Good afternoon,

Yesterday was Indigenous People's Day – a day that celebrates the contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government's trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations. Election day is 20 days away and the Native vote will be critical in Arizona, North Carolina, Montana, and Alaska. To drive Native American voter turnout in these states, the Democratic National Committee announced a large ad buy. In 2020, Native voters were very decisive in the presidential election. Once again, Native voters have the opportunity to use their voices in this critical election. It will be interesting to see what their verdict is as many issues on the ballot, from access to health care to Tribal sovereignty, will directly impact them.

Here are a few important updates impacting rural America ...

HURRICANE MILTON MONSTROSITY

• At the end of last week, Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, killing at least 14 people, destroying more than 120 homes, and leaving a path of destruction across the Sunshine State. Hurricane Milton along with Hurricane Helene, are important reminders that climate change is a real issue that deserves attention and solutions. Several studies are showing how climate change made these hurricanes "more potent and destructive." These natural disasters come at a time when climate is on the ballot and the outcome of the election will drive our country's future. While Milton was less severe than forecasters predicted, the state still has a long road of recovery ahead.

• On Sunday, President Joe Biden visited Florida's Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Observing the wreckage from Hurricane Milton gave Biden another chance to press House Speaker Mike Johnson for more disaster aid ahead of the November 5 election. The President also announced $612 million for six Department of Energy projects in areas affected by the hurricanes to "protect, enhance, and upgrade our nation's electric grid."

HARRIS' PLAN TO REACH RURAL VOTERS

• Today, Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to unveil Vice President Kamala Harris' plan to improve the lives of rural voters. The Harris-Walz plan includes a focus on improving rural health care in addition to economic and agricultural policy priorities. This effort is part of the Democratic campaign's work to win over Trump-leaning voters who will be vital in the quickly approaching election. In 2020, Trump carried rural voters by a nearly two-to-one margin. This time around, Democrats are determined to give Trump a run for his money.

• The Harris-Walz plan calls for:

• • Permanently extending telemedicine coverage under Medicare.
  • Providing grants to support volunteer EMS programs.
  • Restoring the Affordable Connectivity Program.
  • Requiring equipment managers to grant farmers the right to repair their products.

• The rural vote matters now more than ever. Make sure you are registered to vote and ready to make your voice heard on November 5.

• Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are heading to campaign in key battleground states today.

• Early voting begins in Georgia and North Carolina this week. Georgia voters can head to the ballot box starting today and early-in person voting begins in North Carolina on Thursday.

• Vice President Kamala Harris will join Charlamagne Tha God for a town hall-style conversation on his radio show, The Breakfast Club. The show will be broadcast live today.

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