Tim Johnson for South Dakota: News

Johnson Continues Campaign Sweep in South Dakota

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

STURGIS - Sen. Tim Johnson has been storming the state during his campaign for the 2008 election.

Monday afternoon he made stops in Rapid City and Sturgis.

The first stop was in Rapid City, where Johnson honored the Canyon Lake All-Stars for being the first South Dakota team to qualify for the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn.

Then it was on to Sturgis, where he was guided on a “windshield tour,” with Mayor Maury LaRue driving the senator around town to show how the city is growing.

City manager David Boone, council member Bernadette Usera and Johnson staffer Matt Varilek also accompanied the pair as they viewed the Sturgis Industrial Park. While the tour was going on, Barbara Johnson, the senator's wife, toured the Crisis Intervention Shelter Services facility on Sherman Street.

The senator commented on how his campaign has been going.

“It's been going well. I have criss-crossed the entire state of South Dakota. I have skipped the Democratic convention to spend more time with South Dakotans,” he said.

He stated that every region has its own concerns. For instance, in East river there is the Lewis and Clark water system, corn and beans. But in west river there is interest in the military and tourism that is unique to the Black Hills and western South Dakota.

Being a chairman of military construction of the VA subcommittee, Johnson has a say in how military construction comes along as well as the VA hospitals. “I have a warm spot in my heart for Sturgis. The VA has an excellent hospital along with the clinic in Rapid City,” he said. In addition, he feels there is room for improvement at Camp Rapid and Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Johnson feels Congress should have a comprehensive plan when it comes to gas prices.

“It ranges from getting after speculators to common sense personal conservation initiatives to efficient automobiles, and trucks such as hybrids,” he said.

He stressed that Republicans and Democrats alike must stop fighting and quit worrying about who gets the credit for solving the crisis.

Johnson felt good about the Obama-Biden presidential ticket.

“It's a very good one and it will be a close election. South Dakota historically is a Republican state. The last Democrat to carry the state was LBJ in 1964. But it will be close. But the main thing is that we get rid of that partisanship and start concentrating on the American people,” he said.

Sen Johnson Commends Obama's Vice Presidential Pick

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – US Senator Tim Johnson applauded Sen. Barack Obama's vice presidential pick today saying that Biden brings great experience but also is a personal friend who helped Johnson when he was recovering from brain surgery.

"I've long admired Sen. Joe Biden, and believe his experience and respect on both sides of the aisle is very important and will offer a strong ticket this fall, and potentially a strong voice for working to address the many challenges facing the next Administration," Sen. Johnson said. "Our country will benefit from Sen. Biden's unparalleled service and familiarity with the issues, as we have during Sen. Biden's many years in the Senate."

Sen. Johnson said he hoped the national ticket for both parties would allow an honest discussion with the American people as to their respective vision for our nation for the next four years and beyond. "I believe that Barack Obama and Joe Biden give us a ticket with vision, strength, experience and determination to lead. There is a lot of work to be done, and I believe this ticket has the tools to accomplish great things for our nation," Sen. Johnson said.

But for Johnson, the Biden pick is more personal. "A few years ago, Joe Biden had a similar brain injury to the one I had and in the early days after my injury, he was a constant friend to Barb and me on the phone and in person. Joe always encouraged me in my recovery and constantly reminded me that while recovery takes time and is hard, I would be back fighting and serving again sooner rather than later. He was right and I will be forever grateful for his support and personal friendship," Johnson said.

On another note, Sen. Johnson indicated he will not be attending the Democratic National Convention next week since the presidential pick is a foregone conclusion. Instead Sen. Johnson will continue to spend the recess touring South Dakota and meeting with voters.

Poll Shows Johnson Support Increasing; Leading Opponent by 27 Points

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - A new poll shows U.S. Senator Tim Johnson gaining support among South Dakota voters, increasing his lead over his opponent to 61 - 34 percent. These numbers are an increase over the last published national poll conducted in July by Rassmussen Polling, which showed Johnson with a 60 - 35 percent lead. This current poll also shows that Senator Johnson's job approval with voters continues to be among the highest of any Senator in Washington, as an impressive 68 percent of the respondents approve of the job Johnson is doing for them.

The poll was conducted from August 12 - 14 by the Greenberg Quinlan Rosner research firm. 44 percent of the respondents identified themselves as Republicans and 34 percent of the respondents identified themselves as Democrats.

The poll was conducted the week after Senator Johnson announced that he would not be participating in any debates this election cycle. When asked about Senator Johnson's decision not to debate, 75 percent of the respondents said that debates were not very important to them and that his decision would not determine their vote. Rather, they said that Senator Johnson's job performance would determine their vote.

"This poll shows that the vast majority of South Dakotans support Senator Johnson; they know that he has been working hard over the past year since his injury and indeed is delivering for them in record numbers. In short, South Dakotans like Tim and the work he's doing for them, and they will decide their vote based on this assessment. As always, we never take any support for granted, and Senator Johnson will continue to tour the state, meet with constituents, and discuss his plan for improving the lives of all South Dakotans. And when Senator Johnson returns to the Senate in September, he will continue to work hard and use his influence and seniority to ensure that South Dakota's interests are well-represented," said campaign manager Steve Jarding.

Senator Johnson's aphasia is no handicap in this election

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sen. Tim Johnson suffers from aphasia and doesn’t do a very good job of orally communicating his thoughts, which are a direct reflection of his intellect, which in turn is unaffected by aphasia.

So what’s the big deal? For obvious reasons his handicap makes debating his Republican opponent, state Rep. Joel Dykstra, a virtual impossibility, as the quick give-and-take of a spirited debate is beyond the incumbent senator’s grasp for the time being. Naturally, that compels more than a few people around the state to question his ability to function as their representative in the United States Senate, and probably with some reason. I suspect that the most vocal complainers about the senator’s decision not to debate just happen to be Republican supporters of Dykstra, who are taking this opportunity to turn Johnson’s impairment into a political asset that might be of some value to their man Dykstra come November.

Whether my suspicions are unfounded or not, though, I can’t think of a more irrelevant factor in comparing the merits of the two opponents, who should be judged on the basis of experience and political inclinations, not physical handicaps. After reading up on the literature of aphasia, I’m convinced — as anyone who studies up on it would be — that the condition has no affect on the intellect and judgment of those unfortunate enough to suffer from it, and I have absolutely no problem with Johnson’s decision to stay off the debate platform.

For one thing, his halting speaking manner would only take attention away from the content of the senator’s utterances, making a debate, for all practical purposes, meaningless. For another, even when the senator is on top of his rhetorical game, he’s neither a tower of charisma nor a gifted orator, certainly not remotely comparable to the quick-witted Tom Daschle or the charm-laden John Thune.

Some might even say that the senator is doing himself a favor by not debating, and I’d be one of them. Kidding aside, his dull style notwithstanding, Johnson has been a competent, even courageous (and extremely so, when you consider what it took to buck his party and senior colleague Tom Daschle by voting for the Bush tax cut) representative, taking that word seriously even when it meant crossing political swords with his party’s national establishment.

Though it’s true that Johnson has no hope of keeping up with many of the prima donnas in the United States Senate when it comes time to discuss issues on the floor of the Congress, most of us should be politically sophisticated enough to understand that virtually all of that rhetorical posturing has more to do with political grandstanding than doing the actual work of analyzing and discussing the merits of legislation.

That work is done with staff experts and political advisors, and gets accomplished in the quieter reaches of senatorial offices and chambers. In that setting, Sen. Johnson’s impairment will have no bearing on his ability to function. As to debating, South Dakota media are perfectly capable of preparing policy issues and submitting them to the campaigns, then publishing or airing the respective responses and positions — which is probably a much more thoughtful and rational way of getting at the differences among the candidates than putting them under the pressure of a televised confrontation, where points are scored more on the basis of personality and telegenisis than actual approaches to policy.

No doubt the Dykstra campaign can take the lead on this by issuing specific policy points and challenging Johnson to respond, point by point. The Republican is probably in such tough political shape at this point that he’ll have to do something dramatic to get people’s attention. If he or his surrogates continue to make some hay off Johnson’s aphasia, the campaign might as well concede that it can’t win on the issues.

I have yet to make a decision on this race, but I know that physical impairment won’t be part of the process that determines my vote. To that extent, South Dakota as a whole should be able to take some pride in the fact that its voters aren’t swayed by physical handicaps when it comes time to choosing their elected officials.

John Tsitrian is a Rapid City businessman and writer. Contact him at tsitrian@rap.midco.net.

Sen Johnson Attends Dakotafest

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson visited Dakotafest today, touring the grounds, talking with farmers, and visiting booths. Steve Dick from Ag United for South Dakota accompanied the Senator during his visit.

“I enjoyed spending time at Dakotafest and visiting with farmers from around the state. Agriculture is one of the pillars of this state’s economy, and we need to ensure that our farmers have the tools they need for success. I worked hard to secure Country of Origin Labeling in the 2008 Farm Bill, and will continue to fight for ag interests in the Senate,” said Senator Johnson.

Johnson is spending his break from the Senate criss-crossing the state meeting with constituents and organizations, attending forums and roundtable discussions, conducting official Senate business, and attending many of the summer fairs and carnivals as he moves around the state.

Sen Johnson to Attend Dakotafest

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson will be attending Dakotafest on Tuesday, August 19 at 2:45 pm CT. Senator Johnson will tour the grounds, speak with farmers, and visit booths. Steve Dick from Ag United for South Dakota will accompany Senator Johnson during his visit.

WHO:    U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)
WHAT:    Dakotafest
WHEN:    Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 2:45 pm CT – 3:45 pm CT
WHERE:    Dakotafest
        Schlaffman Farm
        2300 Spruce Street
        Mitchell, SD

Senator Johnson BBQs with Supporters

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson was back in Brookings again today where he attended a barbeque at the George Mickelson Middle School. At the barbeque, Brookings area constituents had the opportunity to speak with the Senator one-on-one as well as in small groups, and the topic of discussion ranged from energy to health care to agricultural issues.

“I was delighted to be able to speak to voters on an individual basis and discuss their concerns and the things that affect their daily lives. From rising gas prices to soaring health care costs, people are hurting, and I was glad to have the opportunity to discuss what I am doing to help alleviate these problems in the Senate,” Senator Johnson said.

While talking to voters, Senator Johnson discussed his support for offshore drilling and investing in renewable and alternative energy sources, such as ethanol, to alleviate energy costs. He also spoke about his leading role in the fight to secure Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in the Farm Bill, which will benefit both farmers and consumers.

Johnson is spending his break from the Senate to criss cross the state meeting with constituents, conducting official Senate business, and attending many of the summer fairs and carnivals as he moves around the state.

Senator Johnson Attends Brown County Fair

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson was back in Aberdeen today where he attended the Brown County Fair. Senator Johnson met with constituents and discussed issues ranging from energy to agriculture.

Tim Erickson, a fair attendee, said, “I enjoyed meeting Tim today, and I was really impressed with him. He’s so sharp intellectually, and he’s worked hard for South Dakota on so many things. He can do the job and he’s doing the job.”

Johnson is spending his break from the Senate to criss cross the state meeting with constituents, conducting official Senate business, and attending many of the summer fairs and carnivals as he moves around the state.

Mayor Munson Praises Johnson in TV Ad

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – The campaign of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson has released a new television ad today featuring Sioux Falls Republican Mayor, Dave Munson. In the ad, Munson commends Senator Johnson for all the work he has done for the Sioux Falls community, and expresses confidence in Senator Johnson’s ability to serve in the Senate after his brain injury.

“I think he’s more than up to the job,” says Munson at the beginning of the ad. He goes on to talk about Senator Johnson’s ability to work with both Democrats and Republicans, and calls the Senator a “great partner for me to work with.”

When discussing Senator Johnson’s accomplishments for Sioux Falls, Munson says, “I can’t even list all the projects Tim Johnson has done for Sioux Falls – there are that many.” The ad highlights Johnson’s work securing $110 million for the Lewis and Clark Water Project, $24 million for the I-29 highway, $95,305 for the Graduate Education and Applied Research Center, and $40 million for the Sioux Falls Rail Relocation Project. All of these projects have directly benefited the Sioux Falls community.

At the end of the ad, Mayor Munson states, “The bottom line is that Tim Johnson does get results, and I am a personal witness to that.”

You can view the ad at www.timjohnson.com.

Senator Johnson to Attend Brown County Fair

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - U.S. Senator Tim Johnson will attend the Brown County Fair on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 2:00 pm CT. Senator Johnson will spend time at his campaign booth, touring the fairgrounds, and speaking with voters.

WHO: U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)

WHAT: Brown County Fair

WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 2:00 pm CT - 3:00 pm CT

WHERE: Brown County Fairgrounds

County Road 15

Aberdeen, SD

South Dakota Teachers Group Endorses Johnson for Re-Election

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – Following a recommendation for endorsement by the South Dakota Education Association, which represents more than 7,000 teachers in South Dakota, the National Education Association’s Fund for Children and Public Education has announced its endorsement of Senator Tim Johnson in his re-election bid.

“We applaud Senator Johnson's commitment to the cause of public education and children, and wish him every success. The NEA Fund and the South Dakota Education Association are proud to support the election of federal candidates, like Senator Johnson, who measure up on the issues that most concern our members,” said Reg Weaver, chairman of The NEA Fund.

The National Education Association is the largest professional employee organization in America, with 3.2 million members. The South Dakota Education Association, with over 7,000 members, is the largest organization of educators in South Dakota.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of The NEA Fund and the South Dakota Education Association, and I will continue to work hard for South Dakota's children to ensure they have the tools they need for success,” said Johnson. “During my time as Senator, I have been a strong supporter of initiatives to reduce classroom size, repair our crumbling schools, and address the unique challenges facing rural school districts. Education is the foundation of a prosperous state and nation, and improving our education system is one of the most pressing issues we face in an increasingly globalized economy. Recognizing this urgency, I will continue to fight for our children's future.”

Senator Johnson has been a strong supporter of education in the Senate. Just this year, Senator Johnson cosponsored the College and University Rural Education Act (CURE), which will encourage rural high school students to attain a postsecondary education and enhance educational training opportunities for programs targeted at professions with worker shortages. He was also a cosponsor of the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) Reauthorization Act, which gives rural schools flexibility in their use of federal funding to better meet the unique needs of rural education.

Senator Johnson was able to use his position on the powerful Appropriations Committee this past year to secure nearly $30 million dollars for research activities at South Dakota’s universities, as well as over $4 million dollars for South Dakota’s Head Start programs.

Johnson Kicks Off Trip Home With Blog

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - Today U.S. Senator Tim Johnson announced he will be keeping a blog of his campaign activity while home this month. The blog will be his way of keeping South Dakotans up-to-date on his travels around the state.

"I'm excited to keep my first blog during my trip home over the Senate's recess," Johnson said. "This will be a great way to let everyone know what I'm up to while in South Dakota. I'm really looking forward to getting around the state, seeing old friends, meeting new people and then writing about it."

The blog will be accessible on the campaign's website at www.timjohnson.com/blog

Johnson will be in South Dakota through the end of Senate recess. He plans to visit with constituents and voters across the state, and will also be conducting official Senate business. Johnson will return to Washington after Labor Day.

Senator Johnson Attends Canaries Game

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson attended Tuesday night’s Sioux Falls Canaries professional baseball game against the Wichita Wingnuts, chatting with constituents and cheering on the Canaries. Senator Johnson attended the game with his wife Barb, son Brendan, and grandchildren.

“Ever since Sioux Falls got its own team fifteen years ago, Barb and I have enjoyed trying to find the time to take our kids and now the grandchildren out to the park. This beautiful field is a testament to the economic growth and prosperity of Sioux Falls. And baseball has long been something I’ve loved,” Johnson said

Senator Johnson is at home in South Dakota for the duration of the Senate’s August recess, and will be traveling throughout the state meeting with constituents as well as conducting Senate business during this time.

Statement from Senator Tim Johnson on Debates

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - U.S. Senator Tim Johnson announced today that he will not participate in political debates during the election cycle. Senator Johnson's statement is below:
   "I would like to thank South Dakotans for their patience, prayers, and strong support during the past year. It is because of that support and my job performance over the past year that I know I am 100 percent capable of performing all of the duties of my job as South Dakota's Senior Senator. I have the full confidence of my doctors, family and colleagues in the Senate as I seek another six-year term.
   In the Senate I am able to effectively communicate the needs of our state and my passionately held beliefs.
   There is no better evidence of that than my record since returning to the Senate nearly one year ago. I have not missed a single vote, I have acquired hundreds of millions of dollars for projects throughout South Dakota and I chair, attend and fully participate in committee and sub-committee hearings.
   I have been open and honest about my recovery. While my speech continues to improve it is not yet 100 percent and I have not yet reached a point in my rehab where my participation in a debate would accurately reflect my capabilities. Therefore I will not participate in traditional political debates during this campaign."

Tim and Barb Johnson Discuss Johnson's Decision to Return to Senate in TV Ad

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson and his wife Barb today will begin appearing in a television ad discussing Johnson's determination and his family's support for him to return to work in the Senate nearly a year ago following emergency brain surgery in 2006.

In the lighthearted ad, Tim and Barb Johnson can be seen sitting around a table and opens with Barb Johnson saying, “My husband’s a little headstrong.” To which Johnson replies, “I call it determined.” The ad then goes back and forth between the two with Barb Johnson talking about how the Senator only wanted to get back to work following his brain injury. Johnson then indicates with a hint of frustration that while he is getting better, his speech isn’t all the way back to normal, but says that his illness has given him “a unique view on life.” The ad closes with Barb Johnson joking that one of the reasons the Johnson family wanted Johnson to run for reelection was because, “I wanted him out of the house.” To which a laughing Johnson responds, “And I paid for this?”

The 30 second ad will begin running statewide this evening. Later this afternoon, the ad will also be available for viewing at www.timjohnson.com.

Johnson's return to work following his surgery has been called "miraculous" by his doctors, who removed the life threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM) but also had to induce a coma through medication in Johnson to give his brain time to heal. And while the brain did heal, that coma forced Johnson to have to learn to walk and talk all over again. To do so, Johnson has endured rigorous physical, occupational and speech therapy. While he is not one hundred percent, he has learned to walk again with the use of a cane; and while he still struggles with some words, his doctors say his speech is continuing to improve and should gradually return to normal.

Johnson has said he views his return to the Senate in September 2007 as a "second chance at life," and he credits the thoughts and prayers of the thousands of South Dakotans for helping him recover from the injury. As such, Johnson says he has dedicated this second chance at life to working even harder fighting for the people of South Dakota. Since his return, Johnson has not missed a single vote, and he has sponsored or cosponsored 140 pieces of legislation. He continues to use his powerful and senior positions on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Indian Affairs Committee, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, to deliver important legislation and critical funding for South Dakota.

As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Tim led the fight last year to fully fund VA healthcare for the first time in decades. Tim also played a fundamental role in the crafting and passage of new energy legislation that will double the Renewable Fuel Standard in this country. He was an instrumental voice in the passage of the new Farm Bill, which provides a structured approach to Ag disaster and a common-sense approach to implementing Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Recently, Tim secured a record $30 million for the Lewis and Clark Water Project in the 2009 Senate Energy and Water funding bill.

Senator Tim Johnson Tops $5.1 Million Raised

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – US Senator Tim Johnson’s re-election campaign has received income totaling over $5.1 million dollars for his campaign which includes contributions from 11,369 individual donors. The campaign will report a total of $2.7 million cash on hand.

During the second quarter of 2008, the campaign raised $560,000.The $5.1 million raised to date is nearly identical to the amount Johnson’s campaign had raised at this same time during his 2002 campaign, and the cash on hand figure is significantly greater than the same number from the 2002 race. In that successful 2002 campaign against then Congressman John Thune, Johnson raised just under $7 million for the entire cycle.

“We are happy with these numbers, but we take nothing for granted,” said campaign manager Steve Jarding. “South Dakotans know Senator Johnson. They know that he fights for them, that he works well across party lines, that he is delivering for the state, and they know that without him in the United States Senate, South Dakota’s interests would be jeopardized. That is why so many thousands of folks continue to support Tim in so many ways,” Jarding said.

Since returning to the Senate in September 2007, Senator Tim Johnson has dedicated his second chance at life to working even harder for the people of South Dakota. Since his return, Johnson has not missed a single vote, and he has sponsored or cosponsored over 130 pieces of legislation. He continues to use his powerful and senior positions on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Indian Affairs Committee, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee to deliver important legislation and critical funding for South Dakota.

Just this year, Senator Johnson secured $26.6 million in funding for the Lewis and Clark Water Project, and for the first time in recent history fully funded the VA health care programs in South Dakota. He also secured Country of Origin Labeling in the 2008 Farm Bill, and was instrumental in doubling the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Editorial: Reviving Pipeline Money - Again

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It might sound like the song that never ends at this point, but once again a South Dakota congressional delegate has come through for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water Project.

Sen. Tim Johnson, from his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, pushed $30 million for the pipeline through to a vote of the full Senate. The House already has approved $25 million, and it's not clear yet what the final appropriation will be.

Next year didn't always look so bright for Lewis & Clark. Only a few months ago, President Bush zeroed out the allocation for the critical water pipeline, despite the federal government's commitment to pay for 85 percent of the project.

Even by the up-and-down historical standards of this project, $0 was a new low.

Lewis & Clark has been under fire since its inception. Some say it's wasteful pork - evidence of the broken process known as earmarking. Hardly. It's a massive multistate undertaking which, as a practical matter, only could be paid for at the federal level. It guarantees a vital resource - water - for a broad swath of the country.

It's always gratifying to see our congressional representatives working together, but facing that kind of critical budget decision, it was particularly needed this year.

Bush might not have a chance to cut the funding again. Whatever figure congress agrees on probably will need approval from the next president. We hope both Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama take a more generous view of Lewis & Clark.

But even if the best Congress can do as it reconciles the House and Senate figures is a continuation of last year's money - $26.5 million - that's a $26.5 million improvement.

Bill calls for $30 million for water project

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.
A Senate spending bill that passed out of a subcommittee Tuesday would provide $30 million to the Lewis and Clark regional water system, a project designed to pipe Missouri River water to Sioux Falls and other communities, said Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D.

President Bush's budget proposal earlier this year requested no new money for the project, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Johnson, a member of the energy and water appropriations subcommittee, said the money will keep the taps running in three states and economic development thriving.

The House Appropriations Committee late last month approved $25 million for the project, according to Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D.

Differences in funding levels between the chambers are typically worked out in conference committees.

The Lewis and Clark system is a partnership of 15 cities and five rural water districts in South Dakota, Iowa and southwestern Minnesota that would get treated water from wells near the Missouri River through 337 miles of underground pipe.

The project received almost $27 million last year after Bush proposed $15 million. He left the project out of this year's proposal, which outlines spending for the 2009 budget year starting Oct. 1.

Senator makes quick tour of Mitchell hospital

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sen. Tim Johnson on Saturday said the current presidential administration worries too much about war and not enough about health care.

Johnson, D-S.D., spent an hour in Mitchell, touring Avera Queen of Peace Hospital and discussing issues with hospital employees. He repeatedly expressed how impressed he is with the facility, but expressed doubt at the adequacy of health care funding available from Washington, D.C.

“The problem is that the expense will outrun the need,” he said. “Besides, our president has a priority on fighting wars and too little serving the people who need it.”

Johnson and his wife, Barbara, and two staff members toured portions of the hospital, including the maternity ward, intensive care unit and cancer center. Johnson said the purpose of his visit was to see the upgrades and improvements that had been made in the approximately three years since his last visit.

He said he was impressed with “the entirety of the hospital (and) the comprehensive health care that the people of Mitchell receive from the cancer center to the medical center.”

After the tour, Johnson said the facility could serve as an example for other communities.

“It’s a model for what the nation and South Dakota could use,” Johnson said. “It’s a marginally small city, but the service you get here is a combination of good technology, good care skills and personal skills. I think that this community is well served by the people here.”

For Charlene Berke, director of Radiation Oncology, the visit was a good chance to show Johnson the facility’s technological progress.

“I’m glad he was able to come and see all the changes that we’ve done since he’s been here last,” Berke said. “I think it went great.”

Johnson addresses state Democrats

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

OACOMA, S.D. (AP) - Democrat Tim Johnson says his health continues to improve and he wants to win a third term in the U.S. Senate so he can accomplish things for South Dakota and the nation.

Johnson spoke briefly during a luncheon Saturday at the Democratic State Convention in Oacoma.

He says he continues to recover from the bleeding in the brain that he suffered in December 2006. The injury has affected his mobility and slowed his speech.

Johnson says he believes Democrat Barack Obama will be elected president and that he wants to remain in the Senate to pass legislation that's been blocked by Republican President Bush the past eight years.

Johnson is being challenged by Republican Joel Dykstra of Canton.

Johnson pushing mortgage relief bill

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

With help from South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, the Senate is poised to pass legislation this week that would give banks and some homeowners relief from troubled mortgages

Johnson, a Democrat, will vote for the measure, which would allow banks to voluntarily trade defaulted mortgages for new ones guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration and taxpayers.

The deal would require banks to forgive part of the mortgage debt. In exchange, banks would get paid for much of the bad mortgage debt now on their books, and future losses would be limited. Homeowners on the verge of foreclosure would get new 30-year fixed mortgages, in amounts no larger than 90 percent of their home's appraised value.

The housing crisis is affecting the rest of the economy, including the credit and energy markets, and Congress must act to limit the damage, Johnson's spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher, said Wednesday.

"Something has to be done," Fisher said. "It won't come without a cost to lenders. It's a very painful lesson to learn."

Sen. John Thune, a Republican, has yet to decide how he will vote on the bill, spokesman Kyle Downey said.

South Dakota's foreclosure rate was 47th in the nation in May, according to RealtyTrac, the online real estate information service. Nevada, California and Arizona reported the most foreclosures last month. Nationwide, an estimated 2.2 million borrowers with subprime and other risky mortgages are expected to face foreclosure during the next three years.

The mortgage rescue plan is not supposed to cost taxpayers anything. It will be financed with a new fee imposed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, private companies set up by Congress to buy mortgages from banks and other lending institutions and, in some cases, resell them.

However, a report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the two companies' tax write-offs for the new fee will cost the Treasury $2.25 billion between 2009 and 2018.

Critics say the mortgage rescue bill is a sweetheart deal for the banks.

Because banks will decide which mortgages to trade, they'll bring the worst of the worst to the Federal Housing Administration to refinance, said Dean Baker, co-director of the liberal-leaning Center for Economic and Policy Research. Some homebuyers still could get stuck with oversized mortgages because appraisals in a falling real estate market often are not accurate or change six months later, Baker said.

"The banks are sitting on a lot of junk right now, and this gives them an opportunity to take somewhat smaller write-downs," Baker said. "Obviously, under the formula here, they'll still lose here, but they'll lose less."

Johnson Secures Funding for Tribal Police

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

WASHINGTON — Concerned about law enforcement in Indian Country in South Dakota, U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced funding levels he secured in the Senate Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill for 2009. The bill, which includes $3.85 million in projects Johnson requested for Indian Country, was passed by the full committee Thursday and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

“Crime in Indian Country continues to increase at an alarming rate, and the majority of the funding I secured will go toward improving law enforcement and emergency response on our reservations,” Johnson said. “Though there are still many steps before this bill becomes law, I will defend the funding levels for each of these projects, which will fund many areas of law enforcement including first responder systems that continue to feel the increasing crunch of tight budget and increased costs." Area projects Johnson secured in the report include:

$750,000 for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s Criminal Justice System — funds will be used for law enforcement, court operations, prosecutors, public defender’s office, and detention equipment and operations on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.

$500,000 for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe’s Criminal Justice System — Funds will be used for law enforcement, court operations, prosecutors, public defender’s office, and detention equipment and operations on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation.

$250,000 for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s 911 system — Funds will be used for upgrades and maintenance to the 911 system.

$600 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services Program, which funds grants for law enforcement equipment, training and hiring officers. This program includes funding $15 million for Tribal Law Enforcement Grants

$61 million to state and local law enforcement programs to combat methamphetamine production and distribution.

USd Receives 1.9M in Research Funding

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

WASHINGTON — The University of South Dakota in Vermillion has received a $1,951,668 federal grant through the Department of Health and Human Services, the office of Sen. Tim Johnson announced Tuesday. The funding will support research efforts in improving cardiovascular health.

“This funding is essential to improve our knowledge of cardiovascular conditions and to give our students and doctors every opportunity to contribute to the field of medicine,” Johnson said. “South Dakota has proven that it can be an important and viable center for medical research and education. A key part of my Hometown Prosperity Plan is investing in the public good, and this funding is a wonderful example of an investment.”

The Cardiovascular Research Institute at USD was founded in 1998 in order to improve the lives of those with cardiovascular disease. The institute employs faculty members, researchers and various levels of students who conduct basic and clinical research to learn more about the disease.

Dad believed in the value of a good education, senator says

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As the son of a teacher, coach and school administrator at both the secondary and college levels, Sen. Tim Johnson learned plenty about the value of a good education.

He was largely on his own with politics, however. Johnson's dad, Van, stayed clear of active campaign involvement or advocacy during his professional years, figuring he should focus on education rather than politics.

"He believed that politics would just get in the way of things," Tim Johnson said.

And Van Johnson managed to raise a son who would excel both in education and in politics, the second at both the state and national level. A Phi Beta Kappa as an undergraduate at the University of South Dakota, Tim Johnson went on to get a master's degree in public administration as well as a law degree, both from USD.

That was about the time he began to recognize his dad's subdued political philosophy, which tended to match his own.

"I think we had similar beliefs in life. And it worked out that we had similar beliefs in politics," Tim Johnson said. "He's a Democrat, a moderate Democrat, like me."

Van Johnson is 94, and living with his wife, Ruth, at an assisted living center in Michigan. They ended up there because Van Johnson concluded his educational career at Michigan State University.

Tim Johnson calls his dad regularly. And up until recently, his parents came to visit in the Washington, D.C., area where Tim Johnson and his wife, Barbara, reside.

They don't often talk politics. But Van Johnson has grown more connected to the political world through his son's successful political career, which began with his election to the South Dakota House in 1978, led to Congress in 1986 and continues as he seeks his third term in the U.S. Senate.

"He's been proud of me, and approving," Tim Johnson said. "And he said at one time that my grandpa would have been proud of me, as a strong (former Republican Sen.) Karl Mundt supporter."

Johnson also knows, however, that even his substantive political accomplishments can't measure up in his father's eyes to even more important accomplishments.

"My dad's most proud of my kids, and grandkids," Johnson said.

Bill Coming to Help Home Health Care Providers Cover Gas Costs

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Saying he's become aware of the "terrible effects" that soaring gas prices are having on home health care providers, Sen. Tim Johnson on Thursday announced he will introduce a bill to allow providers to be reimbursed for the rising costs.

On Wednesday, Robert Dockter, CEO of Eureka Community Health Services, joined Johnson on a call with reporters and told how high gas prices are hurting the industry.

He said fuel expenses average more than $14 per visit and that his facility has had to cut back on the area it serves because of lower reimbursement rates and higher fuel costs.

Dockter said Medicare pays home health care agencies a predetermined base payment, with some adjustments. Before 2000, the agencies were reimbursed on a cost-based system and used to be able to count mileage costs, he said.

Returning to that system would really help, Dockter said.

Johnson said he wants reimbursement rates changed back to a cost-based plan, covering the true cost of the service provided.

"Cost-based payments would allow home health care providers to receive a settlement payment at the end of the year for the actual cost" and would be easier and fairer, he said in an interview.

"This will close the gap between the current Medicare reimbursement and rising gas prices."

After hearing Dockter on Wednesday, Johnson said it's clear that the current "one-size-fits-all approach" is not working.

The senator said the legislation will be introduced "just as soon as my staff gets all the I's dotted and the T's crossed. Pretty soon," he said.

Johnson said he doesn't know how much more it would cost. The Congressional Budget Office should be able to figure that out, "and it's not likely to be very much in the larger scheme of things," he said, adding that cost-based reimbursement didn't cost much more than the current system.

When asked, Johnson said he thinks the cost-based system would allow home health care agencies to start serving areas they've had to abandon because of the higher transportation costs.

He said the Office of Management and Budget likely will "oppose anything that will cost more money."

"My contention is that we actually save money in keeping people out of nursing homes and intensive care."

On Wednesday, Johnson, D-S.D., said he was writing to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ask for an investigation of the effects higher gas prices are having on home health service delivery.