Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently appeared on The Will Cain Show on Fox News to discuss several key issues, including Medicaid reform, government spending reductions, and the state and local tax deduction.

Thune emphasized the need for ambitious efforts to control government costs. "We want to make this as ambitious and aggressive of an effort as possible to rein in the cost of government," he stated. He expressed optimism about achieving a reduction in the size and scope of government, which he noted has not occurred in three decades.

On Medicaid reform, Thune criticized the misuse of provider taxes by states like New York and California. "[T]he provider tax is a good example of something that’s been abused," he said. He stressed that reforms are necessary to ensure Medicaid serves its intended recipients, excluding illegal immigrants and able-bodied males without work requirements.

Regarding waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending, Thune highlighted ongoing efforts to find additional spending reductions beyond those achieved by the House. He described these efforts as potentially leading to "the biggest spending reduction in mandatory spending in history."

Thune also addressed the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, praising it as one of the best reforms from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He mentioned resistance within the Senate against reversing this reform but acknowledged negotiations with the House on potential adjustments.

Overall, Thune's appearance underscored his commitment to fiscal responsibility through targeted reforms across various areas of government policy.