As a result of the policy and the accompanying legislation, we have: 

—­Created the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Small Community and Rural Development to provide overall leadership.

—­Established a White House Working Group to assist in the implementation of the policy.

—­Worked with more than 40 governors to form State rural development councils to work in partnership with the White House Working Group, and the Federal agencies, to better deliver State and Federal programs to rural areas.

—­Directed the White House Working Group to annually review existing and proposed policies, programs, and budget levels to determine their adequacy in meeting rural needs and the fulfilling of the policy’s objectives and principles.

This effort on the part of my Administration and the Congress has resulted in a landmark policy.  For the first time, rural affairs has received the prominence it has always deserved.  It is a policy that can truly help alleviate the diverse and differing problems rural America will face in the 1980’s.

With the help and dedication of a great many people around the country who are concerned with rural affairs, we have constructed a mechanism for dealing effectively with rural problems.  There is now a great opportunity to successfully combine Federal efforts with the efforts of rural community leaders and residents.  It is my hope this spirit of cooperation and record of accomplishment will be continued in the coming years.

CONSUMERS

In September, 1979, I signed an Executive Order designed to strengthen and coordinate Federal consumer programs and to establish procedures to improve and facilitate consumer participation in government decision-making.  Forty Federal agencies have adopted programs to comply with the requirements of the Order.  These programs will improve complaint handling, provide better information to consumers, enhance opportunities for public participation in government proceedings, and assure that the consumer point of view is considered in all programs, policies, and regulations.

While substantial progress has been made in assuring a consumer presence in Federal agencies, work must continue to meet fully the goals of the Executive Order.  Close monitoring of agency compliance with the requirements of the Order is necessary.  Continued evaluation to assure that the programs are effective and making maximum use of available resources is also essential.  As a complement to these initiatives, efforts to provide financial assistance in regulatory proceedings to citizen groups, small businesses, and others whose participation is limited by their economic circumstances must continue to be pursued.

It is essential that consumer representatives in government pay particular attention to the needs and interests of low-income consumers and minorities.  The Office of Consumer Affairs’ publication, “People Power:  What Communities Are Doing to Counter Inflation,” catalogues some of the ways that government and the private sector can assist the less powerful in our society to help themselves.  New ways should be found to help foster this new people’s movement which is founded on the principle of self-reliance.