At a recent meeting with staff of our federal delegation, we received a clear message to encourage communication from people in rural America.
We were reminded of how important it is for us to contact our senators and representatives in Washington, D.C. so that our voice is heard. Clearly, there are issues that evoke a variety of opinions and levels of concern to Americans who live in urban and rural areas. With the greater number of voices in large urban areas, it is essential that those of us in small communities and rural areas reach out and speak up.
Examples that were brought up in the meeting include the unique challenges of health care in small and remote communities, the impact of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts. Here on the shore of Lake Superior we are especially aware of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. We’re surrounded by a national forest and home to a national monument. Housing and childcare have been identified as impediments to our economic growth. The list goes on and on…too numerous to list them all here. But we each know where our concerns lie.
Whatever your personal priorities, please reach out to Senators Franken and Klobuchar and Congressman Nolan. We were advised in this recent meeting that stories of how federal programs have helped will enable them to make strong arguments as to why those programs should be continued. See contact information below or search for them on Facebook. Your voice counts. Let it be heard.
GO COOK COUNTY!
Mary Somnis,
Cook County/Grand Marais EDA,
PO Box 597, Grand Marais MN 55604,
director@prosperitynorth.com
218-387-3112
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