On January 14th, the U.S. Forest Service announced that the Black Hills National Forest would receive $1.5 million for additional timber harvest this year, the highest amount allocated to any National Forest in the Rocky Mountain Region. This funding came as the result of an October 19, 2013, letter I... Continue Reading
Each month, I receive dozens of emails and phone calls from people all across South Dakota struggling under the weight of ObamaCare’s broken promises. From dropped coverage to higher premiums and deductibles, ObamaCare is placing a tremendous financial burden on South Dakota families. For several months, I have been calling... Continue Reading
The frenzy of the holiday shopping season may have come to a close, and while I still do most of my shopping locally, the growing importance of digital goods and services proved once again to be one of the key economic drivers of the holiday shopping season. According to a... Continue Reading
South Dakota’s landscape has significantly changed since the first block of native sod was turned over by a horse-drawn plow more than 150 years ago. These changes include native grasslands converted to fertile croplands that can now produce more than 250 bushels of corn per acre; massive herds of bison... Continue Reading
As we reflect on the highs and lows of 2013, we begin to chart course for the start of a new year. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” While the partisan divides of Washington remain a barrier to stimulating the lagging... Continue Reading
South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force Base’s 28th Bomb Wing is home to two of the three combat squadrons operating the B-1B strategic bomber. Of the three aircraft that currently comprise our bomber fleet, the B-1B has the highest payload, the fastest maximum speed, and operates at the lowest cost per... Continue Reading
Like many South Dakotans, our family always enjoys looking back at many of our Thune Family Christmas cards from years past. While our daughters like to poke fun at the hairstyles and outfits of days gone by, the best part of looking through the annual Christmas cards is the opportunity... Continue Reading
Our increasingly mobile workforce has created opportunities for businesses to grow and expand throughout the nation. Employees can begin their day on one side of the country, travel several states away and still make it back home in time for dinner. Temporary work assignments for people whose jobs require them... Continue Reading
Labor unions were among the biggest supporters of ObamaCare when the bill was being debated in 2010. After endorsing the bill and working fervently to pass the legislation, unions heralded the passage of the president’s signature law as monumental. Despite their support for the bill, the unions are now beginning... Continue Reading
Throughout the year, communities across South Dakota rely on the generosity of their local businesses. Whether asked to sponsor the local softball team, contribute to the community fireworks show, or support the homecoming parade, we expect local businesses to rise to the occasion and support developments, projects, and student organizations.... Continue Reading
When I was young, I remember my mother offering some great words of wisdom when I would complain about things that didn’t go my way or vent my frustration about what didn’t seem fair. She would listen patiently and say, “Remember to count your blessings.” It was her way of... Continue Reading
Nothing is more central to the fabric of American society than the family. It is the glue that binds our communities and raises healthy children into successful adults. While each family looks a little different, the bonds of love, support, trust, and kindness are easy to spot in families throughout... Continue Reading
