DES MOINES – The Iowa Legislature voted unanimously to pass HF 772, the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.
The initiative establishes a partnership with the Iowa Rural Development Council to identify needed legislative, regulatory and policy changes. Recommendations will be provided by an executive committee and three task forces: the Investing in Rural Iowa Task Force; the Growing Rural Iowa Task Force; and the Connecting Rural Iowa Task Force.
The Investing in Rural Iowa Task Force will focus its recommendations on improving access to quality housing in rural Iowa. The Growing Rural Iowa Task Force will focus on identifying ways to encourage leadership development and strategic development in rural communities. The Connecting Rural Iowa Task Force will look into effectively and sustainably financing connectivity.
“If we are going to be successful as a state, there needs to be growth and prosperity in every single corner of Iowa. With the passage of today’s legislation, we are one step closer to achieving that goal. This initiative serves as a connector to existing programs and resources which provide our communities with a roadmap for continued success.” -Gov. Kim Reynolds
“Empowering rural Iowa is all about making sure our entire state is positioned to be successful today and in the future. Through hard work, creative thinking, and problem-solving, we can make Iowa the place to seek the American dream.” – Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Empower Rural Iowa Co-Chair