June 06, 2006

Sebelius joins advocates to “Stand Up for Rural America”
Governor addresses leaders on challenges, opportunities for rural areas

WASHINGTON, DC – Small communities and rural areas in Kansas and around the country face real challenges, Governor Kathleen Sebelius said today at a gathering of rural leaders, but there are new opportunities opening up that can help restore vitality to America’s heartland.

Sebelius spoke to several hundred representatives of rural development corporations, business leaders and other rural leaders as part of 2006 Stand Up for Rural America Day.

Organizers say the event, held at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, is designed to “raise awareness about Rural America and the community developers that serve it, helping them gain the attention, resources and policy support their work deserves.”

Governor Sebelius told the audience the challenges facing rural areas range from a need for more good jobs and quality, affordable housing, to difficulties in maintaining basic services, such as nearby schools and health care facilities, and even mail delivery.

But, she said, “Just as the economy is posing challenges for rural communities, it’s also opening up new doors to opportunity and Kansas is home to some of the success stories.”

Sebelius touted emerging opportunities in renewable energy as a way for rural communities to take advantage of new industries and restore their prosperity.

“America is looking for new sources of energy. In Kansas, and in rural areas throughout the nation, we’re finding those sources in the grains and grasses that have been grown on the land for generations, and in the wind that blows across the fields and prairies,” she said.

“These new energy sources are creating outstanding opportunities to bring jobs and investment to our rural communities,” she continued, mentioning the wind turbines that are sprouting up throughout Kansas, and the fact that Kansas’ ethanol production has increased significantly in recent years.

Sebelius also cited small communities’ use of previously vacant buildings, such as old schools, to attract businesses that serve a global client base.

“Thanks to the Internet and global overnight delivery, entrepreneurs can set up shop anywhere,” she said. “With land prices and the cost of living soaring in many urban areas, that provides a great opportunity for rural communities.”

Sebelius said her administration is working to spur new businesses in rural areas. She pointed to initiatives like the Rural Business Development Tax Credit Program and the Rural Life Task Force as examples of how state government is forming partnerships with communities and businesses to bring new jobs and expanded opportunity to rural areas.

More information on today’s event is available at www.ruralamerica.org.