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scrapped.
• The Governor's Office and the controlling Republican Legislators have resisted a serious discussion of the most obvious and serious problem facing our skilled workforce shortage: LOW WAGES. They keep concluding that a low-tax state like SD should have no problem attracting workers.  They continue to perpetuate the myth that a lower cost of living makes up for the low wages.  This false belief is so embedded; it's likely the most important factor holding our state back from true economic development.
• South Dakota ranks among the bottom ten states (41^st out of 50) even when you factor in the cost of living. These rankings done by MoneyRates.com  is based on an analysis that considers average wage and unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as well as cost of living data, and state tax rates. If you do the research, you'll find through multiple studies that it is cheaper to live in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming, and dozens of other states, even after you factor in tax rates.
• Will we continue to deny the facts or will we finally move the state forward?   South Dakotans need to hold the State Legislature accountable for finding solutions, funding public education, growing our own quality workforce, and most importantly, increasing competitive wages which keep skilled workers from leaving SD.
• SD is a great state but we can do so much better.   We will continue to press for the expansion of Medicaid and to find out what really happened with the EB-5 issues and the packing plant in Aberdeen. 
• On the bright side we were able to have breakfast with FFA students in Ft. Pierre and to watch them in action as they led us through a meeting and a demonstration.  FFA is something I am familiar with as I spent four years in the Redfield program.  The hands on learning and leadership experiences are very valuable.  I was excited to listen as they explained their "three circle model" of learning that includes classroom instruction which involves learning and expanding skills in research, writing, math, science, and language arts.  The other two aspects include a supervised agriculture experience and practice in conducting business and leading others.   
• I am proud to represent District 2 and I thank you for the opportunity to serve you. 
• Sincerely,
• Chuck Welke
• SD State Senate
• Brown, Clark, Hamlin, Spink
• Sen.welke@state.sd.us
• chuckwelke@gmail.com
• 605-216-1467