WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, delivered the follow remarks at a press teleconference today unveiling the release of a new JEC Democrats report, “Investing in Rural America,” that examines the current state of the rural economy. In his remarks, Senator Heinrich emphasized the importance of working to revitalize rural economies that have not fully recovered from the Great Recession, and highlighted the opportunities for growth in these communities.

Click here to listen to the audio from the press teleconference or read a transcript of his remarks below: 

“Thank you all for joining the call.

I’m pleased to release a new report today from the Joint Economic Committee Democrats that takes a comprehensive look at the economic challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. 

It’s called Investing in Rural America – because that’s exactly what we need to do.

I believe this report can contribute to the national conversation about how we build an economy where everyone, no matter your zip code, has the opportunity to contribute, to earn a good wage, and to support their families.

Expanding economic opportunities for rural Americans is vital to the strength of our economy as a whole.

I grew up in a town of 1,000 people. I know firsthand the pleasures of growing up in small town America. And also the challenges.

Our report doesn’t shy away from some tough facts.

Many rural communities are still recovering from the Great Recession, more than 10 years after it hit us.

Millions of rural residents lack reliable access to broadband.

The rural population is aging and shrinking, and wages have been stuck for too long.

But rather than run from these challenges, we need to tackle them head on.

This report can help us do that.

It offers a deep, data-driven dive into the state of rural employment, education, health care, infrastructure, housing, farming and other issues. 

The report paints a picture of where we are today and how we can promote new job opportunities in rural communities in the future.

There are many bright spots and assets to build on.

As the report lays out, rural communities are leading the way as the country moves more of its energy production to renewables. 

Outdoor recreation opportunities are not just at the center of life in rural communities but also drive important economic opportunities.

K-12 education in rural communities boasts small class sizes and high levels of parent engagement.

To build on these strengths, we need targeted policies and investments that will spur growth in rural communities and improve the lives of families who live there.

It’s about connecting rural America.

Broadband is the key and can literally connect people to work. 

No other policy will do as much to open doors of opportunity as ensuring that all Americans have access to high-speed internet.

But we have to do more.

We need to invest in our infrastructure.

Building and maintaining the roads and bridges and water systems that rural residents and businesses need and that will support new economic development.

And we need to do more to attract businesses and retain residents.

For example, expanding access to early learning and care will help more families locate in rural communities.

And so will additional post-secondary options for rural communities, many of which lack access to college or community college within an hour’s drive.

Those are just a few proposals. The report offers many others. The reality is that we need to tackle this from multiple sides.

This report reflects the work of JEC Democrats. It has long been a priority of mine to better understand the unique challenges facing rural communities so that we can design policies that better harness the unique assets in these communities.

But to turn ideas into action and to improve the lives of the 46 million Americans who live in rural communities, we will need bipartisan efforts.

I hope this report can serve as a spark, to attract folks on both sides of the aisle to invest in rural communities.”

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