On the recordJanuary 30, 2019
As my new Governor just mentioned in her first budget address, in South Dakota, we don't spend money we don't have. South Dakota has never incurred any general obligation debt, and that doesn't happen by accident. It takes decades of prudent and, sometimes, unpopular decisions. I am proud to be a part of that history. Now, in Washington, the story is a little different. We haven't always had that same kind of intestinal fortitude, so our debt is $22 trillion. Mr. Speaker, I know there is plenty of blame to go around, but I am more interested in solutions. Taking our medicine--and we do need to take our medicine--will not be easy, and we can't do it all at once, but I am ready to take the tough votes. I am hopeful that some of my colleagues are as well. After all, fiscal responsibility is possible. Just ask South Dakota. ____________________
