Death should not be a taxable event. Surprisingly, though, the idea that it would be such an occasion has become a political issue that can pit family-run farms and ranches against Washington’s political elite who think certain Americans, including some farm and ranch owners, should be taxed two or three... Continue Reading
For many South Dakotans, myself included, the third Saturday in October is always circled on the calendar. While most fall weekends are primetime for college football and Major League Baseball playoffs, those are all overshadowed, at least for me, by walking through a food plot, slough, or corn field and... Continue Reading
On the second Monday in October, South Dakotans uniquely celebrate Native American Day to recognize and honor the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people who have shaped our state’s identity. On a day known to most people around the country as “Columbus Day,” South Dakotans use this day to honor the... Continue Reading
The U.S. tax code is too large, too complicated, and too outdated. Reforming and modernizing it so more middle-income South Dakotans can keep more of what they earn doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s something on which both Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree. This is a... Continue Reading
For more than 50 years, Congress has passed and the president has signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an important bill that helps fulfill our commitment to America’s men and women in uniform. It’s almost always a bipartisan exercise that demonstrates to the American people that issues related to... Continue Reading
President Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” For nearly 250 years, America has been blessed because from each... Continue Reading
My biggest priority for the remainder of the year will be sending the president a comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform package that helps middle-class South Dakotans who are struggling to make ends meet. According to a recent study, 50 percent of American voters consider themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck,... Continue Reading
An issue I frequently discuss with folks while I’m traveling the state is the wide range of services I can offer to South Dakotans through any of my Senate offices. It doesn’t matter if you contact my office in Sioux Falls or Rapid City, Aberdeen or Washington, D.C., my staff... Continue Reading
Among the highlights of traveling across South Dakota is visiting with the many veterans who have helped shape our communities and embody our state’s selfless and giving culture. From one generation to the next, these patriots have defended our freedom and liberty, and we owe them a big debt of... Continue Reading
Everyone has his or her happy place – a special location you would teleport to if you closed your eyes and wished hard enough, if it were only possible. Some people dream of the warm sand and a cool breeze on a beach, others prefer the bright lights and tall... Continue Reading
The 24-hour cable news cycle is typically dominated by front burner issues of the day – everything from the latest news in Washington to updates about events or instability in other parts of the world. Many of these stories rightfully deserve the American people’s attention, but whether it’s a national... Continue Reading
It was way back in August 1986 when President Reagan signed the last meaningful and comprehensive tax reform legislation into law. Randy Travis’s “On The Other Hand” was at the top of the country music charts, Bo Jackson was the first overall pick in the NFL draft, and Kimberley and I were... Continue Reading
