Rural America it’s people and communities have long been forgotten by both political parties. Even the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that was given the assignment by Congress in 1972 to coordinate rural programs across the federal government has forgotten its duty. Rural development has always taken a back seat to production agriculture in both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Let’s hope this is about to come to an end. Not only did Vice President Harris name a rural American as her running mate…Governor Tim Walz…they kicked of their campaign on a bus tour of rural Georgia. By traveling the backroads this will give them a unique perception of life in rural America. Are the rural needs different from urban ones?
Is there broadband, a warning system for disasters, safe roads & bridges? Access to medical care, telemedicine, are EMS volunteers trained & equipped. Is technical assistance available to seek grants?
Secretaries of Agriculture put most of their time and resources into growing crops and cows. It must be understood that the Secretary is to also focus on rural people and places. This needs to be addressed right up front when Harris-Walz puts their Secretary of Agriculture to work. The needs of not only farmers but their neighbors’ requires their attention.
The Harris-Walz administration must revisit The Rural Development Act of 1972 and its successor. Set a new course that brings along those now left behind in Rural America.
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