FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 16, 2024
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country Statement on Vice President Kamala Harris' Plan for Rural America
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, One Country Project (OCP) – an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and priorities of rural Americans – commended Vice President Kamala Harris for her plan to improve the lives of rural Americans. The plan focuses on rural health care in addition to economic and agricultural policy priorities.
“Vice President Kamala Harris’ rural agenda comes at a time when rural voters are wrestling with the decision of who to trust with the next presidency. For far too long, rural Americans have been left behind by politicians and the government, but Harris’ plan lays out concrete actions that would make a difference in countless lives,” said OCP Founder and former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp. “From improving rural health care to investing in the future of American agriculture, Harris’ plan comes through for rural communities.”
“Strengthening the rural economy is critical in order to move our country forward on the world stage. The Harris-Walz rural agenda outlines goals to support small businesses, create new jobs through various incentives, and lower costs for hard working families,” said OCP Board Member and former member of Congress Joe Donnelly. “Through this plan, Harris has demonstrated she is committed to fighting for rural Americans and a way forward for those struggling to make ends meet.”
“One of the biggest issues facing rural America is a lack of access to health care and critical life-saving services. This is not a new issue and it is about time our country’s leaders addressed it,” said OCP Board Member and Iowa State Representative (D-01) J.D. Scholten. “I applaud the Harris-Walz campaign for putting forward a formative plan to improve and expand affordable health care in rural communities. A few notable actions they’ve laid out include recruiting 10,000 rural health care professionals, expanding rural telehealth services, and remedying the large number of ambulance deserts.”
“Farming and agriculture issues often lack prioritization when it comes to policy, but Vice President Harris’ proposal for rural America brings them to the forefront,” said OCP Board Member and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy. “Harris’ plan aims to make it easier for new farmers and ranchers to get started by improving access to credit and supporting training. If implemented, this plan will generate countless opportunities for American farmers and, in turn, bolster our economy.”
Americans in rural communities are focused on their day to day lives and the people in them, not politics. They deserve to have the support and resources they need to survive and grow like the rest of America. The Harris-Walz rural agenda meets these needs with real solutions. With the election only 20 days away, now is the time to rally behind leaders who will create opportunities and positive change for all Americans.
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About One Country Project
Rural America holds an essential role in moving the United States forward and the One Country Project is dedicated to ensuring rural America’s priorities and values are heard and reflected in policy at the federal level. To learn more, visit us at www.onecountryproject.com or on Twitter or Facebook.