Rural America is in trouble. It got worse yesterday when the US Senate passed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”. While listening to the hours of debate it was clear Trump had forgotten he won 60% of small town and rural voters in 2020, 63% in 2024. Why did he abandon rural people? Was it to reward his rich backers with significant tax breaks for their support in 2024?
There are two issues of utmost importance to Rural America. First, being access to healthcare, second access to high-speed internet.
As a result of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Rural America will see hospitals closed. These hospitals are the economic engine of small towns. Small businesses will close. Grocery stores will be in trouble when food assistance is cut…and so will the families living in rural communities. They will have to drive miles for medical care, food and a pair of socks.
Beyond healthcare there is no more important issue than isolation. After the internet arrived years ago it was the hope of rural people, they could become a part of the “outside world”. After years of waiting the Biden administration made expanding high-speed internet to rural areas a key priority. Known as Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD), 34 states had plans approved to start accessing the first portion of federal assistance.
Along comes the Trump administration and the announcement of significant changes and reforms to BEAD. Revised rules were issued; state plans were rescinded and removed Biden-era requirements. On June 22 states filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s change. Rural America has waited long enough for high-speed internet.
If Rural Americans have to drive many miles for medical care and food they find it too far to drive to vote for those who supported Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”.
PS – It’s not too late for Rural Americans to contact their Congressman (202.224.3121) to vote against the “Big Beautiful Bill”.