Kansas Democrats recognize the value of vibrant rural communities. Yet many rural areas of our state face real challenges. That is why we believe we must do even more to address these challenges and restore opportunity to rural Kansas. Democrats support ensuring the profitability of family farms and protecting and expanding markets for our agricultural products. The fertile soils of Kansas farms must be protected and conserved. This is best accomplished by research, education, and keeping the land in the hands of family farmers.

The public school is often the heart of a rural community and vital to its economic health. Kansas Democrats are strongly committed to our rural schools. We support funds for new technology to maintain and improve the quality of education available in rural schools. This requires making tools such as broadband Internet access available throughout Kansas.

New technology is expanding the opportunity for a great education regardless of where a child lives. This has the potential to create new industries and jobs in rural areas. Renewable energy production, such as wind, solar and bio-fuel, has the potential to revitalize rural communities, bringing jobs and prosperity while at the same time benefiting our environment. We will continue to lead the way in efforts to expand these industries in Kansas.