Issues Facing District 7, SD and Beyond

This unique part of South Dakota is blessed with diverse industry, and we have a work ethic that has built a strong infrastructure of education, business, and research. With this accomplishment comes a great amount of responsibility for our future.

We live in challenging times, and we need to create positive change if we are to see the same level of success for generations to come. Many people struggle to make ends meet, and we are facing higher costs of gas and food that strap our working families. Our soldiers in uniform require critical assistance as they return home, and we need to make sure we meet the needs of all our veterans. Our aging population requires quality care to be kept as active as possible. Preventative healthcare with early diagnosis should be something we strive for no matter the patient. Our children deserve the best education that we can possibly provide. Research and forecasting the future of industry is crucial as we create more higher-paying jobs. Meeting industry needs with high school and post-secondary internships will build our businesses as well as people's livelihoods.

Each issue cannot stand alone, as they all affect one another, and they all must be looked at as a whole. It is time that legislators view them as pieces of a puzzle that must be put together in order for us to view the big picture.

We must first identify our goals and work in a non-partisan way to create flexible and working plans to meet those goals. We will accomplish more when we can forget about party politics and simply get the job done.

The list to the left speaks on individual areas that I've identified as issues that District 7 faces. Please contact me with any thoughts and concerns you have on these, or any other issues.

Paid for & approved by Merchant for Senate, Ryan Howlett, Treasurer | PO Box 763 | Brookings, SD 57006