The health of the economy in rural communities is strongly tied to the overall well-being of the American economy. Rural areas hold the vast majority of our country’s land and supply the rest of the country with the food, water, and energy we depend on. And yet, as the representative of one of the most rural districts in the country, I’ve seen countless examples of the ways rural communities are i... Read more »
I’m proud to serve as Chair of this critical subcommittee. Underserved, agricultural, and rural small businesses have experienced some of the harshest outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The road to recovery they face is long, and we must ensure we advance policy that prioritizes them, so they are not left behind. I hope to use this subcommittee’s first hearing during the 117th Congress to examine ... Read more »
Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship, led by Chairwoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), held a virtual hearing exploring policies to boost entrepreneurship in rural communities to help expedite their economic recovery. “Due to the downturn in our economy, 7.5 million small businesses are now at risk of closure, an... Read more »
I want to start by recognizing the Iowans in our community who have gone through hell the last few weeks. You see, cities and towns in our congressional district were hit by a derecho in the middle of August. That meant hurricane-like 140 mile per hour winds ripping through homes, businesses, and farms –– all this with almost no warning. Hundreds of thousands were left without power for more than ... Read more »
Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Chairwoman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship gathered small business owners and an education expert to examine the impact that childcare has on small business and regional economies. “When parents can’t access affordable childcare, the effects are felt across our economy,... Read more »
Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Chairwoman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development Agriculture and Trade held a hearing focused on supporting small businesses in the clean energy sector. Small companies have been driving growth in this fast-growing sector, with an estimated 70% of employees in the industry working for a small business. “Small busines... Read more »
As the Congresswoman from Iowa’s First Congressional District, I know how important clean energy and renewable fuels are to our economy and our environment. As this sector continues to grow and become a driving force in the global economy, businesses—large and small—are looking to take advantage of these new opportunities. By reducing emissions, supporting renewable energy, and increasing energy e... Read more »
Washington, D.C.— Today, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship, under Chairwoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) gathered young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to discuss the issues that they face and ways that Congress can support them. "The future of our rural economy truly depends on this next generation," said Chairwoman Finkenauer. ... Read more »
Washington, D.C.— Today, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship under Chairwoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) held a hearing focused on the current state of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Members had the opportunity to hear from small business owners and economic development professionals regar... Read more »
As a Congresswoman from Iowa’s First Congressional District, whose sister and brother in law are corn and soybean farmers, I’ve watched first hand the last few years as retaliation from the current trade wars have caused unease, uncertainty and economic losses across the heartland. Now, trade issues are coming to the forefront of national conversations with implications for nearly every sector of ... Read more »
