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sponsored the Drought Information Act and worked to pass the bill out of committee last year. This legislation is important because it will extend the NIDIS for another five years and improve the interactive "early warning system," as well as an integrated weather monitoring and forecasting system. On February 3, 2014, the Senate passed this legislation by unanimous consent and the House of Representatives just passed their companion bill. I anticipate this legislation will be sent to the president soon for his approval, which will ensure we are better prepared for future droughts and reduce uncertainty and financial losses for South Dakota farmers and ranchers.
• Our farmers and ranchers play an important role in making our state's economy a success. Accurate forecasting tools, sound insurance options, and timely financial assistance after disaster strikes are critical to keeping our agriculture industry moving forward. As a member of both the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senate Commerce Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to increase coordination between the agriculture industry and NIDIS to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the necessary tools to plan and prepare for future droughts.

• Earlier this month, the Obama administration announced that mid-sized businesses are off the hook for another year when it comes to the Affordable Care Act's employer mandates.  This means companies that employ 50-99 individuals won't be required to cover full-time staff until 2016 - at the earliest.  Their employees, however, will still be required to carry insurance or pay a tax under the law's individual mandate.  It doesn't seem right that businesses get a break while hardworking Americans are left to fend for themselves.
• Delaying the employer mandate in and of itself is not a bad thing.  A number of companies - large and small - have discussed how onerous and confusing the provision is. 
• A recent survey by the Chamber of Commerce and the International Franchise Association found "a third of franchise businesses have cut workers' hours because

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