Topeka ? U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback today told state lawmakers that it was critical for the Kansas economy to develop rural areas, build up life science research and defend Boeing, the state’s largest aircraft manufacturer.

“We have just got to declare for ourselves, we are going to grow,” Brownback said to a joint meeting of legislators who are dealing with economic development issues.

Brownback, a Republican from Kansas, said the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Kansas University Medical Center constituted a “great platform” to develop life sciences research.

He also touted his New Homestead Act, a proposal before Congress to provide tax incentives for people to move into rural areas that have experienced steep population declines.

He noted that 18 states in mid-America have seen high rates of out-migration from rural areas. “You are hollowing out the middle of the nation,” he said.

In response to questions from legislators, Brownback also defended Boeing and said it was being hurt by arch-rival Airbus because of subsidies Airbus receives from European countries.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Journal-World.