Yesterday, Joint Economic Committee Democrats, under the leadership of Ranking Member Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), unveiled a new report that takes an extensive look at “Investing in Rural America,” and proposes policies to revitalize these communities that have not yet recovered from the Great Recession. Here is a look at some of the report’s coverage: 

• Agri-Pulse: Democratic rural plan calls for new farm bill

“Democrats on the congressional Joint Economic Committee are laying out a series of policy priorities for rural America in a new report, and they include passing a new farm bill.

The JEC’s ranking Democrat, Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, said energy and broadband provisions in the Senate Agriculture Committee’s bipartisan farm bill are examples of what is needed to address key rural needs.

“They may not be as robust as I would push for in a vacuum. But over time, they really may be able to move the needle on these issues,” Heinrich said.

In addition to expanding broadband, the report’s recommendations include maintaining the Essential Air Service program, investing in rural water and sewer systems, increasing spending on farm worker housing and expanding Medicaid.”

• Daily Yonder: Dem Plan Calls for Investing in Rural Growth Industries

“A Democratic plan to address the economic growth in rural America says the nation needs smart public investments in clean energy development, construction, advanced manufacturing and outdoor recreation.

The policy recommendations released Wednesday by Democratic members of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee also called for improving rural health care, education, housing, agriculture and other sectors that are not receiving adequate attention currently, they said.

The report showcases “many bright spots” and “assets to build on,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), the ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee. “Many rural communities are leading the way as more of the country moves more of its energy production into renewables, particularly with wind development,” he said. “Outdoor recreation opportunities are not just at the center of life with rural communities but also drive very important economic opportunities and growth.”

Promoting growth in clean energy jobs requires investment, the report says. “To take full advantage of this opportunity requires new infrastructure investments that will enable the efficient transmission of energy from rural areas to other parts of the country,” the report says.”

• Carlsbad Current Argus - Sen. Martin Heinrich presents rural community report

“Forty-six million, or 14 percent, of Americans live in rural communities, and 72 percent of land in the United States is considered rural, according to a new report, "Investing in Rural America."

The report, drafted by the U.S. Joint Economic Committee, was introduced in a teleconference on Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), who is a member of the committee, U.S Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois) and Terry Branner, U.S. Department of Agriculture New Mexico state director and founder of Grow New Mexico.

The report identified seven key areas to revitalize rural communities across the United States — family finances, education, infrastructure, public lands, housing, healthcare and agriculture.

"I believe this report can contribute to the national conversation," Heinrich said. "Expanding economic opportunities is vital to our economy as a whole."

When it comes to education, Heinrich said expanding access to early education and post-secondary education is important.”

• Hagstrom Report - Joint Econ Committee Dems release report on rural America

“Senate and House Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee on Wednesday released a report, “Investing in Rural America,” on the needs of rural America and promised to push Congress to invest more in rural areas.

In a call to reporters, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., the ranking Democrat on the committee, said, “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.”

Heinrich said rural communities are leading the way in renewable energy production, outdoor recreation opportunities and boast some of the smallest class sizes and highest levels of parent engagement in K-12 education.

But he said there needs to be more investment in infrastructure, construction and maintenance of roads and bridges and increased access to early learning and post-secondary school options.”