Senate Democrats announced a “rural agenda” for the 111th Congress today. The website created to describe the issues they understand to be important to rural America is called Rural Outreach.
“Rural America reflects our nation’s most precious values: hard work, independence, and an unparalleled commitment to community. Senate Democrats provide a voice for the over 50 million hard-working rural Americans and support an agenda that addresses the unique challenges they face. Senate Democrats will fight for policies that revitalize and reinvest in our communities so that, together, we can build a stronger rural America.”
The new website was announced by Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator Lincoln has been appointed chair of Rural Outreach for the Senate Democratic Caucus.
“Our rural communities are suffering during these tough economic times, and it is critical that we focus on policies that will give them the economic boost they desperately need and deserve,” said Lincoln. “This agenda will help guide Senate Democrats as we work toward policies that will revitalize and reinvest in the rural economy.”
The areas Senate Democrats say they will focus on during the next two years are:
• Health care — Providing rural Americans with access to affordable, quality health care.
• Education — Offering students in rural America an opportunity to excel in the classroom through education policy that recognizes the unique challenges for rural schools.
• Economic development — Promoting economic development programs and initiatives to give rural communities the tools needed for success in a changing global economy.
• Agriculture — Supporting family farmers, ranchers, and producers as a vital part of the rural economy.
• Energy and natural resources — Promoting rural America as a leader in the development of renewable energy technologies that will help stimulate the rural economy, while preserving our environment for future generations.
• Veterans and National Guard — Ensuring that our nation’s veterans and service members are provided with benefits and services worthy of their sacrifices.
• Rural law enforcement and Homeland Security — Equipping first responders with the training and tools necessary to protect rural communities.
• Infrastructure — Investing in infrastructure in order to create jobs and build a sustainable rural economy.
“Senate Democrats will continue to make the more than 50 million hard-working rural Americans a top priority,” said Lincoln.
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