an agriculture bill to the late DeLeon Springs resident,

who was hit by a train and killed April 18. A reception was also held Wednesday for Bahena's pregnant wife and

three children and members of Florida farmworker organizations."It's an honor," his wife, Evangelina, said after the session.

Bahena, 42, was coordinator of the Farmworker Association of Florida Inc. in Pierson for 15 years. His local achievements

included leading efforts to bring buses to rural Volusia County and to build a new school in Pierson.Both the House and

Senate dedicated a bill to Bahena that is intended to improve working and living conditions for workers, including requiring

companies to notify workers about the pesticides used in the fields."We want Alfredo's family to know his concern for living

conditions and his community has made a difference," said Sen. Tony Hill, D-Jacksonville, whose district includes parts of

Volusia and Flagler counties. "We are so sorry for the loss, but we hope you will find comfort and pride in knowing Alfredo's work

has touched so many lives."