rural iowa

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Washington, May 4 - Iowa Congressman Tom Latham has been named to a congressional rural solutions group, granting him wider influence and input on policies that affect Iowans and residents of the country’s other rural areas.

“Rural America has been hit hard by this economic downturn, and it’s time Congress started looking at issues from the perspective of rural citizens,” Congressman Latham said.  “I understand the Iowa traditions of hard work and community service, and I embrace the fierce independent streak that keeps Iowans moving ahead, even in the face of the current economic downturn or the historic floods and storms of 2008.  Those are the values I’ll draw on as I begin my work with this new Rural America Solutions Group.”

The 16-member Rural America Solutions Group, which includes lawmakers who represent rural districts from across the country, will focus on solutions that create jobs and economic opportunities as well as address the unique challenges rural communities face.

Congressman Latham grew up and raised his family in Alexander, Iowa, a town of fewer than 200 people.  Before his service to Iowans in Congress, Latham worked as a farmer and for a small family business - a seed company founded by his father in 1947.