FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 18, 2004
Contact:  Adrienne Elrod
(202) 225-3772
 

Ross Joins Democrats in Fight for Rural Priorities
Democratic Rural Working Group Unveils “Voice of the Heartland – Democrats’ Five Priorities for Rural America” 

 
 
(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.


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