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
As I traveled across the state for meetings and community events this past week, I was struck yet again by the generosity, dedication, and strong will of the people of our state. Communities across South Dakota are dealing with rising water levels on the Missouri River and are now bracing... Continue Reading
Memorial Day is upon us and people across the country will take time to remember the generations of young men and women who have laid down their lives in defense of our freedom. From the fallen patriots who won our independence at the start of this great nation, to the... Continue Reading
Representing South Dakota’s agriculture producers continues to be one of my highest priorities in the Senate as I begin work on my third Farm Bill since being elected to Congress. While serving on both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, I have worked to ensure that South Dakota agriculture—the state’s... Continue Reading
Over the past year, my staff and I have continually fielded concerns from South Dakota surface mine owners, operators, and employees stating that federal regulators are levying inconsistent and arbitrary mine safety inspections and citations at gravel pit sites and other surface mining operations. Enforcement of safety regulations is important,... Continue Reading
