CONGRESSMAN
COLLIN C. PETERSON
Minnesota - 7th District       http://www.house.gov/collinpeterson/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2003
CONTACT: Allison Myhre/218-847-5056 or 218-731-1657

Peterson to co-chair Rural Education Caucus

(WASHINGTON, DC) - To highlight the special challenges educators face in rural areas, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-7th District) joined Secretary of Education Rod Paige and a bipartisan group of legislators to form the Rural Education Caucus.

The group announced its formation on Wednesday, and will work together to share ideas and resources to advance the educational interests of rural schools and districts.

“Our rural schools need a stronger voice in Congress,” Peterson said. “By working together, the Rural Education Caucus can better meet the needs of rural school districts that are facing funding shortfalls and a variety of other challenges.”

The caucus will sponsor briefings, facilitate communication between the Department of Education and other organizations interested in rural education, and attempt to advance a legislative agenda that benefits rural communities, educators and students.

The organization also will inform Members of Congress about the importance of rural education, and provide staff with the necessary tools to assist rural areas in their pursuit of educational excellence.

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