Salinas, Valadao Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Invest in Rural Communities’ Success

Washington, DC –Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, legislation that would expand federal support and investment in rural communities and help ensure their long-term success. U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Despite playing a key role in our economy and way of life, rural Oregon has been getting the short end of the stick from our federal government for far too long,” said Rep. Salinas. "Our bipartisan bill would change that by establishing new targeted, direct investments into rural communities, while also providing increased technical assistance to ensure they don't miss out on programs the federal government already has to offer. Overall, this legislation levels the playing field for rural America and will help these communities thrive for generations to come.”

“Many of our rural communities across the Central Valley have historically been overlooked for critical economic investments, and it’s past time we even the playing field,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act would make it easier for rural communities to access federal funding for economic and community development projects. I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill with Rep. Salinas to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need to thrive.”  

The Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act will create a grant program providing multiyear, flexible awards to communities to be used to address urgent needs, including but not limited to affordable child care, housing, and job training; provide technical assistance grants to help rural communities navigate existing federal funding opportunities and ensure they get their fair share of private and federal investments; and improve supportive services offered by the federal government to rural communities.

The legislation is supported by local governments and stakeholders in Oregon’s Sixth District, including the City of Jefferson, Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Jefferson Public Library, City of Newberg, and City of Turner.

The legislation is also endorsed by more than 20 national and regional organizations, including: National Association of Counties, National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA), Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, International Economic Development Council, BPC Action, Farm Credit Council, National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), National Association of Towns & Townships, Cobank, Land O’Lakes, Center on Rural Innovation, National Rural Water Association, Housing Assistance Council, Communities Unlimited, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, National Rural Health Association, Save the Children, Main Street Alliance, Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, SERCAP, INC., Enterprise Community Partners, e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, MDC.

To read a one-page description of this legislation, click here.

To read the full text of this legislation, click here. 

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