There is nothing more authentically American than the rural way of life. From small-town parades on the Fourth of July to the ritual of Friday night high school football games-- it is an important part of what makes small communities special. Over the past few decades, rural Missouri has watched our best and brightest move away for opportunities elsewhere. I am concerned about losing our rural way of life.

 

I do believe though that government has a role to play in setting the table for economic growth. That’s why I support policies that will help create the jobs of tomorrow, today.

 

We need to increase broadband deployment in rural Missouri. Broadband access ensures that you can be connected to the world wherever you live. Businesses like American Walnut in Grant City or Inovatia Laboratories in Fayette can do business anywhere in the world without leaving rural Missouri. Children can get a world-class education from their home or school. You can get the advice of a medical specialist without driving to the city.

 

A manufacturing facility is often one of the biggest employers in town, like Midwest Quality Gloves in Chillicothe. It’s important that those jobs stay put and don’t move to China or Mexico. The federal government needs to encourage more development through tax credits for investing in rural communities, improvement of infrastructure and loans from the Small Business Administration.

 

I also believe in fair trade. Increasing the number of markets available helps increase farm income. However, we must make sure that those agreements do not undermine other jobs here at home. The federal government should buy American first and enforce the rules of trading agreements already in place.

 

People create jobs, not government; but government can make it easier. I am going to continue to fight to keep our rural way of life.