by
Democratic Rural Working Group
Democrats' 5 Priorities for Rural America: Putting the Heartland First
Family - Community - Patriotism - Opportunity - Prosperity - Strength
The Democratic Party is the voice of rural America - the voice of the heartland - fighting to provide a strong competitive edge for the 21st Century. The Democratic Rural Working Group in the U.S. House of Representatives is committed to the following five Priorities for Rural America, which put our families and communities first. Democrats are fighting for rural America in the 21st Century.
Standing for Common Sense Spending.
Democrats want to undo the damage being done by dishonest and irresponsible spending, exploding deficits, raiding trust funds such as Social Security and the ballooning national debt. We can balance the budget - as we did in the 1990s -- and protect the country without hurting Social Security or cutting farm programs, rural education, transportation, rural development, and small business loans. Cuts in these areas hurt the rural economy first.
Creating Jobs and Securing Strong Trade Priorities for Rural Americans.
Current trade policies divide our rural communities and harm our families. Democrats are fighting for farming, industry and manufacturing in rural areas. We oppose a tax code that favors moving rural manufacturing jobs to other countries. The American family farmer grows the safest, most abundant, lowest priced and finest food and fiber on the planet. Our policies should foster an economic climate that helps small businesses and family farmers compete and succeed in today's global marketplace.
Building Roads, Airports, Information Systems and Infrastructure.
For rural businesses and family farmers to grow and prosper there must be connections -- safe roads, airports, information technologies - to the rest of the country and to the world. Without good roads and the good jobs and commercial activity that go with them rural America will be left behind. Without access to the latest information systems rural America will be left behind. Without adequate investment in rural water and sewer systems, clean and renewable energy technologies, and other community "backbone" systems, rural America will be left behind. Investing in rural America's infrastructure will also protect outdoor recreation -- for hunting, fishing, hiking and other family oriented pastimes - for future generations to enjoy. Democrats are fighting for better roads, technology and infrastructure.
Strengthening Education, Health Care and Housing for Our Families and Communities.
Rural Americans deserve the same access to education, childcare, housing programs, medicine and health care that other Americans enjoy. Democrats believe we must recruit qualified teachers and health professionals as well as provide the most modern facilities available. Democrats want affordable insurance, affordable health care and prescription drugs, quality childcare and first-rate schools available in all rural communities. We cannot continue down a road that leads to a future where a few Americans are "haves" and the vast majority - especially those in rural areas - are "have-nots." We know we can do better, and we MUST. Democrats are leading the way for rural America.
Defending America -- Honoring Veterans.
Americans on the frontlines - our military forces, Sheriffs, deputies, policemen, firefighters, and civil defense volunteers - must have the very best equipment, training and support. Our safety and freedom are the envy of the world and Democrats will ensure this does not change. We must recruit more law enforcement and emergency professionals, combat Meth labs and drug abuse, and build a stronger judicial and prison system in rural areas. Those serving in our Armed Forces and their families should be supported with higher military pay, housing and better health care. Our Veterans earned our support on the fields of battle. We must honor them by maintaining a growing and comprehensive health care system. The current administration seeks to scale back our commitment to Veterans. Democrats stand with our Veterans.Democratic Rural Working Group:
