Level the Playing Field for Rural America

Floor Speech

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Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight my recently introduced bipartisan legislation, the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act.

According to the Oregon Center for Public Policy, rural Oregonians face higher levels of unemployment and poverty. In fact, the poverty rate in rural Oregon sits at 15.6 percent, four points higher than in urban areas. Yet, local governments, nonprofits, and rural development organizations don't have the staff and resources needed to tackle these problems in our communities.

Rural America is getting the short end of the stick right now, and it is time we change that. My bill would create a new Federal grant program to help rural communities address urgent needs like childcare, housing, job training, and more. It expands access to existing opportunities by helping local leaders navigate the complex system of Federal grants, and it improves coordination between Federal agencies to make sure we are approaching rural development in the most efficient and effective way possible.

The Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will help us bridge the urban-rural divide in this country. We have to level the playing field for rural America and ensure these communities can thrive for generations to come. My legislation would bring us closer to that goal, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

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