Through increased research and awareness, cancer prevention is taking root in our country and keeping more and more Americans healthy. On January 17, the American Cancer Society’s 2007 Annual Statistics Report announced that deaths caused by cancer significantly decreased by 3,014 Americans from 2003 to 2004. This is the steepest... Continue Reading
Our nation stands at an energy crossroads. If we continue down the path we’re on, we face an increasingly unstable energy supply that depends chiefly on foreign nations rife with political unrest and anti-American sentiment. However, if our country can gradually veer off of this dead-end path and embrace a... Continue Reading
I recently had the opportunity to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a new ethanol plant in Loomis-yet another impressive addition to South Dakota’s budding alternative fuels industry. The remarkable progress our state has made in the renewable energy arena has helped to transform South Dakota’s agriculture industry and given our... Continue Reading
Communities and towns across South Dakota stand to gain thousands of new jobs, increased business opportunities and vast economic growth if the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern (DM&E) Railroad’s plans to expand and upgrade its rail line become a reality. I, along with Senator Johnson, Congresswoman Herseth, and Governor Rounds, continue... Continue Reading
I am quite certain I can make the following statement without any double-checking of my facts: “No South Dakotan enjoys completing their tax returns.” Even if we are receiving a refund, the steps necessary to get that check from the IRS make us cringe. The only group of individuals who... Continue Reading
Starting on November 15, new Medicare beneficiaries in South Dakota will have the option of enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan and those currently enrolled in a plan will have the option of changing their prescription drug coverage. Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage will not have to... Continue Reading
November is American Diabetes Month. Throughout November I hope we can all work together to raise awareness and provide Americans with an opportunity to talk about ways to fight this chronic disease. Currently, about 20.8 million Americans, or seven percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes. Of these individuals about... Continue Reading
Celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday in October has become a tradition since 1990 when Governor George Mickelson signed a resolution designating the day as a holiday in South Dakota. This day serves as a reminder of the rich culture and traditions of our state’s tribal communities. As... Continue Reading
I have long been concerned about our nation’s overdependence on foreign sources of energy-much of which comes from countries rife with political unrest and anti-American sentiment. Take for example the nation of Venezuela, whose leader Hugo Chavez has suggested the United States was behind the September 11th attacks, has discussed... Continue Reading
Thomas Jefferson once said that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Throughout our history, we have been vigilant as a nation thanks to the courage and sacrifice of generations of South Dakotans who have answered our country’s call to duty and defended our freedoms. Many South Dakota communities have... Continue Reading
Last week I walked in the steps of many parents before me. My wife Kimberley, our youngest daughter Larissa and I left our oldest daughter, Brittany, at college to begin her freshman year. The last four months have been filled with preparations for moving, packing and planning, and lots of... Continue Reading
An old story many folks in Washington like to tell involves the friendship between President Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill, the Democratic Speaker of the House at the time. The story goes that often times after a long day the two leaders would meet up for a drink at the... Continue Reading
