Missouri Champions Rural Rights at Summit

By Blake Jackson

Missouri leaders have taken a firm stand alongside dozens of organizations across the country to protect the state’s rural communities. Their efforts were shared during the Rural Policy Action Summit held recently in Iowa.

The summit, led by the Rural Democracy Initiative, focused on major issues such as healthcare cuts, farm support, rural education, and the impact of government decisions on small communities. It was supported by notable partners including the American Federation of Teachers and the Native Organizers Alliance.

Caitlyn Adams, executive director of Missouri Jobs for Justice, addressed the growing difficulties rural families face - “Shutting down rural hospitals, attacks on Medicaid and Social Security, messing with government funding programs and loans, particularly the family farmers who really rely and count on that.”

Missouri is home to a large rural population. Yet it lags in areas such as health and education. Over 78% of Missouri's Health Professional Shortage Areas are rural. The state also invests less than $6,000 per rural student, well below the national average.

The summit shed light on small victories too, such as community action that stopped utility rate hikes, proving that local activism can make a difference. Speakers emphasized that rural Americans need better access to services and economic opportunities.

Michael Chameides, policy director of the Rural Democracy Initiative, said, “We’re also seeing stuff like establishing paid family leave in Missouri. Workers need things like a fair minimum wage and paid family leave.”

Alongside healthcare and education, the summit discussed the role of immigration, disaster aid, and how rural businesses struggle to survive.

While federal policies often promise economic growth through corporate tax cuts, many rural advocates say these measures rarely reach the people who need help most.

Missouri’s participation in the summit highlights the state’s commitment to rural families. Leaders and advocates continue to push for fair policies that support those living in small towns and farming communities.

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