Minnesota First District Congressman Tim Walz is introducing a bill that would allow counties and small communities to apply directly to the federal government for grants to improve child care, infrastructure, housing, Internet and health care.  Walz says it will change how government delivers services

Walz, who’s running for governor, says he’d like a similar program at the state level.  He puts the federal price tag at 10 to 12 billion dollars a year.

Waseca Mayor Roy Srp says his area isn’t particularly pro-federal-government, but

Austin Mayor Tim Stiehm says rural communities are facing almost insurmountable issues and Walz’s proposal would help.