The White House will host the White House Rural Forum today, convening rural policy, business, and nonprofit leaders to Penn State University in State College, PA, and announcing new administration actions in support of rural America.

Rural household income climbed 3.4% in 2015, and overall poverty and food insecurity fell dramatically, rural populations have begun to rebound, and non-metro areas have added more than 250,000 jobs since 2014. (Photo: James Pintar/Thinkstock)

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, chairman of the White House Rural Council, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf will lead discussions on pertinent issues facing rural communities, including opportunities for economic growth and strategies for improving health care and housing. Vilsack will also urge lawmakers and the private sector, foundations and nonprofits to recognize opportunities in America's rural communities to ensure continued social and economic progress.

Significant gains have been made across rural America: Rural household income climbed 3.4% in 2015, and overall poverty and food insecurity fell dramatically, rural populations have begun to rebound, and non-metro areas have added more than 250,000 jobs since 2014, while the share of rural Americans without health insurance is now at an all-time low.

Established by President Obama in 2011, the White House Rural Council coordinates the Administration's efforts in rural America by streamlining and improving the effectiveness of federal programs, engaging stakeholders on priority issues, and coordinating private sector partnerships to create economic opportunity and improve the quality of life.

Building on the work of the White House Rural Council, the administration and non-federal organizations are announcing new investments and highlighting programs to support continued progress in rural America, including:

-Since 2014, more than $3 billion in private sector funding has been lent to over 400 financings of projects in the power, water, communications and community facilities industries.

-Since 2009, USDA Rural Development broadband programs have helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses.

-Since 2009, USDA has invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; and financed 180,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

Source: USDA

See the Fact Sheet.