Figures Introduces “Rural Futures” Package Ahead of Farm Bill Vote

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) introduced a "Rural Futures" package, four bills aimed at protecting SNAP, providing financial assistance to rural hospitals, improving farmland retention, and expanding workforce development in rural communities. This package is cosponsored by Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Bennie Thompson (MS-02).

Under the Republicans' budget bill, states could possibly eliminate the SNAP program if they cannot or do not meet the new cost sharing requirements. Figures' Save SNAP Act would ensure that federal SNAP dollars still go to the states in the event states cannot meet the new requirements.

Figures also introduced the Rural Health Resilience Act, which creates a low-interest loan program for rural hospitals that are struggling financially.

"I'm introducing the Rural Futures package because we need commonsense solutions for real problems impacting our districts," said Figures. "Republicans continue to push policies that do more harm than good for our constituents. That is why I am fighting for reforms to help rural America receive the federal investment and attention they deserve."

The Rural Futures package includes the following bills:

1. Save SNAP Act of 2026
   Figures' bill would protect SNAP by creating an exception for states that are unable to meet the new cost-share requirements to still receive the federal portion of SNAP funding. Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) joined Figures in introducing this legislation.
2. Rural Health Resilience Act of 2026
   This bill establishes a low-interest loan program to help rural health centers avoid closures or reductions in essential services, preserving access to care in underserved areas. In Alabama, where many rural communities already face long travel times and limited provider options, this support would provide a new funding opportunity to help keep local clinics and hospitals open so families can continue accessing care close to home. Congresswoman Bynum also joined Figures in introducing this bill, which is endorsed by the National Rural Health Association, Alabama Hospital Association, and the National Association of Rural Health Clinics.
3. HARVEST Act (Heirs' Agricultural Resources, Viability, Education, and Succession Transfer Act)
   This bill requires a comprehensive report on opportunities to expand the role of land-grant colleges and universities in providing education and technical assistance related to heirs' property, improving land retention and generational wealth in agricultural communities. Figures is joined by Congresswoman Beatty (OH-03) in introducing this bill, and it is included in the text of the 2026 Farm Bill.
4. Veterinary Education Equity Act
   This bill prioritizes 1890 land-grant institutions like Tuskegee University-the only HBCU with a veterinary school in the South-in awarding of grants for veterinary education. By increasing support for faculty recruitment, modern training facilities, research opportunities, and student scholarships, the bill would strengthen the pipeline of veterinarians entering the workforce. It would also help address shortages in rural and underserved communities, where veterinarians are critically needed for livestock health, food safety, public health preparedness, and companion animal care.

The Rural Futures package is endorsed by multiple organizations, including the Rural Coalition, Tuskegee University, Feeding the Gulf Coast, the Alabama Rural Health Association, and The Alliance to End Hunger.

"Rural Coalition applauds Representative Figures for advancing a policy vision for rural communities that places people at the center," said Lorette Picciano, Executive Director of Rural Coalition. "The Rural Futures package of legislation announced today does just that, proposing meaningful policies to empower 1890's Land Grant universities to address heirs property issues and support land retention and generational wealth and to expand career opportunities while mitigating rural veterinary shortages. The package also protects access to food assistance and provides emergency assistance to rural health centers at risk of closure. We look forward to continue working with Representative Figures in advancing public policies beneficial to rural communities and food systems especially in places that need it most."

"The National Association of Rural Health Clinics applauds Representative Figures leadership on the Rural Health Resilience Act of 2026, recognizing and addressing the pressing financial challenges of the 5,700+ Rural Health Clinics and other providers across the country," said Sarah Hohman, NARHC's Director of Government Affairs. "This opportunity for direct, tangible support is essential in allowing our providers to do what they do best - maintain access to essential services in rural communities."

"Feeding the Gulf Coast supports the Rural Futures Package as a comprehensive approach to strengthening rural communities, recognizing the critical intersection of agriculture, food access, and health," said Michael Ledger, Feeding the Gulf Coast President & CEO. "We are particularly supportive of efforts to protect access to SNAP, strengthen rural health infrastructure, and ensure federal nutrition programs continue to serve as a reliable bridge for families during times of need. The stakes for states like Alabama are significant. We share the concerns of our collaborators serving Alabamians, particularly regarding SNAP penalties tied to state payment error rates. Penalties are not an effective way to improve performance if states are not given a reasonable opportunity to strengthen systems and improve accuracy. Implementation of these penalties should be delayed to allow that time and opportunity. When a program as critical as SNAP is put at risk, the consequences extend far beyond a budget line. They place added pressure on children, seniors, and hardworking families, while also impacting rural communities and the local retailers that depend on SNAP's stability."

"Feeding Alabama is in full support of the Save SNAP Act of 2026 to ensure the continued stability of the SNAP program in our state," said Laura Lester, Feeding Alabama CEO. "Recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have shifted a significant cost burden from the federal government to states, creating real risk for programs like SNAP in Alabama. Without a workable solution, our state could face difficult decisions that threaten access to this critical support, leaving thousands of children, families, and seniors without enough to eat. We saw a glimpse of this impact during last fall's government shutdown, when even a short disruption to SNAP created immediate strain on families and the charitable food network. For every one meal provided by the Feeding Alabama network of food banks and pantries, SNAP provides nine. This program is essential not only for the people it serves, but also for the strength of our local economies. In Alabama, nearly 5,000 authorized retailers participate in SNAP. Any significant reduction in the program would have serious consequences, especially for rural grocers working every day to serve their communities."