During the Wednesday, July 26 hearing on “Rural Entrepreneurship: Examining the Challenges,” state Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, said more dollars are needed for a better economic environment in outlying cities and towns – but added that he thinks government red tape is a roadblock. Photo provided by Indiana News Service.

By Terri Dee
Indiana News Service

INDIANA —Some smaller Indiana cities and towns are lagging when it comes to growth and development of amenities that larger cities have, but they need funding. An Indiana state representative spoke on their behalf this week in Congress.

During the Wednesday, July 26 hearing on “Rural Entrepreneurship: Examining the Challenges,” State Representative Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, said more dollars are needed for a better economic environment in outlying cities and towns – but added that he thinks government red tape is a roadblock.

“Every year, there’s additional documents that have to be filed. If you don’t go that route of hiring someone else, then if you forget to do that or file that on time, then you’re liable to repay all of that and lose your grant,” he said. “So, we need to make sure that there’s less of those regulations.”

Culp, who represents parts of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties, explained the need for an improved follow-up plan to ensure applications for federal dollars get to the right organizations. He also commented on some of the conditions in rural areas that restrict opportunities there, including lack of broadband internet and limited access to child care.

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the four counties Culp represents have an unemployment rate averaging 3.5%. During the hearing, Culp noted the growing number of baby boomers who are retiring, lowering the supply of available workers. Although some professionals seek employment in rural Indiana, he said the smaller towns often can’t compete with the amenities of the metropolitan areas.

“The professional that’s getting hired is fine to live there,” he said. “The spouse comes and says, ‘Well, where’s the retail? Where’s the entertainment opportunities? Where are the food venues, right? Where are the walking paths?'”

Culp said the importance of investing in business growth to attract people to live and work in rural areas must include sustaining a productive workforce. He also wants Congress to pass a 2023 Farm Bill that includes boosting access to resources for rural businesses to help them grow.