Weekly Column
Q: Will I receive a $1,200 check from the federal government to help with the economic stress of COVID-19?
It's no secret, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed serious hardships on many South Dakotans and Americans across the country. From the closing of schools, to the negative effects on small businesses, as well as the struggles of social isolation, this illness is greatly affecting all our day-to-day lives. |
Over the last few days, South Dakota has confirmed several cases of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. While I am confident that our state and local governments will work together to protect the health of our communities, it is important that we all take extra precautions to support vulnerable populations during this time.
Earlier this week, the South Dakota delegation hosted Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie, Jr. for a tour of the Hot Springs VA and a roundtable discussion about the vital role this facility serves for the local veteran community. The Hot Springs community's identity and purpose has long been grounded in serving veterans at the historic Battle Mountain facility.
If you've turned on the news in the last month or so you've probably heard this word over and over: Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.
This week, the president addressed the nation regarding the U.S. response to the outbreak. So far, officials have determined more than 80,000 cases globally – the majority of them in China.
South Dakota's congressional office has a tight-knit team – there are eight full time staff in Washington, three in Sioux Falls, two in Rapid City, and one in Aberdeen. That's 14 folks, plus me, who handle all the congressional-related work in our entire state.
As the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This is a concept that is often lost in Congress, however, this week was the exception. Legislation unanimously passed the House that will work to protect our borders and our number one industry – agriculture.
Thirteen-year-old teenagers are not commonly known for their persistent dedication to serving others. I know I certainly wasn't. But every once in a while, I'm privileged to meet someone who challenges that norm.
On days I'm home in South Dakota, I sit down for my morning bowl of Wheaties and flip through our local papers. This week, as I ate my bowl of cereal, I came across a well-researched and well-written article.