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.
Read
more on technology and science in
South Dakota
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.
Other
reliable places to go for tips on keeping kids safe online:
Tips
for Parents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children –Section for Teens
to protect themselves online from predators
http://www.missingkids.com/
SD
Division of Criminal Investigation
http://dci.sd.gov/administration/id/sexoffender/index.asp
online
safety group “iSafe”
http://www.isafe.org/
online
safety group “GetNetWise”
http://www.getnetwise.org/
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