On Wednesday, the Iowa Legislature voted unanimously to pass House File 772, Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Empower Rural Iowa initiative. Task forces were formed with a focus on improving access to quality housing in rural Iowa, identifying leadership development and strategic opportunities and sustaining financial connectivity. Reynolds says growth and prosperity in every single corner of the state is essential to our success. The passing of this piece of legislation brings us one step closer to that goal. “This initiative serves as a connector to existing programs and resources which provide our communities with a roadmap for continued success,” she says. Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, who serves as co-chair of the Iowa Rural Development Council, says this bill is about making sure the state is positioned to be successful, not only today, but into the future. “Through hard work, creative thinking and problem-solving, we can make Iowa the place to seek the American dream,” Gregg says. In August of last year, Ron Reischl of Manning was appointed to the Growing Rural Iowa task force.
