Press Release from Congressman Colin Peterson --MN | April 1, 2003
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif) has tapped Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson (DFL-7th District) to co-chair the Rural Working Group, a new group in Congress designed to give rural issues a voice at the leadership table.
Peterson, along with Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss), will lead the select group that includes 26 other Members of Congress who represent predominantly rural areas around the country. They will work to develop a focused agenda specifically designed to benefit rural areas throughout the country.
We want a stronger voice in Congress for agriculture, for education, for veterans, and for health care in rural areas,Peterson said. Redistricting caused a further decline in representation for our less populated regions and my hope is that this group will help to level the playing field a bit when were fighting for rural concerns.
One of Pelosis primary goals in creating the group is to enhance knowledge and understanding of rural issues for all Members of Congress.
Mrs. Pelosi represents an urban district and I represent a conservative rural district,Peterson said, but while we see many issues differently we are already finding ways to work together on issues that are important to all of us. She doesnt come from a rural area, but she listens and she wants to better understand rural America and what we need in rural Minnesota. I think this new group gives us a renewed opportunity to define and advance a rural-specific agenda.
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