On the IssuesSouth Dakota faces important decisions over the next four years, and we need a governor who is prepared to meet those challenges head-on. Over the next several months, I will be announcing my plans and proposals to address these challenges and move South Dakota forward. Dennis Daugaard for GovernorDDfG_a1e516f6-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aDennis DaugaardCandidate for Governor of the State of South Dakota_a1e634e6-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a_a1e63626-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aJobs and Economic DevelopmentGrow our way out of recession._a1e6377a-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a1The worldwide recession has affected every one of us, and South Dakota currently faces a challenging budget situation. The key to resolving the budget situation, and to ending the recession in South Dakota, is to jump-start economic development and bring more jobs into our state. Ronald Reagan said that you don’t spend your way out of a recession – you grow your way out. As Governor, that is what I intend to do._a1e6381a-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aEnergyAdvance the development of renewable energy sources like wind and ethanol._a1e6389c-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a2The answer to our nation’s long-term energy needs is not a “cap-and-trade” program that would put significant new energy costs on South Dakota’s families and businesses. The answer is clean, renewable energy – and that should be a major priority for South Dakota. It’s good for farmers, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for the state’s economy. South Dakota has been producing clean, low-cost, renewable energy for decades – from our four Missouri River dams. Our state must do everything we can to advance the development of renewable energy sources like wind and ethanol._a1e63932-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aHealthcareA healthcare system that allows you to get the treatment you need, when you need it – without interference from government bureaucrats._a1e639c8-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a3There’s no question that we need to reform healthcare. Healthcare costs are escalating and too many people can’t afford to get the care they need. But the Democratic plan for a federal takeover of healthcare is not the answer. We need a healthcare system that allows you to get the treatment you need, when you need it – without interference from government bureaucrats._a1e63a5e-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aK-12 EducationEnsure that every student is prepared to enter the workforce, or successfully attend a technical institute or university._a1e63dce-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a4StudentsEducation is the bedrock of economic development and the key to expanding opportunity in South Dakota. We must ensure that every student is prepared to enter the workforce, or successfully attend a technical institute or university. Our young people should have the skills to be productive citizens and to take advantage of the economic opportunities of our state._a1e63eaa-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aState Budget and TaxesOppose any new taxes or any increases in existing taxes._a1e63f54-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a5A recession is not the time to raise taxes. I will not raise taxes as governor. I will not support any new taxes or any increases in existing taxes. I would only consider a tax increase in response to an emergency, such as the temporary gas tax increase to pay for snow removal after the blizzards of 1997. _a1e63fea-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aAgricultureHarness our state’s competitive advantages in agriculture tp create new jobs in our rural communities and give our children and grandchildren a bright and vibrant future in South Dakota._a1e6408a-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6Agriculture is the life-blood of South Dakota. It is our state’s #1 industry, and for the farmers and ranchers who work the land, agriculture is more than a job—it is a career, a passion, and a way of life. Growing up on our family farm, I spent long days milking cows, scooping silage, and baling hay. I learned to appreciate the value of hard work. I also grew to understand the importance of neighborliness, cooperation, honesty, and stewardship of the land. In South Dakota, our agricultural producers have shown a tremendous ability to turn hard work, productivity, and ingenuity into a powerful economic engine. Agriculture has a $21.3 billion annual impact on South Dakota, which represents more than one-third of our state’s total economic activity. Clearly, agriculture is our state’s economic development hub and we’ve only scratched the surface of its potential. By harnessing our state’s competitive advantages in agriculture, we can create new jobs in our rural communities and give our children and grandchildren a bright and vibrant future right here in South Dakota. We must continue to support the ethanol and biodiesel industries and expand other renewable energy opportunities, such as wind and biomass, which reduce our use of fossil fuels and cut our dependence on foreign oil. The world is on the cusp of an energy revolution and South Dakota is perfectly positioned to succeed in renewable energy development. By utilizing emerging technologies to produce even more crops on the same land, while building on the agricultural production system already in place, South Dakota can be the vanguard of a new, knowledge-based economy. This will allow us to realize the economic potential in our own back yard while continuing to be careful stewards of our most important resource: the land. We must also continue to support the crop and livestock operations that bring substantial benefits to our small towns. Production agriculture utilizes a number of services, including grain elevators, fertilizer distributors, seed dealers, feed companies, ag lenders, insurance firms, agronomy experts, and other businesses. All too often, these locally owned businesses are taken for granted. Support for crop and livestock producers fuels economic development, which helps maintain the vitality of our rural communities. Today there are more opportunities in agriculture than ever before. And like many aspects of life, agriculture is constantly changing. From genetically modified seed, to a GPS system in the combine, to the way we market the crops and livestock we produce, agriculture is in the midst of a fundamental shift. Our challenge is to take advantage of these changes and position ourselves to meet the needs of the 21st century. In the last few years, the growth of industries such as ethanol has helped agricultural producers move beyond producing commodities; now we are creating value-added products. Continuing to develop value-added agriculture is an investment in our rural communities, in our state, and in our future. I will work to develop our state’s beef processing industry, to keep profits in South Dakota and create more jobs. I will also promote and encourage the growth of "agri-tourism," an emerging part of the visitor industry. Finally, I will defend agriculture against attacks from the outside. Fringe groups like PETA want to chip away at time-tested animal husbandry practices such as castrating, branding, and dehorning. I’ll defend our right to use these practices. I will also join with other governors to resist federal interference with our farms and ranches. Whether it’s an activist EPA, out-of-control prairie dog populations, or unnecessary new “wilderness areas,” the federal government continues to create more problems than it solves. South Dakota needs a strong voice to resist federal over-reaching. When we take advantage of our strengths, encourage agricultural diversity, and promote our family farms and ranches, we serve the best interests of all South Dakotans.Ethanol, Biodiesel, Wind and BiomassContinue to support the ethanol and biodiesel industries and expand other renewable energy opportunities, such as wind and biomass_a1e6412a-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6.1Emerging TechnologiesUtilize emerging technologies to produce even more crops on the same land, while building on the agricultural production system already in place._a1e641de-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6.2Crop and Livestock OperationsContinue to support crop and livestock operations._a1e64292-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6.3Beef Processing IndustryDevelop our state’s beef processing industry._a1e64346-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6.4Agri-TourismPromote and encourage the growth of agri-tourism. _a1e64422-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6.5Outside AttacksDefend agriculture against attacks from the outside._a1e644ea-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a6.6 Higher EducationHold higher education accountable for its performance._a1e645a8-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a7Our state’s universities and technical schools are integral to educating our young people, preparing our future workforce, and supporting economic development. Higher education should be accountable for its performance, so that it fulfills its central mission – preparing our young people to be tomorrow’s workforce. PartnershipsPartner with business and industry to meet current and future workforce needs and to assist graduates in finding careers in our state._a1e64666-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a7.1College GraduatesBusinessesIndustriesOur state institutions should partner with business and industry to meet current and future workforce needs and to assist graduates in finding careers in our state.AffordabilityTake steps to ensure that higher education remains affordable for every family. _a1e6472e-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a7.2Families of College StudentsSouth Dakota also must take steps to ensure that higher education remains affordable for every family. This means asking the universities and technical schools to restrain tuition increases and find new ways to increase efficiency. The state also must continue to support the South Dakota Opportunities Scholarship, which encourages high school students to take college-preparatory courses and keeps our top students in the state, and we should explore the possibility of a state-funded need-based scholarship program.ResearchContinue the emphasis on expanding university research._a1e647f6-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a7.3As governor, I will also continue the emphasis on expanding university research. We have dramatically increased university research over the past eight years. For every dollar the state has invested in new Research Centers of Excellence, we have gotten $2.84 in outside research funding. Our state’s leadership has made the universities system an engine for innovation and economic growth. South Dakota cannot afford to turn its back on that success, and as Governor I’ll make that a high priority.FamiliesProtect families._a1e648c8-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a8The UnbornProtect the unborn._a1e6499a-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a8.1I believe strongly in protecting the unborn. Thomas Jefferson once said, “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” I have consistently supported pro-life measures to reduce the frequency of abortion and to inform mothers considering abortion about alternatives like adoption. I also signed the petition in 2008 to place the “abortion ban” initiative on the ballot, so that our state could lead the fight to overturn Roe v. Wade. In my work at Children’s Home Society, I have seen many children who were subjected to shocking abuse and neglect. These children were unloved and unwanted, and it’s fair to say that their parents saw them as an inconvenience. Children’s Home’s mission is based on the strong belief that every child has value, and we work hard to place these children with “forever families” that will give them the love they deserve. My pro-life position is an extension of these same values – that no child is an “inconvenience” and that every child, born or unborn, deserves the opportunity to live and to have a family that loves them. I support our state's ban on embryonic stem cell research. Even if this research could potentially improve some lives, it should not be conducted at the expense of other lives. I am hopeful that advances in the use of adult stem cells will make embryonic stem cell research a thing of the past.Traditional MarriageProtect traditional marriage._a1e64b3e-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a8.2I supported and voted for the constitutional amendment in 2006 that defined marriage in South Dakota as being between one man and one woman. The traditional family is the foundation of our society, and it should be protected. Although I do not support discrimination against any class of people, I also do not think that individual groups should be given special privileges or be allowed to redefine the centuries-old institution of marriage.Second AmendmentSupport the Second Amendment._a1e64c24-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a9I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. I believe the Second Amendment is clear that every law-abiding citizen has an individual right to keep and bear arms. I am a member of the National Rifle Association. As a state senator, I consistently voted to protect the right to bear arms, and I proud to have received an "A+" rating from the NRA for my support of gun rights. As a hunter, I understand that this cherished right is an important part of our state’s culture. As governor, I will continue to support the Second Amendment. _a1e64d0a-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aTourismAggressively support tourism._a1e64dfa-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a10I strongly support tourism, our state’s second largest industry. Visitor spending is expected to exceed $1 billion in 2010, and the industry accounts for 1 in every 9 jobs in South Dakota. More tourism means more jobs. Promoting tourism is crucial to growing our state’s economy. South Dakota’s tourism industry has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years - in fact, it has grown at almost double the national average over the past seven years. Even now, when economic times are tough, visitor spending in South Dakota is exceeding national trends. South Dakota cannot afford to let up in this area, and as Governor I will aggressively support tourism. As Governor, I will support tourism, even in tough times, because I know how important the visitor industry is to our state. Tourism deserves the strongest possible support from our state government – and it will have it from me as Governor. Million Dollar ChallengeContinue the Million Dollar Challenge._a1e64eea-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a10.1I will continue the Million Dollar Challenge, which combines state and local efforts and has resulted in successful attractions in places from Watertown to Chamberlain to Faith.Tourism TaxRetain the 0.5% tax that the industry placed on itself in 2009 to fund promotion efforts._a1e64fda-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a10.2I will fight to retain the 0.5% tax that the industry placed on itself in 2009 to fund promotion efforts.Toursim DepartmentPut Tourism back in the governor’s cabinet as a separate departmentput Tourism back in the governor’s cabinet as a separate department._a1e650d4-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a10.3I will put Tourism back in the governor’s cabinet as a separate department – to send a strong message about the importance of tourism to our state’s economy.Agri-TourismSupport and promote the development of "agri-tourism" as an emerging part of the visitor industry._a1e651ce-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a10.4I will also support and promote the development of "agri-tourism" as an emerging part of the visitor industry. Simply stated, agri-tourism is the crossroads of agriculture and tourism - our two largest industries. As more and more Americans grow up and live in urban environments, there will be an increased demand by visitors to experience life on a farm or ranch. With our variety of ag operations, South Dakota can be a leader in attracting these visitors.Tribal AffairsBuild close relationships with tribal leaders, and make the state an active partner in finding solutions._a1e652c8-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a11Tribal LeadersSouth Dakota’s Indian Reservations are an integral part of our state. Unlike many rural areas, the reservations are experiencing significant population growth. Still, several reservation counties are among the poorest in America, and the reservations face tough challenges in creating jobs and attracting development, providing healthcare and education, and protecting the public through law enforcement and social services. On issue after issue, the State and Tribal Governments need to work closely together to face these challenges. These are not tribal problems – they are South Dakota problems. As Governor, I’ll build close relationships with tribal leaders, and make the state an active partner in finding solutions. It’s the right thing to do._a1e653cc-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2aVeteransHonor veterans._a1e654d0-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a11VeteransLike all Americans, I am thankful to all of our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe and free. Since 2008, it has been my honor to serve as a board member for Honor Flight South Dakota, an organization that flies World War II veterans to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial on the National Mall. The level of support that Honor Flight has achieved demonstrates the gratitude that South Dakotans feel for our veterans, and I am proud that thousands of South Dakotans have stepped forward to be a part of this effort. On many occasions, in my role as Lieutenant Governor, I have had the honor of speaking at National Guard activation ceremonies. In more solemn circumstances, I have also represented our state at funerals for our servicemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. These events are a somber reminder of the risks that every veteran has taken to protect our freedom. State and federal governments should honor the commitment of our veterans by fulfilling our obligations to them.Openness and ResponsivenessPlace a high priority on working with veterans’ organizations, openly discussing their concerns, and ensuring that state government is responsive to the needs of all veterans._a1e65638-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a11.1Veterans OrganizationsAs Governor, I will place a high priority on working with veterans’ organizations, openly discussing their concerns, and ensuring that state government is responsive to the needs of all veterans. State government makes a mistake when it fails to meet this standard.Department of Veterans AffairsCreate a separate, cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs._a1e65746-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a11.2I will support creating a separate, cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs. Many veterans’ organizations believe that a cabinet-level department would be more responsive to the needs of veterans, and I support this as a common-sense way to improve services to veterans. Veterans Affairs OfficialsEnsure that that all officials within Veterans Affairs are veterans who have honorable discharges._a1e65868-94ff-11df-8772-cf0c7a64ea2a11.3I also agree that all officials within Veterans Affairs should be veterans who have only honorable discharges. Our veterans have served us with honor and distinction, and those who work on their behalf should meet that same standard. 2010-07-21http://www.dennisdaugaard.com/ontheissues/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net