One in 5 Americans live in rural areas. While their small towns are popularly conceived of as idyllic havens of peace and tranquility, in reality, these isolated communities struggle disporportionately with poverty.

The Economic Stimulus for Rural Communities Act (H.R. 3807) can help. Ask the Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means to consider H.R. 3807 for passage.

Rural areas face a 15% poverty rate, higher than the national average. Geographic isolation and low tax revenues make it difficult for employers in both the private and public sectors to recruit and retain qualified employees. In education, for example, high-quality teachers that engage their students and help them succeed are hard to come by; as a result, 1 in 4 rural high school students won't graduate this year.

H.R. 3807 provides "an incentive for expanding employment in rural areas by allowing employers the work opportunity credit for hiring residents of rural areas." The bill would jump-start new job opportunities in rural communities. But it's currently stuck in committee, the graveyard of most Congressional legislation.

Only acting Committee Chairman Sandy Levin (D-MI) has the power to decide whether H.R. 3807 sees the light of day. Help the Economic Stimulus for Rural Communities Act come to a vote in the House Ways and Means Committee. Ask Rep. Rangel to consider H.R. 3807 for passage.

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