Mar 25, 2021
In this first part of our special two-part series, the Biden-Harris Rural Vision, Michelle talks with Will McIntee, the Associate Director of Public Engagement in the White House Office of Public Engagement. The office’s goals are to improve the connection between the federal government and the public and ensure that all constituencies have a seat at the table. McIntee explains that, in many ways, rural communities are the key to the success of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. The goal of the program, he notes, is not just to get the country back to normal, but also to return "better" than before the pandemic. The legislation, McIntee notes, includes funding for vaccine education; rural school reopening and remote learning; mental health services and rural healthcare; farmers and food producers; and Native communities and Native health services. McIntee urges listeners to connect with the White House Office of Public Engagement to share success stories and best practices in rural communities.