(Continued from page 22)

United States to benefit from the project.
• It's time for the President and his administration to get serious about our nation's energy security. This pipeline, once completed, will carry up to 800,000 barrels of oil a day from western Canada to refineries in Texas. The pipeline is shovel ready: easements have been acquired from over 97 percent of landowners in South Dakota and all seven pump station sites have been purchased. But further preparation cannot proceed without approval from the President.
• It's in our nation's best interest to get this pipeline up and running as soon as possible. Waiting over four years for approval is just too long. I will continue to work to ensure that South Dakotans are heard loud and clear in Washington.

• Things are speeding up at the Legislature.  I serve on Retirement Laws, Local Government, and Taxation.   The number of bills is accelerating at a very fast pace.   Trying to keep up is is challenging so I appreciate the input from the constituents and I hope that you will continue to let me know what you are thinking.   
• Medicaid Expansion-
• One of the most far-reaching decisions faced by the legislators this Session is whether or not to expand Medicaid for an estimated 48,000 South Dakotans currently uninsured.  Because the federal government will cover 100% of the health care costs for the expanded group, the state's contribution is primarily for administrative costs. According to a study done by

the Kaiser Foundation, for every additional dollar SD might spend on expanded Medicaid eligibility, it would generate $13.43 in federal funds. Lawmakers in Pierre will hold another study session on Medicaid expansion on Feb. 5. Leaders of both parties have invited the Council for State Governments to send an expert to meet with all interested parties. We'll continue to study this important issue in the coming weeks.
• Economic Development and SD Wins-
• We all believe in economic development, but it must be a wise use of taxpayer's dollars and lead to true economic growth. Taxpayers deserve as much "bang for

(Continued on page 24)