As a new Congress and a new Administration prepare for the upcoming year, health care reform is at the top of the agenda. There will be many proposed solutions to the issues facing the American health care system, and one issue that I hope receives attention is the need for... Continue Reading
Now that the celebrations of Christmas and New Years are behind them, South Dakota’s students are returning to school for another semester of learning and development. Chances are good that many of these students received new books, making this time of year an especially good one to focus on the... Continue Reading
Many of us spend the days after Christmas reflecting on the year that has passed and looking toward the year that is to come. As the start of 2009 will bring the start of a new session of Congress, I am looking forward to building on the successes of 2008.... Continue Reading
During the past year we have seen the effect that high energy costs can have on our economy and our daily lives. While gas prices have retreated significantly from their record highs this summer, the need to utilize alternative sources of energy is still great, both for fueling our vehicles... Continue Reading
Christmas is always a special time of year, but in a year when many in South Dakota and across the nation are feeling the uncertainty of the times, I hope that Christmas serves as a chance for families to gather and be strengthened by each other in preparation for the... Continue Reading
Agriculture is the largest sector of the South Dakota economy, and ranching is one of the most significant components of agricultural production in our state. There is a proud ranching and farming tradition in South Dakota that is as integral to our culture as it is to our economy, and... Continue Reading
With the holiday season in full swing, many of us will be traveling to celebrate the season with family and friends. In South Dakota, this often means many miles in the car to be with family and loved ones. While the recent drop in energy prices is welcome news for... Continue Reading
All holidays give us a special opportunity to spend time with family and friends, but Thanksgiving in many ways is special. While we take time to give thanks for our good fortune, we should also remember those people who bring joy into our lives. It is impossible, however, to count... Continue Reading
The times when the U.S. Senate is out of session give me the opportunity to travel extensively in the state and gather valuable input from South Dakotans regarding their views on various matters. The time I have spent in South Dakota in October and November has been particularly informative and... Continue Reading
November is the month when Americans look back and remember all of the blessings of the year. It is also the month when we set aside a day to celebrate those who have given so much in defense of our country: our military veterans. Upon reflection, we quickly realize that... Continue Reading
We recognize heroes in all shapes and sizes from all walks of life, but there are also heroes who garner less attention than others. Some heroes who too often get overlooked are those families who open their hearts and homes to children through adoption. November is National Adoption Month, and... Continue Reading
South Dakota towns, both large and small, are great places to live, to work, and to raise families. Like towns and cities everywhere, however, there are problems that endanger lives and can tear at the fabric of our communities. South Dakota has a tragically high rate of methamphetamine abuse, and... Continue Reading
