In this episode, Education, Workforce & Tariffs: Rough Roads for Rural Ahead, the episode begins with Alexa McKinley Abel, Director of Government Affairs at the National Rural Health Association, who provides a rundown of the Senate Appropriations Committee's markup of the 2026 Labor Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill. Alexa detailed what the markup means for rural health; many of the programs that were initially proposed for elimination in the President's budget are actually funded and funded at higher levels than in past years. She continued the conversation by providing some key highlights of the bill and concluded by noting that the House and Senate must agree on numbers and pass the same budget. It remains to be seen where the house will stand in the FY26 funding bill.

Next, Michelle welcomes Dr. Jeff Strohl, Research Professor and Director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce (CEW). They discuss the challenges facing rural education and workforce development, particularly in light of recent policy changes and economic shifts. They examine the impact of AI on job markets, the significance of community colleges, and the challenges that rural students face in accessing education and training. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning educational programs with labor market demands, as well as the need for increased investment in career navigation and employer engagement to support rural communities.

In the second half of this in-depth episode, Gbenga Ajilore, Chief Economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, joins us to explore the significant impacts of recent policy changes on rural households and communities, focusing on education funding, Medicaid and SNAP cuts, tariffs, and tax cuts. Gbenga shares how these factors contribute to economic challenges in rural areas, emphasizing the need for advocacy and storytelling to highlight the real-life effects of these policies.

SHOW RESOURCES

https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/bridging-middle-skills-gap/

https://www.cbpp.org/research/economy/the-republican-agendas-triple-threat-to-black-households-economic-well-being

This episode was made possible by our partner The National Association of Rural Health Clinics.

The National Association of Rural Health Clinic invites you to rendezvous in Reno!!!

Beginning October 20th, the two and a half day NARHC Fall Institute features a powerful in-person agenda plus three pre-conference webinars the week before, it’s your chance to engage deeply with the pressing issues facing Rural Health Clinics today. With unmatched networking, and a throwback 90s Bash, you’ll leave energized and reconnected.

Registration closes the evening of October 19th, so don't wait! Head to narhc.org to register.