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hard time finding summer jobs. In a rural state like South Dakota, we are all used to driving long distances to the grocery store, to church and to sports activities. With high gas prices, this woman is also trying to deal with how they're going to keep gas in the tanks and still put food on the table.
• It's conversations like this, and others I've had with people throughout our state, that remind me of how important it is that we have a healthy economy that gives some certainty to American families.
• Members of both parties need to work together to put forth real solutions that provide for a secure future. Not only has the House of Representatives passed a responsible budget that prioritizes our nation's spending and will end deficit spending, but we've passed dozens of job-related bills that have only languished in the Senate. The House has also passed legislation that would provide a long-term solution to student loan interest rates, which will provide a market-based approach to establishing interest rates.
• We are going to continue to work to ensure that our students get quality educations, that they can pay off their loans after graduation, and can get jobs and continue their pursuit of the American dream.
• Americans' confidence in their government is fading, especially in light of recent scandals and tepid job and economic reports. It's clear we must work towards expanding opportunities without expanding our government. South Dakotans wake up every morning wanting security for our families, security for our state, and security for our nation, which is something a strong, healthy economy can help provide.