Wisconsin lawmakers will be back in Madison soon to consider a set of new initiatives to help rural Wisconsin.
Governor Tony Evers called the Republican-controlled Legislature into a special session next week. They will consider an $8.5 million package of bills designed to alleviate a rural farm crisis.
Evers said during his State of the State speech this week he was creating a new Office of Rural Prosperity to help people navigate state programs and resources targeting rural communities, businesses and workers. He also created a blue-ribbon commission to promote agriculture and rural economic prosperity and develop long-term strategies. The commission would work on how to help rural communities.
Brad Pfaff is director of the Office of Business & Rural Development. Pfaff's job is to help rural residents and he says Evers goal is to treat all citizens, urban and rural, equally...
"He(Evers) talked about investing in rural Wisconsin. I was very pleased to hear that. In rural Wisconsin people are extremely hard working, their innovative, creative....we want to make sure that is recognized. We also want to make sure the state partners where it can with the programs it offers..."
He says the Office of Rural Prosperty, if approved, will be there for all rural residents....
"That's important. Where it can be a one-stop-shop to help entrepreneurs as well as local economic development officials finding the tools needed in order to grow and retain jobs in rural Wisconsin..."
Pfaff joined other Evers cabinet members in Rhinelander and other points in the Northwoods to talk about the Evers agenda.
