Weekly Column
I'm sure most of you have noticed the rising costs of just about everything—gas, groceries, restaurants, coffee, home appliances, electricity, etc. Prices have risen steadily since January and we are all feeling the effects of inflation on our wallets and bank accounts. Gallup reported that 45% of Americans have experienced financial hardship triggered by these increased prices.
This Thanksgiving, like so many South Dakotans, I'm looking forward to spending time with my wife and three boys at home. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not only because of the roasted turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, but because it brings people together in a spirit of thankfulness and allows me to reflect on what I am truly grateful for.
November is National Adoption Month which is why on behalf of the state of South Dakota, I would like to congratulate Sarah and Terry Reyelts for being selected as 2021 Angels in Adoption honorees.
Last Sunday, you probably woke up one of two ways: rested because of the extra hour of sleep or bright and early because your kids didn't get the memo on Daylight Saving Time (DST).
It is Groundhog Day again on Capitol Hill. Every week, for the past seven weeks, House Democrats have claimed we will vote on their massive spending bill. Not surprisingly, it's 5pm on Friday and a vote in the U.S. House was open for over eight hours. This bill is so large, and so partisan, even Democrats cannot come to an agreement within their own party.
The supply chain's breakin' down
and its making consumers' frown.
It's a problem I'm hoping to snuff
‘cause the season's spooky enough.
The time has come for the cheaters to pay
More than 10,000 bills get introduced in Congress each year. Most of them, even good ones, don't see legislative action. It's even more challenging to pass a bill when you aren't the political party in power. Despite the long odds, I was able to pass an important cattle industry bill out of committee this week.
Break out your blaze orange vests; pheasant season is back again in South Dakota!
As the leaves begin to turn and the air turns crisp, I am taken back to the many fall afternoons I've spent walking fields in the hopes of flushing a rooster. Like many South Dakotans, I cherish the great memories made during the tradition of sportsmanship with my family and friends.
This guest column is written by Shawnee Red Bear, who works in Congressman Johnson's Washington DC office
This Monday, October 11th, marks the 31st year South Dakota will celebrate "Native American Day". South Dakota is one of just 14 states that observes Native American Day instead of Columbus Day.
This past Wednesday, I hosted a telephone town hall with constituents 35 and under.
Now some of you may be thinking, Dusty, why would you host a town hall exclusive to younger folks?
I'm most effective at my job when I'm talking to my bosses, and my bosses are the voters. Knowing what's important to younger people in South Dakota is just as crucial as knowing what our seniors care about.