EMERSON HELPS FOUND RURAL CAUCUS

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, has helped establish a new Congressional Rural Caucus.

With over 100 bipartisan members, the caucus seeks to push for solutions to rural issues.

Emerson said the caucus is needed in Washington. "The American economy has been booming, yet many of our agricultural and rural communities are being left behind," she said.

"The past several years have been very hard on American producers. And hard times on the farm and ranch don't stop at the gate.

"These hard times impact rural Main Street, from the local shops to the communities, schools and homes," said Emerson.