(Washington, D.C.) Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR-04) joined
members of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Democratic Rural Working
Group today in announcing the Democrats’ five priorities for rural America:
supporting family, community, patriotism, prosperity, and strength.
“I am proud to join my fellow Democrats in speaking and standing up
for the heartland by announcing our contract with rural America,” said
Ross. “Today we stand up for the preservation of the values and priorities
that are important to the future of rural America. Without good roads and
good jobs, rural America will be left behind.”
The principles released by the Democratic Rural Working Group are:
Standing for Common Sense Spending.
Creating Jobs and Strong Trade Priorities.
Building Roads, Airports, Information Systems and Infrastructure.
· Strengthening Education,
Health Care and Housing for Our Families and Communities.
Defending America -- Honoring our Military and Our Veterans.
During the press conference, Ross focused his message on investing in
our rural infrastructure. Ross said, “Investing in our rural roads and
highways is critical. For every $1 billion dollars we invest in our roads
and highways, 42,000 jobs are created. That means if we invested $1 billion
in every congressional district in America, 18 million new jobs would be
created. And that does not even count the long-term jobs that would come
to rural America through the economic opportunities that would be created
by better roads and better infrastructure.”
Finally, Ross said rural members are working to invest in national priorities
like education and health care, and honoring our men and women in uniform
and veterans.
“Make no mistake – Democrats are the ones who represent the best interests
of rural America,” said Ross. “We will continue to fight for the conservative
family values of America’s working families. By investing in rural America,
we pave the way to a solid economic future for our children and grandchildren. |