Earlier this week, Representative Dan Newhouse introduced the Rural Prosperity Act (H.R. 7019). The legislation would establish the Office of Rural Prosperity within the White House to coordinate rural economic development programs across government. It would also make recommendations on how to coordinate, streamline, and leverage existing Federal investments to address challenges faced by rural areas.

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“Rural communities like Central Washington are the heart of this country and face unique challenges from access to broadband to varying infrastructure needs,” Newhouse said. “Adding an Office of Rural Prosperity will not only ensure these vital voices have a seat at the table but boost local economies nationwide. I’m honored to help lead this effort in the House on behalf of Central Washington, and I urge my colleagues to help pass this legislation and provide the support our rural communities need.”

Newhouse pointed out that numerous states have established Offices of Rural Prosperity, or similarly titled offices, with the goal of providing resources to and serving as an advocate for rural communities within state government. The structure and model of the Rural Prosperity Act reflects elements of the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity and the Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity.

The Rural Prosperity Act would ensure better coordination across federal agencies by:

  • Establishing the Office of Rural Prosperity within the White House to coordinate rural economic development programs across government. The office would be led by a Chief Rural Advisor, who will be appointed by the President and be responsible for coordinating all federal rural development efforts.
  • Forming a Rural Prosperity Council consists of members of all of the heads of executive branch departments, agencies, and offices that have programs that serve rural areas. The Council would serve as a forum to resolve interagency disputes and coordinate a whole-of-government effort to address the needs of rural communities across the country.
  • Developing a comprehensive strategy for rural economic development across the Executive Branch.
  • Engaging with stakeholders, including convening public hearings to identify common challenges faced by rural areas.
  • Making recommendations on how to coordinate, streamline, and leverage existing Federal investments to address challenges faced by rural areas.
  • Developing a common set of metrics to ensure that all rural development programs are meeting a common set of evidence-backed standards.

Click Here to read the full text of the Rural Prosperity Act.

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