December 5, 2025
Dear John,

Opportunity and Affordability

BIG Update

Unnecessary federal regulations drive up costs for consumers. I’ve been working to undo burdensome red tape and make life more affordable for American families. It’s estimated that American households pay an average of $16,016 per year in hidden regulatory costs. Those federal rules affect many aspects of day-to-day life including auto emissions, energy efficiency standards on appliances, building code, health and food requirements, and more. 

The Biden Administration piled on more than $2 trillion of new regulations from 2021-2024. I’ve voted to repeal nearly two dozen Biden regulations, and there is more work to be done. This week, I voted to empower the Small Business Administration to evaluate other unnecessary federal rules that are burdening small businesses and making products more expensive for consumers.

BIG Idea

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) does a great job preparing South Dakota’s high school students to enter the workforce. This program helps students explore meaningful opportunities beyond graduation and builds the confidence and skills they need to pursue their goals.

I enjoyed talking with JAG participants this week to hear how the program has shaped their goals and improved their readiness for life after high school. By opening doors and expanding horizons, JAG helps young people step confidently into the next chapter of their lives and strengthens the future of our state in the process.

Johnson with JAG students

BIG News

The Chinese Communist Party has sought to influence nearly every aspect of American life – including the American education system. There are at least 164 documented Confucius Classrooms at K-12 schools in the United States, which have been receiving money from the Chinese government. This is very concerning to me – our students shouldn’t be influenced by the authoritarian agenda of China while they go to school on American soil. 

This week, I voted to prevent Chinese Communist Party money from going to our K-12 schools to keep our kids safe from the malign interests of our biggest adversary. China should not be influencing our education system.

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