Along with lower taxes, a limited government contributes to our individual freedom and our “pursuit of happiness.”  We must always remember that government does not produce anything.  It exists by taking from us, the taxpayers, and we should keep government as lean as possible and as close to the people as possible.

Our South Dakota Republican Party Platform expressly states that we believe “the proper role of government is to provide for the people those CRITICAL functions that CANNOT be performed by individuals or private organizations” (emphasis mine). I truly believe that is the best way forward for our citizens and I will continue to oppose the ever-creeping expansion and overreach of government in our lives.

Pres. Reagan once said, “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth!” I have seen the truth in this statement serving on Appropriations, and I will continue to work towards a truly limited government in our state, because as James Madison once said, “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”  Every time government expands, it does so at the expense of your freedom.