(Washington, D.C.) - Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus said the White House Rural Council's rural jobs initiative announced today is an important step toward making sure workers and business owners in states like Montana have the tools they need to grow the economy.  According to the White House, the new initiative will leverage existing programs and funding to increase investments in rural businesses and provide greater job training and resources for rural workers. Baucus is also working to pass his Rural Access to Credit Bill to help rural businesses get the credit they need to grow and hire new workers.

"Rural communities are vital to the American economy - our small business owners create jobs that support families, our farmers and ranchers grow food that feeds the world and our work ethic is second to none.  Investing in rural jobs will yield big returns for the entire American economy and it's good to see Washington finally taking notice," Baucus said. "I'll continue fighting to make sure Montana's unique needs are heard."

 Baucus is pushing U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to bring the Rural Council to Montana to see firsthand the unique opportunities and challenges local business and workers face.

Contact: Kate Downen 406-224-5056/Jenny Donohue 202-224-2651

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