Representative Mike Thompson

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA (MPG) – On Sept. 17, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) and Rep. James Gallagher (R-CA-01) introduced their bipartisan Revitalize Rural America Act (RRAA) to jumpstart rural economies in Northern California and across our country. The RRAA will expand rural health care access, boost support for local agriculture and help rural communities bring home more federal funding for everything from infrastructure to education.

“Our rural communities are struggling to remain competitive and provide critical services,” said Thompson. “Our landmark, bipartisan bill boosts access to health care services, makes rural housing more affordable, brings workers back to rural areas, and delivers needed relief to farmers and ranchers. This legislation marks a huge first step in boosting our rural economies and bringing relief to the nearly 50 million Americans living in rural communities nationwide.” 

One in seven Americans live in rural America, and rural communities in the U.S. generate over $2 trillion in economic output each year. Our rural communities make significant contributions to U.S. culture and our economy. But these communities are falling behind and need support to succeed. 

The bipartisan Revitalize Rural America Act would strengthen rural communities by keeping hospitals open, expanding access to doctors and telehealth, and helping small towns secure federal resources. The bill makes key telehealth flexibilities permanent, supports the recruitment of essential workers to underserved areas, creates a refundable payroll tax credit for rural hospitals and provides technical assistance to help rural communities compete for federal grants.

The legislation also supports rural workers, farmers and local economies by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, improving coordination across federal rural development programs, and providing tax relief for the sale of qualifying agricultural property. Together, these provisions address the interconnected challenges facing rural America, including health care shortages, limited government capacity, rising costs, and the loss of family farms and other economic anchors.