Strong Rural America

BIG Update

Native American Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans in South Dakota. Our state is home to nine Tribal Nations, each with unique traditions, histories, and communities that are an important part of South Dakota’s story. I’ve worked to build strong relationships with our tribal communities and am proud of the open communication and conversations I’ve had with tribal leaders. Their guidance has helped shape my work in Congress, and I’m honored to have been recognized as the most effective member of Congress for tribal relations. I look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen our communities.

BIG Idea

Clean, accessible water is essential to a vibrant and healthy rural America. I joined Rep. Brad Finstad from Minnesota for a roundtable discussion on federal programs that support rural water access. We heard from local community leaders about the impact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) water programs can have in rural communities. For many communities, these programs help make critical water infrastructure projects possible and ensure families and businesses have access to reliable water. The Farm Bill authorizes additional investments in rural water projects, underscoring the need to get this legislation across the finish line and continue supporting rural communities.

BIG News

Emergency medical services (EMS) provide life-saving care and emergency response across South Dakota. In rural areas of our state, timely access to care and qualified EMS professionals are crucial. The Rural Health Transformation Program recently awarded South Dakota $7.2 million to support ambulance-based telemedicine and improve emergency communications. This investment will strengthen emergency response and the long-term stability of emergency services in South Dakota, helping ensure care is available when people need it most. The funding will bolster our health care workforce, modernize dispatch communication technology, expand access to telemedicine, and support quality improvement efforts. These investments will help EMS providers deliver faster, more coordinated care and better serve South Dakotans, especially in rural communities.