EDUCATION
Growing up in Murdo, South Dakota, as the son of two educators and a father of two daughters who attended public schools, I understand the challenges that communities across the state face in ensuring a high-quality education for all students. I also know the importance that families in South Dakota place on education so their kids can reach their full potential.
I believe that education decisions are best left to those who know students the best – parents, teachers, and local school boards – not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. Therefore, any education decisions considered by the federal government should be focused on giving schools the flexibility they need, while still holding them accountable to parents and taxpayers. The federal government must also recognize the unique needs of rural areas as it considers public education policy.
In addition to the importance of a local focus on education, I also support federal education programs that benefit South Dakota, like the Impact Aid Program, which compensates local school districts that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or federal activities.
I also believe every student should have the chance to pursue post-secondary education, whether it’s a four-year degree or a tech school program. I’ll support efforts to responsibly foster academic opportunities, and I will continue promoting sensible reforms that expand opportunities for students and graduates to further their educational opportunities and help them join the workforce.
Recent Actions:
August 2008
Date | Title |
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8/1/08 | Thune Praises Passage of Higher Education Bill |
July 2008
Date | Title |
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7/8/08 | Thune Congratulates Winner School District on 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award |
May 2008
Date | Title |
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5/30/08 | Educating South Dakota's Next Generation of Leaders |
January 2008
Date | Title |
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1/15/08 | Nominations Sought for Top Teachers in South Dakota |
December 2007
Date | Title |
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12/18/07 | Senate Passes Omnibus Appropriations Bill |
November 2007
Date | Title |
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11/14/07 | Senate Passes Head Start Bill |
September 2007
Date | Title |
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9/21/07 | SD Delegation Invites South Dakotans to Apply to U.S. Service Academies |
March 2007
Date | Title |
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3/1/07 | Thune Announces $13K Grant for SD Department of Education, Low-Income Students |
December 2006
Date | Title |
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12/9/06 | Taking the Ba Humbug out of Uncle Sam |
August 2006
Date | Title |
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8/29/06 | Thune Announces $856,000 EPA Research Grant for SDSU |