News Releases for November 2001
November 6, 2001
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Midwestern Governors’ Conference Calls For Increased Support For Rural Economic Development
BISMARCK, N.D. - The Midwestern Governors’ Conference (MGC) last week issued a policy statement based on a resolution by Governor John Hoeven calling for increased federal support for rural economic development. The MGC is a non-profit, bipartisan organization of 13 Midwestern states that brings together top state leaders to work cooperatively on important regional public policy issues.
"The economic well-being of all Americans depends on the health of our rural communities,” Hoeven said. "I’m pleased we’ve gained broad support for measures that will sustain and reinvigorate our rural areas.”
The resolution calls for expanded access to information technology, greater support for value-added agriculture processing, agritourism and niche marketing.
"Many rural Americans have been left behind while other Americans are benefiting from significant advancements in their quality of life,” according to the resolution. "The nation pays a high economic and social cost when a large segment of the labor force is left behind.”
The resolution grew out of testimony Hoeven gave before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee in July on behalf of the National Governors Association Committee on Natural Resources, which he now chairs.
At that hearing, Hoeven endorsed expanding the beginning farmers loan program; additional credit assistance to farmers and ranchers; and credit guarantee programs, interest assistance and direct loan programs for value-added agriculture processing ventures. The Governor also called for eliminating barriers to accessing information technology in rural communities.
"Enhanced credit programs and better coordination between federal and state government will provide farmers, ranchers and rural businesses with the kind of financing they need to sustain their towns and cities,” Hoeven said today. "We’re delighted and grateful that the Midwestern Governors’ Council is pulling together for our rural communities.”
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