Our rural and smaller communities form the backbone and foundation from which the rest of our state was built.  These communities still boast the highest high school graduation rates, feed the rest of our state, and are home to some of the safest places to raise families.  Today, however, our rural communities face significant threats, some of which are long-standing, while others are newer and increasingly urgent. 

While initiatives have been introduced over the years to address these issues, none have cast the net wide enough to create long-lasting revitalization.  Rural prosperity should never risk “bringing the problems of the big cities to our small towns”.  We must protect the community identities that make those places sought after by our young families and growing industry partners. 

Within our first 100 days my administration will put in place a deeply comprehensive approach to rural community revitalization.  Our plans will weave together strategies that incorporate industries, resources, infrastructure, energy, education, healthcare, connectivity, and access into a canvas that creates long term growth and lasting prosperity within those communities.