Obama to Host a Rural Policy Forum in Iowa Friday

[illinoisprogressive]

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama says he wants to reach out to all voters, including those struggling to keep up with the challenges facing rural America.

Obama plans to host a rural policy forum on Friday in Dallas County, Iowa, where he says he will gain insights directly from rural voters. He will also host a rural policy summit in Iowa in mid-August, which will focus on rural economic development, quality of life in rural communities, agriculture and renewable energy.

Obama told The Associated Press in an interview that people in rural economies suffer from many of the same things that people do all across the country.

He says there are common problems with health care access, failing school systems and a lack of livable wages. But the Illinois senator says there are unique issues that must be addressed as well, including spotty rural broadband and wireless coverage, underfunded community colleges and a need to make the most of the growing alternative energy industry.

http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=6824000&nav=1sW7

[pstans]

1. Some of Dallas County is rural, but it is the fastest growing in Iowa

[illinoisprogressive]

2. It sounds like this is the first in at least a few forums on this.

[madrchsod]

3. he needs to go out to storm lake area

to see what is going on ....

[Ethelk2044]

4. This is a good idea