FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2018
Contact: Hannah Packman, 202-554-1600
hpackman@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON –
The Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, a government-wide group including more than 22 federal agencies and led by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, today released a report to President Trump. The 23-page document identifies the many needs and opportunities of rural communities and recommends over 100 legislative, regulatory, and policy changes to address them.
In response to the Task Force’s report and President Trump’s executive orders regarding rural broadband, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson released the following statement:
“National Farmers Union applauds the Task Force and Secretary Perdue on their efforts to help rural America grow and thrive. For too long, rural communities have lagged behind their urban counterparts, both socially and economically, and the federal government has not provided the tools or funding necessary to bridge the gap. The priorities outlined in the report are essential to tackling longstanding disparities, by both bolstering the economies of as well as improving the quality of life within rural communities.
“Farmers Union appreciates the administration’s focus on broadband access, as its unreliability and unavailability is one of the biggest issues plaguing rural areas. Expansion of broadband holds the potential to address many other rural concerns, including economic development, educational opportunities, and access to health care. We hope the President’s executive orders will reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and encourage broadband development.
“However, these executive orders are among the first of many steps to promote prosperity in rural America. We urge President Trump and Congress to act quickly to uphold their promises by providing major federal investment in a comprehensive infrastructure package.”
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National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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