Thirteen area business and civic leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. recently on the annual Access Washington trip. Organized by the Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC), Executive Director, Shannon Landauer, says it was a very busy few days.
The group also talked with congressional delegates about rural infrastructure, economic development and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding. Other areas of interest included new rural healthcare opportunities that could ensure every resident in Carroll County has access to healthcare and how changes to Medicare and Medicaid funding may affect St. Anthony Regional Hospital and other local businesses.
Everyone is well aware it will be some time yet before finalization of President Donald Trump’s budget, but this delegation wanted to make sure their voices were heard before any firm decisions are made on dollars that are important to the area.
Landauer says one of the best things about this trip is they were able to see action on important issues and they have been able to get into departments, like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Economic Development Administration and the USDA. The 13 delegates were given the opportunity to network, make connections and explain how funding from these entities and others improves life for Carroll County residents. This was also the first year the group was able to meet with the National Association of Development Organizations.
We will bring you more from St. Anthony CEO, Ed Smith, on the Medicare program with a dramatic impact for their organization and from Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director for Region XII Council of Governments, who will detail several federal programs that are slated for budget cuts and the implications for the entire region.
