In the four states where the Center for Rural Affairs is currently engaged in policy work—Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota—elected representatives will debate a host of issues in 2026. We look forward to building relationships with legislators, informing constituents about the lawmaking process, and collaborating with partners on legislation that benefits rural communities. Relevant developments concerning priority legislation will be shared via the Center's bill trackers and via email.
Visit cfra.org/signup or email [email protected] to receive updates.
Nebraska
Small business support
Programs that invest in small businesses, particularly the Microenterprise Assistance Program, will be a Center priority. For nearly 30 years, the Microenterprise Assistance Program has provided technical assistance and lending services for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. We will also closely monitor funding for the Rural Workforce Housing and Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Funds.
Community resources
Amid federal uncertainty, the Center will engage in state debate, actively supporting policy that provides adequate resources for essential services and development in rural areas. We will support legislation to improve the availability, affordability, and accessibility of housing, health care, child care, rural economic development, and food access, with particular support for historically underserved populations, such as people new to the U.S. Vital programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and child care subsidies have recently faced increasing challenges. The Center remains actively involved in coalitions working to sustain SNAP access and improve Nebraska’s food infrastructure.
Food systems
The Center will advocate in support of small, independently owned grocery stores that serve a vital role in ensuring rural communities can access fresh, healthy foods. Although efforts in 2025 to introduce the Grocer Reinvestment Option Act (LB 375) did not advance, we will continue to advocate for the bill in the upcoming session and explore additional legislative avenues to support rural grocery stores.
Environment and resilience
The Center will monitor bills related to soil and water health efforts in Nebraska and back legislation that aims to support farmers and ranchers in their conservation efforts. We will support strong renewable energy policies and defend efforts to maintain and strengthen decision making abilities of public power. We will support efforts for net metering reform. We will monitor bills related to eminent domain and carbon pipelines, watching for potential impacts on the siting of clean energy or transmission. We will monitor efforts to limit local-decision-making regarding dual-use agriculture, offering alternative perspectives on how energy and agriculture can coexist. We will convene an energy state table and work with advocates to track legislative developments.
Iowa
Food systems
The Center will advocate for support of independently owned grocery stores. In 2024, legislation was introduced to provide financial support to rural grocers. In 2025, this bill passed through the House of Representatives unanimously, but did not pass through the Senate. In 2026, we will continue our advocacy to encourage the passage of this legislation, as well as support any policy efforts that enhance local food system growth and success.
Environment and resilience
The Center will support policies, programs, and investments in Iowa to enhance the state’s water quality and soil health efforts, and back legislation that aims to support farmers and ranchers in their conservation efforts. We will lift up the effectiveness of Watershed Management Authorities (WMAs), the Water Quality Initiative, Resources Enhancement and Protection, and other efforts to advance water quality in Iowa. We will advocate for funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also referred to as IWILL, which could include funding to support administration of the state’s WMAs. We will continue to advocate for solutions that provide clean energy siting guidance to local officials while maintaining local control.
South Dakota
South Dakota's 38-day legislative session moves incredibly quickly. The Center maintains a state table of allies in South Dakota that meets weekly while the legislature is in session to track and engage on fast-moving legislative developments. Our priorities includes supporting clean energy, the environment, and community and economic development.
Minnesota
2026 is a “bonding” year in Minnesota, typically focused on capital investment projects as well as general budget adjustments. Minnesota’s 2040 clean electricity goal has demonstrated that climate is a policy priority for the state. To support the state’s clean electricity goal, we will advocate for solutions that advance renewable energy options,. Additionally, we will monitor bills impacting rural vitality.
