This past week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finally announced a partial approval of E15-the blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline-for use in lightweight vehicles manufactured since 2007. The Obama Administration’s decision to only approve E15 in a limited number of lightweight vehicles will unfortunately have very... Continue Reading
The highly anticipated opening day of the 2010 pheasant hunting season has finally arrived. The bird dogs are trained and ready for their big day, the guns are clean, and hunters across South Dakota have nothing but bird hunting on the brain. While bird hunting is the reason for the... Continue Reading
After returning to work for a brief three week period following the August recess, Congress adjourned this week for the upcoming midterm elections without passing a budget resolution or any of the twelve appropriations bills for the new fiscal year which started on October 1st. Instead of spending time debating... Continue Reading
We are just past the first official day of fall and there is an increasing bite to the air. College football teams have a few games under their belts and classes are in full swing. Students and faculty on South Dakota’s college and university campuses are gearing up for homecoming... Continue Reading
This past week, the Senate had an opportunity to pass a bipartisan amendment to repeal a burdensome tax-reporting requirement included in the recently enacted health care bill, which requires that every business submit a 1099 tax form for business transactions totaling $600 or more per year. The amendment, offered by... Continue Reading
In Philadelphia 223 years ago this week, 39 men joined together to sign the final draft of the U.S. Constitution. September 17, 1787 marked a new day for our young country and ensured freedom for both the new Democracy and its future generations. George Washington once remarked that the “Constitution... Continue Reading
We all remember where we were on that tragic Tuesday in September of 2001. It was a crisp, clear day in New York City and business was carrying on as usual. People just like you and me were working hard on a day they thought would turn out like any... Continue Reading
The shoulder pads have been fitted, the jersey numbers have been selected, and the cleats have been broken-in. After weeks of sweating it out during August practices, high school student-athletes across South Dakota are gearing up for the start of the fall sports season. When the bleachers fill up with... Continue Reading
As the end of the spring wheat harvest quickly approaches, combines continue to comb through the fields and the silos are starting to fill up. The harvest season in South Dakota is one of many reminders we have of the important role our agriculture producers play in our state’s economy.... Continue Reading
As the dog days of summer wind down, the cooler weather of fall and the start of school are just around the corner. The new academic year is drawing near and families across South Dakota will soon begin preparing their children for new classes, teachers, and friends. School supplies have... Continue Reading
August has arrived, and that means South Dakota fair season has officially begun. The end of summer will soon usher in county fairs, the State Fair, or one last camping trip or vacation for many South Dakota families. The exhibits, fair food, rides, music, races, rodeos, and games offer a... Continue Reading
Recently I was asked what the single most important thing that I, as an elected official, could do for the citizens of South Dakota. Of all the challenges our country currently faces, I believe that tackling our nation’s exploding $13 trillion debt is the top priority for people in our... Continue Reading
