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Recent posts by Jordan Rasmussen

USDA Rural Development fills resource gaps in small towns

By Jordan Rasmussen on August 31, 2017 - 2:04pm

Over the years, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s funding has served as a lifeline for rural communities, providing critical funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, public and community buildings, and essential community service facilities.

Without these grants and loans, many small communities would have to put off infrastructure or facility projects. When necessary projects are delayed, the quality of life in a small town is impacted, along with its economic prospects.

Advocacy 101

State and national policy has a direct impact on how we live our daily lives. But how can you impact policy? Your representatives are elected to act on our behalf as they shape the policies that affect us.

You can engage with our elected officials through advocacy. Understanding advocacy and what it means to be an advocate is key in understanding our political system and making our voices heard.

Check out our tips on this fact sheet.

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PDF icon Advocacy 101 Fact Sheet

EPA seeks to step backward on clean water policy

By Jordan Rasmussen on August 24, 2017 - 3:15pm

Since President Trump issued an executive order calling for the repeal and replacement of the 2015 Clean Water, or Water of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule, my husband has discussed the issue with — and heard the concerns of — his fellow farmers.

As any wife would do, I shared with him the facts and premise of the rule:

The cost of doing away with USDA Rural Development

By Jordan Rasmussen on July 25, 2017 - 5:47pm

Over the years, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grants and loans have served as a lifeline for rural communities, providing critical funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, public and community buildings, and essential community service facilities. Yet the president’s proposed budget zeros out allocations for Rural Development, leaving small towns with few options and bleak prospects for continued growth.

Medicaid cuts hurt rural seniors and rural communities

By Jordan Rasmussen on July 21, 2017 - 1:09pm

Tucked within the text of both the House and Senate’s bills to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is language which seeks to fundamentally change the Medicaid program. While the enactment of this legislation is unknown, the principle remains, and rural seniors would be hurt.

For rural states and regions that already encounter the health care challenges of an older, poorer and less healthy population, Medicaid allows access to care to remain for even those who are not enrolled under the entitlement.   

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