Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) recently spoke on the Senate floor about his activities during the state work period, where he traveled throughout South Dakota to meet with constituents and discuss legislative progress.

Thune described his visits to several fairs across the state, including the Turner County Fair in Parker, Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls, Central States Fair in Rapid City, and the State Fair in Huron. He noted that agriculture is a central focus during these summer events.

He also mentioned joining Senator Hoeven at the Brown County Fair in Aberdeen for discussions on agricultural support provided by recent legislation. "Senator Hoeven came south for the Brown County Fair in Aberdeen, where he joined me for a great discussion on the support for farmers and ranchers we provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill. And of course, I made sure that he got the famous Tubby Burger, which is a favorite at the Brown County Fair," Thune said.

At Dakotafest in Mitchell, Thune participated with Senator Rounds and Congressman Johnson at an ag policy forum hosted by the Farm Bureau. They addressed ongoing challenges faced by farmers, such as high input costs and low commodity prices affecting profit margins. According to Thune: "We discussed how farmers are still struggling with high input costs and depressed commodity prices, causing upside-down margins for their operations."

He outlined provisions of what he referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which includes adjustments to reference prices for commodity programs to better match market conditions and measures intended to strengthen crop insurance and livestock producer support. The bill also raises exemption thresholds aimed at protecting more farms from estate taxes.

Thune visited various small businesses across South Dakota towns like Hoven, Mobridge, Selby, and Faulkton. He emphasized their importance: "Small businesses aren’t always easy to run, but they’re the backbone of our communities." During these visits he met with entrepreneurs and workers at establishments including Salon 54, Brew 54 and More, Mr. Bob’s Drive-In, Shorty’s One Stop, Bauer’s Super Valu, Buttercup Coffee Shop, and Blondie’s Tables and Taps.

He highlighted aspects of new legislation affecting small business employees: "No tax on tips and overtime is welcome news to servers, busboys, bartenders, and the millions of workers who earn tips or put in extra hours to earn overtime pay." Permanent tax relief was another point addressed as beneficial for working families statewide.

The senator also met with first responders from Aberdeen Fire Rescue as well as law enforcement officers from Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. He attended appreciation events recognizing agricultural workers at local fairs and took part in ceremonies honoring military service members at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Reflecting on his time back home before returning to Washington D.C., Thune concluded: "Mr. President, it’s been a busy few weeks back home in South Dakota – and for all my colleagues as they moved across their states these last few weeks. And now it’s going to be a busy few weeks here in Washington. We’re setting our country up for a stronger and more prosperous future. And I can’t wait to see the benefits for my state of South Dakota and for our entire country."