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openings.
• The good news is the program is working. Since May 1, 121 of the 237 participants are in new jobs, pursuing other opportunities like school or training, or are no longer receiving benefit checks.
• South Dakota is a land of industrious, self-reliant people. We know the meaning of hard work. In South Dakota, our unemployment rate stands at 4.3 percent, the third lowest in the country. We have the lowest number of long-term unemployed people in the nation, despite having more total citizens than a number of other states.

• Too many in our country have forgotten the meaning of hard work, or have chosen to avoid it. Earlier this year, the federal government again extended the period of time that a citizen can receive unemployment payments. In some areas of the country, a person can receive unemployment payments for up to 99 weeks - almost 2 years.
• I understand that anyone can stumble. Some unemployed are truly unable to find work, despite their willingness, but we must not become a society that rewards those who ask to be carried.
• We must honor the industrious and praise self-reliance. All work has dignity. All work is worth doing. I am proud of the people of our state and their resiliency during tough times.
• I hope South Dakota can be a model - a "shining city