Issue Position: Economic Development for South Dakota

Issue Position

South Dakotans can take great pride in an economy that has weathered the national economic downturn better than most. We have lower unemployment and a more stable economy than many other states, but even here, too many working families are struggling. Too many rural towns are shrinking for lack of economic opportunity. We lose too many talented South Dakotans to career opportunities elsewhere. Sound, balanced economic development policies can address these challenges.

For almost eight years, I worked directly on economic development in South Dakota -- helping entrepreneurs and inventors find ways to transform their ideas into businesses; helping small businesses access financing for expansions; helping communities improve water and sewer systems, industrial parks, business incubators, and other facilities and that have made our communities even more attractive to prospective employers and workers. I'm excited to put this experience to work in Congress.

Economic development occurs when we have a vibrant community of entrepreneurial businesses, along with elected leaders committed to helping businesses grow. We need to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and make sure that our government is a partner to business. Often this just means staying out of the way, but it can also mean working aggressively to ensure that our infrastructure--from roads and bridges to clean drinking water and wastewater treatment systems to Internet access in our communities --is modernized and ready to serve the needs of citizens and businesses. I also understand the importance of access to capital across South Dakota, the value of workforce training, and the need for affordable housing to attract job seekers. Finally, I agree strongly with those who have said that education is our best economic development policy. I will support investments in these critical areas.

Source