Thanksgiving is around the corner, and across the country families are planning how to celebrate with their loved-ones in the midst of #COVID19.
In South Dakota, we won’t stop or discourage you from thanking God and spending time together this Thanksgiving. (THREAD)
Some states across the country are imposing restrictions on Thanksgiving celebrations. Some in the media are even looking ahead and planning to cancel Christmas.
I’ll continue to encourage each and every one of you to exercise personal responsibility and make smart choices. (2/)
As you dig in to enjoy that delicious turkey and stuffing, make sure that everyone in your household is practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands. If someone in your family is in the vulnerable population, take extra precautions to keep them safe. (3/)
Let’s make sure to use common sense when we’re planning our celebrations. If you or someone in your family is sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it may be best to stay home and join your loved-ones over FaceTime, Skype, or another app. (4/)
Let’s all take the time to remember what Thanksgiving is all about – thanking God for everything that he has blessed us with in our lives. During difficult times, it’s important to be extra thankful for what we have. (5/)
This year, my family will send up thanks for the years we’ve spent with each other and the years to come. We’ll also thank God that we get to live in the greatest nation in human history, one founded on the key principles of freedom, equality, and opportunity. (6/)
I’m thankful for the tremendous opportunity to serve the people of South Dakota and for the trust that you’ve shown me throughout this pandemic. Thank you, and may God richly bless your Thanksgiving. (7/7)
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
It's been a tough year for the rule of law and law enforcement in some parts of our country. Violent crime has surged in big cities. Some politicians have gutted officers’ ability to respond to tough situations. Rioting and looting have devastated so many communities. (THREAD 1/)
Calls to “defund the police” have turned into actual budget cuts for the officers who do so much to keep us safe. So far this year in NYC, more than 2,000 NYPD officers have resigned because more than $1 billion dollars was cut from the NYPD budget. foxnews.com/us/shakeup-nyp… (2/)
As Seattle looks at cutting $49 million dollars from its police department (on top of cuts already made), they too are seeing mass resignations. In September, for example, more than twice as many resignations were announced as any month on record. king5.com/article/news/l… (3/)
Here's what @argusleader didn't want you to read (THREAD):
Recently, a South Dakota doctor wrote me, thanking me “for treating your fellow citizens of South Dakota like adults...”
But there are some South Dakota medical professionals who have told me of their fears about voicing their thoughts on the situation. (2/)
One family doctor told me: “I feel like I am unable to have an opinion about masking because I am employed... Your approach has good science and is being suppressed or ignored by many… I think we are all worried if we disagree openly our license or job could be at risk.” (3/)
I recently had a chance to visit with a single mom, the mother of two young girls, from another state. Her state is locked down. Her little girls are doing 100% distance-learning. She is working full-time from home. And she is struggling. (THREAD 1/)
She could balance the two... at first. But now, it seems like this horrible situation will never end. I could hear the fatigue in her voice, and I could see the anxiousness on her face. She is fed up, angry, and in need of some relief. My heart hurt listening to her story. (2/)
#COVID19 has posed lots of new challenges for all of us.
I’d like to remind everyone that at our core we are neighbors, and we're in this together. The woman in front of you at the grocery store or the man at the pharmacy could be going through a lot right now. (3/)
South Dakota is in a good spot as we rebound from #COVID19, but some of our small businesses were still hurt by this pandemic.
Today, I proposed a framework for up to $400 million in small business grants from South Dakota's Coronavirus Relief Funds. (THREAD 1/)
Our small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and economy. When I asked folks to adjust their way of life to help us flatten the curve, South Dakotans exercised their personal responsibility and responded. (2/)
#COVID19 significantly impacted the day-to-day operations, customer traffic, and supply chains of a number of small business owners across SD. I hope that this proposal will help folks stay open and overcome the unprecedented times we've faced these last several months. (3/)
Today, the rule of law is under attack in America. In cities across the country, violent mobs are running rampant. They’re looting, rioting, and destroying property, businesses, and – in some cases – people’s dreams. (THREAD 1/)
Murder rates are up by double digits in 13 of our nation’s 15 largest cities. Many citizens are fleeing – what parent wants to raise their children in these violent situations? (2/) wsj.com/articles/homic…
For those of us in positions of leadership, it is our duty to respond and to protect our people. After all, violent, lawless mobs are emboldened when good men and women stand by and do nothing. Unfortunately, in too many places, that’s exactly what’s happening. (3/)
My administration is very grateful to @realDonaldTrump for the additional flexibility that the "Lost Wages Assistance" would have provided, but South Dakota is in the fortunate position of not needing to accept it. Here's why (THREAD):
South Dakota's economy, having never been shut down, has recovered nearly 80% of our job losses.
We're the only state in the nation that didn't have extended unemployment benefits kick in because our insured unemployment rate has been the lowest in the nation. (2/)
South Dakota has the 3rd best housing construction market in the country. And many businesses are looking to relocate to SD because of the decisions we made during the pandemic.
South Dakota is open for business. That applies to our business owners AND their employees. (3/)