This past week, I traveled across the state to attend community events and meetings including the Turner Country Fair, DakotaFest, and most recently, Farm Bill round tables. I relish the opportunity to attend these agriculture-centered events and hear first-hand the concerns of those working in the industry. Like many small... Continue Reading
Over the past several months, South Dakota has lost some of its finest citizens who were bravely serving in the line of duty. Prison Guard Ronald Johnson of Sioux Falls, Army Sergeant Lex Lewis of Rapid City, Police Officer J. Ryan McCandless of Rapid City, Police Officer Nick Armstrong of... Continue Reading
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that the national unemployment rate for July was 9.1 percent. After 30 consecutive months of unemployment at or above 8 percent, it is clear that the policies coming from Washington are damaging employers’ ability to create jobs for the nearly 14 million Americans... Continue Reading
Over the last year, the debate in Washington has centered on the themes of taxes and spending and whether we tax too little or too much. There is also a misconception out there that if we just taxed more we would not have this problem. However, the math does not... Continue Reading
The state of South Dakota continues to provide an example for the federal government in the ways of fiscal responsibility. Governor Dennis Daugaard recently announced that the state ended the fiscal year on June 30th with a balanced budget, thanks in large part to the state agencies spending less than... Continue Reading
Possibly the most revolutionary change in American agriculture in recent decades is the rise of a biofuels industry, which is currently the only competition to oil. By supporting farmers, creating jobs and generating local tax revenue, ethanol is a powerful driver of economic development for rural communities. Our two states’... Continue Reading
As flooding along the Missouri continues to affect thousands of citizens in a seven state region, a bipartisan group of 14 U.S. Senators has joined together to form the Missouri River Working Group to reevaluate current Missouri River water management practices. Our working group recently held its first meeting, in... Continue Reading
South Dakotans participate in many summer traditions that revolve around community and heritage. One such tradition celebrated with much fanfare is the all-school reunion. Although all-school reunions can be found throughout the country, South Dakota’s reunions possess a unique sense of community and commitment to improvement for future generations. Many... Continue Reading
South Dakota became the first state in the Union this year to pass a balanced budget. Elected officials and state leaders were forced by South Dakota’s Constitution to take a hard look at spending priorities, especially in light of the current challenging fiscal times, and were required to make some... Continue Reading
The Fourth of July is upon us and as we plan this year’s celebrations, we are reminded of the unique memories each of us carries from years long ago. For me, I can recall the taste of hotdogs on the grill, the sound of the fireworks as they painted the... Continue Reading
The devastating flood situation along the Missouri River continues to affect thousands of South Dakotans. As the flood situation has grown worse over the past several weeks, my staff and I have been in constant contact with state, local, and federal officials to ensure that all measures necessary to protect... Continue Reading
Over 200 years ago during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress authorized a new Flag design that would come to represent the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice that our country holds dear. Since June 14, 1777, the design of the Flag has sustained changes, along with our young Democracy,... Continue Reading
