Cortez Masto, Fischer Push to Continue Critical Funding for Rural Cooperatives

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act, which would reauthorize and improve the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program. The RCDG Program helps rural communities start, expand, or improve cooperatives or other mutually owned businesses.

A cooperative is a business that is owned and controlled by people who use its services, often for the mutual benefit of a community. This model empowers rural communities to collectively address economic challenges and meet common needs. There are more than 70 such cooperatives in Nevada. Companion legislation has been introduced on a bipartisan basis in the House of Representatives. This bill is endorsed by the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation, National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA), National Association of Counties (NACo), and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), among others.

"Rural cooperatives fill community needs that no other model could fill as efficiently or effectively," said Senator Cortez Masto. "The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program is a lifeline to rural communities, and I am committed to fighting for its continued funding and working to improve it so that it better meets the needs of people living in rural Nevada."

"Rural cooperatives not only provide tools and services to their members, but also sustain entire communities by creating jobs, supporting families, and driving local growth. Our bipartisan legislation will guarantee that this model remains strong, allowing cooperatives to ensure that rural America can continue to thrive for years to come," said Senator Fischer.

"NCBA CLUSA applauds the bipartisan Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act, which recognizes the essential role cooperatives play in building resilient and inclusive rural economies," said Doug O'Brien, President and CEO of NCBA CLUSA. "For over 30 years, the RCDG Program has been a cornerstone in supporting the launch and growth of cooperative businesses that drive rural economies. By modernizing and strengthening this critical program through the leadership of Senators Cortez Masto and Fischer, Congress is making a vital investment in the people and places that form the backbone of our nation. We look forward to working with members to ensure rural America continues to thrive through cooperative enterprise."

"Counties are on the front lines of rural community development," said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of NACo. "We need flexible tools to support economic opportunities for our rural residents. The Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act enhances the RCDG Program, which equips counties and our partners with the tools to build stronger, more resilient rural economies. We thank Senators Cortez Masto and Fischer for their bipartisan leadership and urge swift passage of this critical legislation."

"Electric cooperatives have a long history of partnering with USDA to improve life in rural communities," said Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. "This legislation will build upon the successes of the RCDG Program by giving co-ops an enhanced tool to meet unmet needs in the communities they serve. We appreciate Senators Cortez Masto and Fischer's efforts to improve this important program."

Specifically, the Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act

• Reauthorizes funding for the RCDG Program at $40 million annually from FY25 to FY29;
• Ensures scoring for grants does not disadvantage under-resourced organizations;
• Reduces regulatory burden by implementing multi-year grants;
• Prioritizes grants for socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities; and
• Requires the Working Group on Cooperative Development submit an annual report detailing their activities to Congress.

Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada's rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. She ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas. She's also introduced legislation to provide funds for homeowners to disaster-proof their houses, including by fireproofing, which is particularly important in rural and remote communities.

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