USDA Rural Development takes action to respond to COVID-19

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) has released a series of new measures to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Native American communities prepare for COVID-19

A recent NBC News report examines how Tribal nations are preparing for COVID-19, and the unique challenges they are likely to encounter. The report examines the looming crisis through the lens of the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s reservation in South Dakota.

Officials reassure residents that tap water is safe to drink

With the public taking increasing precautions to stay safe from COVID-19, public health officials have issued a statement that tap water is safe to drink in the context of COVID-19.

New California Senate bill allows churches to bypass zoning restrictions for affordable housing

A bill to aid in California’s affordable housing crisis has been introduced in the state Senate. Senate Bill 899 (SB899) allows affordable housing construction on land owned by churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based institutions.

Administration’s budget proposal reduces federal USDA spending by 8 percent

The administration has proposed an election-year budget that calls for cuts to federal spending that supports rural communities. President Trump’s budget proposal, “A Budget for America’s Future,” proposes $240 billion in mandatory savings over 10 years from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs