I
MIRROR-SUN THURSDAY WEEKLY LYONS, NE Circulation '735
I
0112212009
I
-*'
''
i
.
CFRA Guest Opinion i
-I
A
I
Governor Walks Away From Rural Mainstreets L a s t week, Governor communities. Heineman proposed slashing Tightening our budgetary Tundine for imvortant rural belt in difficult times is imdeveloiment aid rural small business programs. His budget would cut a full two-thirds from the Microenterprise Partnership Fund, our state's small business development program, and the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA), rural Nebraska's community development During this national economic downturn, these are exactly the type of proven rural revitalization strategies that deserve the investment of ur limited state tax dollars. And this is exactly the time to invest in rural entrepreneurship and innovative rural development that can reinvigorate the rural , . economy and revitalize rural
rural development for disproportionate cuts makes no sense whatsoever. BECA and the Microenterprise Partnership Fund are 2 two programs that look to- -2 ward the future and help build --a more robust and resilient economy in our small towns and across the state. Luckily, the Governor's proposal can be changed by our State Senators. In 2007 they stood up for rural Nebraska when they doubled funding for the Building 3 Entrepreneurial Communities Act to $500,000 and dedicated $1.5 million to the Nebraska Microenterprise , Brian Depew Development Act. Rural Organizing and Nebraska Senators should, Outreach Program Director at least, tontinue support portant. for both programs at those I But the Governor singling levels. i out small businesses, rural For further information 1 mainstreets and innovative visit: www.cfra.org.
-4
1
3 I
I
C,
*
i