Lawmakers from Vermont and New Hampshire are advocating for increased staffing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office to better support rural communities. Senators Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, Jeanne Shaheen, and Maggie Hassan, along with Representatives Becca Balint and Chris Pappas, have written a letter to the Government Accountability Office highlighting the office’s struggles with hiring and funding.
The Rural Development office plays a vital role in implementing USDA programs in rural areas, providing loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling over $40 billion annually. However, the office’s ability to fulfill its mission is hindered by inadequate staffing and funding. Lawmakers point out that the office is crucial in connecting businesses with new markets, improving infrastructure, and supporting disaster preparedness efforts.
By addressing the issues of staffing and funding, lawmakers believe that the Rural Development office can better serve rural communities by guaranteeing access to capital and supporting community initiatives. Their efforts aim to ensure that the USDA has the resources it needs to effectively assist rural areas in their development and growth.
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