A new era for rural policy

In testimony before Congress?s House Committee on Small Business, Drabenstott addressed four key questions concerning the future of U.S. rural policy. First, how has the rural economy changed over the past 30 years and what are the resulting challenges? Second, what are the best economic opportunities going forward? Third, what policy goals and framing principles will help rural America seize those opportunities? And fourth, what specific program areas are likely to make the biggest contribution to successful rural policy? ; Main Streets throughout the nation have depended on the perseverance of generations of small entrepreneurs. These rural entrepreneurs have also made big contributions to the national economy through the creation of companies like Caterpillar, Gateway Computer, and Pella Windows. Entrepreneurs may have an even bigger impact on rural America?s future. ; Public policy will play a crucial role in shaping the environment within which rural businesses start and grow. Over time, the nation has reaffirmed the importance of helping rural regions grow their economies. The Rural Development Act of 1972 is one clear example. Since then, much has changed in the rural economy, signaling that new directions are needed for rural policy. Regardless of the direction, initiatives to help Main Streets grow more entrepreneurs will be a cornerstone of the new rural policy.