One Country Project

Happy Election Day!

If you haven't yet voted, find your polling place here. We'll be watching races for Pennsylvania's state Supreme Court, Virginia's state legislature, and governor in both Kentucky and Mississippi.

One thing we'll be keeping a particularly close eye on is the Ohio abortion ballot. After the fall of Roe v. Wade, voters turned out to the polls in record numbers to preserve abortion access. During last year's midterms, voters galvanized by the issue of abortion turned what was expected to be a red wave into a reiteration of support for Democrats. Ohio's Issue 1 ballot will reveal whether the momentum will translate into the seventh straight victory for abortion rights in state referendums and offer a preview of next year's presidential election year.

Tune in to tomorrow's episode of the Hot Dish for co-hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp's readout of election results.

ECONOMIC ELECTION FACTORS

An evergreen issue in elections is the economy. October's jobs report saw 150,000 jobs added. During the past three years, President Biden has already overseen the creation 14 million jobs – the most jobs in a single term – while keeping unemployment under four percent for 21 straight months, the longest stretch since the 1960s.

Biden's commitment to supporting hardworking Americans continues with his Investing in Rural America tour, which aims to connect rural residents with $5 billion in new funding to build out infrastructure, broadband access, and sustainable farming practices.

Despite the billions of dollars secured through the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, and the macro data that illustrates a remarkable recovery, cooling inflation, and stabilizing economic growth, voters' personal finances are still feeling pinched – and their dissatisfaction has ominous implications for Biden one year out from the election.

Not helping is House Republicans' insistence of running up against funding deadlines, sowing financial fear and threatening an economically chaotic government shutdown. With only 10 days until the expiration of the current continuing resolution, the House has no plans to try passing another stopgap funding bill this week – not even the bizarre "laddered CR," which would divide the federal budget into separate funding streams and pave the way for a series of mini shutdowns in the future.

Congress must shift focus from political infighting to fighting to keep the government open, prioritizing people's well-being, removing the burden of uncertainty for families' finances, and continuing the development projects they've already promised to rural America.

SHARE YOUR RURAL HEALTH CARE STORY

Rural America faces unique health care challenges. One Country wants to raise awareness with policymakers in Washington, DC through first person testimonials by rural residents. Tell us your story and help us improve health care access in rural America.

REMINDER: MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2024 COVERAGE

Seniors and families, NOW is the time to ensure your 2024 health care needs will be covered by selecting the plan that best fits your needs. Medicare Open Enrollment lasts until December 7. Explore your coverage options here.

LOOKING AHEAD

In tomorrow morning's hearing, the Senate Appropriations Committee will focus on the Biden administration's $16 million request to support the childcare industry in the wake of the American Rescue Act funding expiration.

	Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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ONE COUNTRY IN THE NEWS

OCP founder and former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp appeared on ABC News Live to discuss Speak Mike Johnson's MAGA agenda, as well as on an ABC "Last Call" panel to discuss work-life balance.