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schools must follow.
• I also appreciated legislative support for a bill that modernizes the technology available to the deaf and hard-of-hearing through the telecommunications services fund. This bill doesn't cost the state any more money, but it allows the deaf to use more modern and affordable devices such as iPads rather than outdated communications equipment.
• Businesses in South Dakota will benefit from a cut in unemployment contributions. The unemployment insurance trust fund is reaching its target balance, and that means a savings to business owners of $11 million next year.
• South Dakota will also join many other states in banning texting while driving. Just as our seat belt law reminds us all to act responsibly, this new law will remind drivers to keep their attention on the road, and not on their smartphone.
• Finally, we continued our commitment to maintaining a strong financial foundation for our state. We allocated more funds to maintenance and repair, so that state facilities remain in good condition. We fully funded the cement plant retirement fund, so that the employees of the formerly-state owned plant are secure in their state pensions. We reduced our state debt by 20%, as we repaid millions of dollars of bonds on state buildings. This also allowed us to spend more ongoing dollars on education. And we paid cash, rather than borrowing, for the state's share of the new Veterans Home in Hot Springs.
• When we look at the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., we see a legislative body that is bogged down in partisanship and grandstanding. South Dakotans can be proud that our state Legislature has not fallen into that trap.  
• Our state legislators are not career politicians. They take time away from their jobs and families to come to Pierre for nine weeks in the winter. While they are here, they work hard and they do their best for their constituents and for our state. When their work is complete, they return to their communities and live among the people they serve. If you see one of your legislators in the coming days, take a moment to say "thank you" for the work they do. They've done a good job.