The first amendment to the Constitution states in part that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:” Yet, increasingly we see people of faith coming under attack for expressing their beliefs. Our Founders didn’t shrink from their religious beliefs when they included “In God we Trust” on our currency. Likewise, I will not shrink from speaking up for religious beliefs. The first amendment to the Constitution states in part that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, taking seriously the South Dakota motto  “Under God the people rule.”

I am a lifetime National Rifle Association member. I agree with Thomas Jefferson’s statement that the Second Amendment “provides the teeth for our Constitution.”  To this end, I support the completion of the world-class South Dakota Shooting Complex as it will further encourage training in the safe handling and use of firearms. Likewise, this complex will provide new opportunities to grow the number of shooters and hunters in the state by supporting training for the next generation of firearms enthusiasts.

The Fourteenth Amendment protects the right to private property by stating “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,”. I will fight for common sense protections for property owners.

We need to re-evaluate the tax burden on property owners. Many in District 29 and throughout South Dakota are facing property tax hikes that put at risk lands which have been in their families for generations. It also places a heavy burden on senior citizens who are living on fixed incomes. Although there are limits to what the state legislators can do, every avenue of relief must be pursued.

Most scholars believe that the Constitution is silent on protections for the unborn. However, I believe the Declaration of Independence of 1776 includes these precious children when it clearly states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I believe in the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.

 I believe in the power of entrepreneurs over government bureaucrats. In the area of promoting jobs, we need to examine our tax codes and identify new opportunities. This can be done by leveraging technology, expanding partnerships between businesses and universities, and supporting an entrepreneurial environment. We need to streamline processes for small businesses and find ways to cut bureaucratic red tape. And we can’t pass bills just to pass bills. We need to carefully consider unintended consequences. Overall, every legislative decision should meet the following litmus tests. Are we protecting our liberties? Are we being good stewards of each taxpayer dollar?

We should strive to have policies that allow the freedom to choose our own doctor. We should have transparency in medical billing. We shouldn’t be surprised at billing costs, and we should be able to compare prices for medical procedures. We should have a tailored approach to healthcare rather than a one-size fits all. We shouldn’t be forced to have a medical procedure that violates our conscience.

 I believe in local control of schools and parental rights. We don’t want unelected government bureaucrats dictating course content and test material for our schools. Our schools should reflect local values. President Abraham Lincoln stated that, “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will become the philosophy of government in the next.” During his time, it was simply an observation. Today, we should treat it as a warning to remain vigilant against wrong-minded, one-size fits all education.