WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, released a video message today on the importance of investing in rural America and the opportunities that lie ahead for innovation and growth in these communities. The message precedes an extensive report on the rural economy that will be released by Committee Democrats tomorrow. Below is a link to the video and a transcript of the message.

 

 

Click here to watch the video. 

“Hi, I’m Senator Martin Heinrich, the Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee.

This Congress, Joint Economic Committee Democrats have taken a deeper look at rural communities, their potential for economic growth, and why we should focus on investments in rural America.

Rural communities hold a special place in my heart.

Not only because so many of the New Mexicans who I represent live in rural areas but also because I grew up in rural America, and was shaped by that experience.

Both of my parents worked long hours just to make ends meet, and to provide a better future for my sisters and me.

I know that the overall economic picture for rural communities is challenging for multiple reasons.

There’s an underinvestment in infrastructure; insufficient access to broadband; and less access to financial services, just to name a few.

But there are also reasons for optimism, and examples of what is working in rural economies.

Our nation is entering a new age of technology which will be crucial to revitalizing our rural communities.

Clean energy is providing opportunities for not only job creation, but also as a new source of income for rural landowners who can lease their land for wind farms and solar energy developments;

And the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion are improving access to health care in rural America.

With the right policies, we can promote economic growth and generate new job opportunities for rural Americans.

That’s why I am proud to announce that the Joint Economic Committee Democrats have taken an important step in that direction.

We are issuing a rural economy report that includes a range of policy options to help rural America thrive in the 21st century.

Rural communities are vital to America and it’s time that we invest as much in them as we have invested in our nation.”

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For more information, please contact Latoya Veal at Latoya_Veal@jec.senate.gov or 202-224-0379.