Tim tours an Ethenol plant in South Dakota

Science and Technology

The challenges sometimes presented by the rural nature of South Dakota have been lessened with the advent of the Internet. Students can connect to classrooms hundreds of miles away from home. Products can be bought and sold. The possibilities are endless. As such, I am committed toward ensuring the Internet remains a strong engine for economic growth. I will continue to fight for accessible and affordable Internet technology across the state.

Because many schools in rural America find it difficult to keep up with the latest technology due to tight budget constraints, I have also worked with the U.S. Senate's Computers for Schools program to donate a total of 25 computers to 5 different schools around South Dakota last year.

I am also very supportive of the E-Rate program, which subsidizes school and library telecommunications and Internet services, providing discounts ranging from 20 to 90 percent for classrooms and community libraries that would otherwise have difficulty in affording such services. Especially in rural states like South Dakota, the E-Rate program helps bridge the digital divide and insures that all children, including those without access to computers or the Internet at home, will have the high-tech tools to compete in a digital economy.

Maintaining our scientific and technological leadership in an increasingly competitive world will require a strong commitment to increasing research, education, and innovation. That's why I have supported a package of legislation known as the PACE (Protecting America's Competitive Edge) Act. The three bills included in the package would enact the recommendations of a National Academies of Sciences (NAS) report called "Rising Above the Gathering Storm." I believe that a comprehensive approach to research, education, and innovation based on sound recommendations from the scientific community will be good for the country and good for South Dakota, especially as we strive to bring a world-class underground laboratory to the Homestake Mine. An increased focus of this type can translate into more economic diversification and more highly skilled and well paying jobs for our communities.

Keeping Kids Safe Online

The Internet has had such a positive impact on our lives. It has opened educational opportunities with research, online courses and connected people all over the world. Local businesses in South Dakota can sell their products online to nearly anyone. The Internet has enhanced health care in rural communities through the use of telemedicine. Families can stay in touch, even sharing photos, videos, etc.

Yet, as we connect with the world online, our safe neighborhoods are opened up to strangers with sometimes dangerous behavior. In South Dakota, we teach our children to be polite and friendly. But we are also cautious and tell them not to talk to strangers. However, when our kids go online, they could be talking to strangers in online chat rooms, blogs, and instant messenger services.

The Internet can be a great place for kids to meet new people and expand their horizons. But we need to make sure they are being careful about the information they share and who they may meet.

Tips for Parents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | National Center for Missing and Exploited Children : Protection from Online Predators | SD Division of Criminal Investigation | iSafe (online safety group) | GetNetWise (online safety group)