Washington has long been embroiled in a debate over how to best to preserve and strengthen the Medicare program. Frequently we hear politicians discussing the need to cut costs while still ensuring that beneficiaries have access to the quality health care they need. Yet far too often we are left... Continue Reading
In December of 2012, my wife Kimberley, along with Senator Tim Johnson’s wife Barb, wrote an op-ed about the frustrations for many military spouses in obtaining a license or certification for their career as they move across state lines. Their article, along with the hard work of many throughout the... Continue Reading
Nearly every day I meet with groups, agencies, and organizations that are impacted by agriculture production. Some are ranchers and farmers, while others are bankers, car dealers, and lawyers, all of whom take a special interest in agriculture despite not always directly working in agriculture. All of them know that... Continue Reading
Washington has had more than a year to prepare for the across-the-board spending cuts known as the sequester. For months, Congressional Republicans have been warning of the effects that these cuts could have on our national security. What few people realize is the sequester was actually President Obama’s idea. The... Continue Reading
As a young high school basketball player, it was not until this time of year that I would allow myself to start thinking about playing on the biggest stage in South Dakota—the state basketball tournament. I remember the nervous energy in the room as I sat through pep rallies, boarded... Continue Reading
If you listen to Washington Democrats these days, you’d think that America’s economic and fiscal woes could all be solved if we would simply raise taxes. Evidently the tax increases last month served only as an appetizer for the big-government crowd. Now the spenders are back for the main course.... Continue Reading
In a rural state like South Dakota where access to specialized medical care can be hours away, residents depend on critical access hospitals to help meet their health care needs. However, an increasing number of rural hospitals are finding it difficult to recruit physicians to these under-served areas of the... Continue Reading
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently released its 2013 Budget and Economic Outlook. The report sounded the alarm on America’s financial future and made it clear that if the federal government fails to address the long-term drivers of our out-of-control federal spending, our national debt will continue on an... Continue Reading
In December of 2011, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced its intention to reconfigure the VA Black Hills Health Care System services located in Hot Springs, Fort Meade, and Rapid City. The proposal sparked great concern throughout Hot Springs and the surrounding communities about how the VA changes would... Continue Reading
Pending before President Obama is a true economic stimulus plan. Unlike the $833 billion stimulus bill that was loaded with pet projects and wasteful government spending, this stimulus plan is privately funded and would not waste taxpayer dollars on yet another duplicative government program. Instead, this plan would bolster private... Continue Reading
Since President Obama took office in 2009, an additional 15 million Americans have been added to the food stamp rolls. This trend has continued despite economic indicators coming from his administration that suggest the number of Americans out of work and enrolling in government safety net programs should be on... Continue Reading
Recently, I have had the opportunity to travel around the state to several cities for town hall meetings to discuss our nation’s financial stability. I have enjoyed these meetings and believe that all South Dakotans deserve to know the path ahead as Congress prepares to address our nation’s debt limit... Continue Reading
