There’s nothing quite like autumn – cooler temperatures, the sound of crisp leaves under your feet (or snow as may be the case), and students settled back in school. After a warm summer, this time of year is usually highly-anticipated in South Dakota, but not just because of the relief... Continue Reading
While much of the United States celebrates Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, South Dakotans instead proudly recognize Native American Day, honoring the rich heritage and tribal people of our state. A tradition that began in 1989 when Gov. George Mickelson proclaimed 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation,”... Continue Reading
Every once in a while, you experience one of those occasions where you stop to appreciate how blessed you are. Our family had one of those times recently when our oldest daughter, Brittany, was inducted into her collegiate hall of fame. When our daughters were growing up, we encouraged them... Continue Reading
It’s been a rough year in farm country. Severe weather. Flooding. A delayed (and in some cases non-existent) planting season. Sluggish agriculture economy. Barriers to market access. Ongoing trade disputes. There are plenty of things South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers could complain about – things for which most Americans would... Continue Reading
Shortly before the Senate adjourned for its annual August state work period, I went to the Senate floor to lay out my agenda for what I wanted to accomplish while I was home. At the top of my list was meeting with as many South Dakotans as possible, which has... Continue Reading
The only thing better than hosting a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the importance of rural broadband is hosting one right here in South Dakota. Rural Americans, like many people throughout our state, understand the unique opportunities that broadband connectivity can provide, which is why I took the committee on... Continue Reading
Every summer, college graduates around the country don their caps and gowns in celebration of a job well done, with the hopes of using their degrees to propel them into a successful career. But for many young Americans entering the workplace, that first job will also bring with it the... Continue Reading
Being a parent to two beautiful daughters is the greatest gift in the entire world, although, as any parent can attest, it did come with its challenges. Sleepless nights, balancing siblings’ needs and interactions, and helping them throughout school — you name it. Raising kids can be a tall task... Continue Reading
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that it was authorizing nearly $5 million to invest in expanding rural broadband access across South Dakota. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who visited South Dakota with me in 2017, said that he was “excited to see the benefits for rural residents who live... Continue Reading
The Sioux Empire Fair’s Ag Appreciation Day is one of many annual events throughout South Dakota that I try to attend each year. It’s a great event for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the hardworking farmers and ranchers who I’m able to see and personally... Continue Reading
“Great faces. Great places.” If you live in South Dakota or have traveled to the state, you’ve seen it on license plates and billboards, and some of you might have even had the catchy South Dakota Department of Tourism jingle (“Great faaaces. Great plaaaces. South Dakota!”) stuck in your head at... Continue Reading
Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act becoming law in December 2017, the last time any kind of comprehensive tax reform legislation made it to a president’s desk was the same year “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Platoon” hit the big screen. Cult classics get better with age, but... Continue Reading
