Rural communities around Kansas are beautiful. They are also just as important to the state as larger communities. The people in rural communities around the state are tired of being overlooked by politicians and tired of simply being used for an election vote. The needs of these communities are unique and they are growing.
Land is livelihood, for many rural Kansans. The hard work that rural Kansans pour out into land daily provides food and other resources for the entire country. And just like the rest of us, corporate greed is threatening the livelihood of rural Kansans, too. These monster corporations are driving up their prices, raking in record profits. From fertilizer to lumber to gasoline and diesel, these increased costs uniquely crush rural communities, as they attempt to carry the weight of our nation on their backs. Even the cost of energy, to keep the lights, heat, and cooling on is through the roof.
Rural communities have similar needs to larger communities, but the impact of ignoring those needs is a unique kind of pain. Federal support for growing crops and maintaining land is critical; applying for and receiving that support should be a clear and seamless process. That process also includes the need for high speed internet, in all rural communities, not just some. Broadband internet also gives rural communities access to critical healthcare needs. And many, to cover these costs and others, rely on Social Security and Medicare.
Rural communities are also struggling, due to legislation surrounding the "right to repair." Corporations and their lobbyists continue to pressure legislators, who pass legislation that makes self-repair and self-maintenance of products and machinery difficult. Forcing working-class folks to use only a limited number of very costly, approved vendors means they are saddled with unnecessary costs. We must fight to end this predatory practice. If you have the skills and the knowledge, you should be able to fix stuff!
These are real solutions that real people in our rural communities need. I hear you and I will fight for those solutions and for your needs.
Land is livelihood, for many rural Kansans. The hard work that rural Kansans pour out into land daily provides food and other resources for the entire country. And just like the rest of us, corporate greed is threatening the livelihood of rural Kansans, too. These monster corporations are driving up their prices, raking in record profits. From fertilizer to lumber to gasoline and diesel, these increased costs uniquely crush rural communities, as they attempt to carry the weight of our nation on their backs. Even the cost of energy, to keep the lights, heat, and cooling on is through the roof.
Rural communities have similar needs to larger communities, but the impact of ignoring those needs is a unique kind of pain. Federal support for growing crops and maintaining land is critical; applying for and receiving that support should be a clear and seamless process. That process also includes the need for high speed internet, in all rural communities, not just some. Broadband internet also gives rural communities access to critical healthcare needs. And many, to cover these costs and others, rely on Social Security and Medicare.
Rural communities are also struggling, due to legislation surrounding the "right to repair." Corporations and their lobbyists continue to pressure legislators, who pass legislation that makes self-repair and self-maintenance of products and machinery difficult. Forcing working-class folks to use only a limited number of very costly, approved vendors means they are saddled with unnecessary costs. We must fight to end this predatory practice. If you have the skills and the knowledge, you should be able to fix stuff!
These are real solutions that real people in our rural communities need. I hear you and I will fight for those solutions and for your needs.