US Senator John Thune’s Weekly Column: South Dakota Leading the Way on 5G


South Dakota Leading the Way on 5G
By Sen. John Thune 

Closing the digital divide in rural America has long been a priority for me, not only because it’s urgently needed and long overdue, but because I’ve experienced the divide firsthand here in South Dakota. My guess is that you probably have, too. But for some of my Senate colleagues who represent more urban areas of the country, it’s often hard for them to conceptualize the idea that there are still parts of America that lack basic connectivity.

I don’t just mean connecting your phone or computer to the internet, a hurdle in many areas of the country, including South Dakota, to be sure. I’m also talking about the pockets of dead zones that still exist, preventing people from even making a phone call. It’s 2019, and people can communicate with one another as they fly above the Atlantic Ocean. If that can happen at 30,000 feet, the least we can expect is the ability to make a simple phone call here on the ground.

While we all can likely agree that being in a dead zone might seem like a luxury – where phone calls, social media, and emails can’t distract us – it’s easy to see why the advantages of having access to mobile broadband and basic cell service far outweigh the disadvantages.

For example, what if you get a flat tire late at night in the middle of a dark country road? Or worse, maybe you’re involved in an accident and need medical attention. Having one bar of service or fewer just isn’t going to cut it. So, if we looked at this issue purely from a safety perspective, it’s enough of a reason alone to ensure that everyone who wants to be fully connected can achieve that goal and realize its full potential (and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it).

The same general principle could be applied to business, education, agriculture, telehealth or other parts of our everyday lives. Folks are far more likely to succeed if they have access to mobile broadband technology and the opportunities it can create. And we all know those opportunities can mean the difference between success and failure, high yields and low yields, or e-meeting your doctor in your living room and traveling hours to see her in person. Connectivity, or lack thereof, can be the difference-maker.

When I was chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I committed to having South Dakota help lead the way in the 5G mobile broadband revolution, and I meant what I said. My MOBILE NOW Act, which is now the law of the land, laid important groundwork that has made it easier to deploy 5G in a timely manner in rural America and around the country. I’ve worked closely with the Federal Communications Commission and have even brought several commissioners to South Dakota to showcase our state and everything it has to offer.

I’ve hosted committee hearings in South Dakota and in Washington, and I’ve invited South Dakotans who are on the front line of this effort to testify and share their work with the nation. I’ve reintroduced bipartisan legislation that will help improve 5G infrastructure, and I’ve partnered with the City of Sioux Falls and its forward-looking leaders, like Mayor Paul TenHaken, to make it one of the first, and one of the most rural, 5G-enabled cities in the country.

Given the years of work that have gone into this effort, it was humbling to be in Sioux Falls when Verizon recently flipped the switch on the first 5G cells in the state. Faster speeds and easier access to information is great, but there’s more to offer. 5G also means jobs and economic growth. In the Sioux Falls area alone, 5G is expected to create an additional 1,500 new jobs and give the city’s economy a big shot in the arm.

By the end of the year, nearly a dozen 5G-enabled small cells will be active along Phillips Avenue in Sioux Falls. It’s a major milestone in this technological revolution, but this marks a new beginning in a lot of ways, too. There’s a lot more work ahead of us, but when they write the history book on 5G, Sioux Falls will be among the first few chapters, and that’s something our state can be proud of having accomplished together.

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US Senator Mike Rounds’ Weekly Column: Only U.S. Beef Should be Labeled as a “Product of the U.S.A.”

Only U.S. Beef Should be Labeled as a “Product of the U.S.A.”
By U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

South Dakota and American cattle producers raise the best beef in the world. Many families specifically seek out these high-quality products when choosing what beef to purchase at the grocery store. However, some families may not realize that not all meat labeled “Product of the U.S.A.” is actually beef from cattle raised within the United States. Current federal regulations include a loophole that allows beef from livestock born, raised and slaughtered in foreign countries to be labeled “Product of the U.S.A.” as long as the beef undergoes additional processing at a plant in the U.S. This is wrong.

Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and I recently introduced legislation to address this issue. TheU.S. Beef Integrity Act would make certain that the “Product of the U.S.A.” label only goes on beef and beef products exclusively derived from one or more animals born, raised and slaughtered here in the United States.  We also wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue in support of administrative changes that would prevent beef from cattle born, raised and slaughtered in foreign countries from being labeled as a “Product of the U.S.A.” This change would be a win for both consumers and our hardworking cattle ranchers here in the U.S.

Consumers deserve transparency when they’re purchasing beef. When South Dakota families purchase beef labeled “Product of the U.S.A.,” they should know with certainty that it is coming from one of our top-quality producers. This does not mean we should close the door to other options as well – far from it. I’m glad we have a vast array of choices when we do our grocery shopping. Our bill simply closes the misleading labeling loophole so you’ll never be unsure where your beef came from when you’re at the grocery store meat counter.

When consumers have greater choice, it results in more innovation in the market and fairer prices. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation that would open up new markets for South Dakota producers. Our bill would allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines. Right now, 27 states have state inspection programs that meet or exceed federal inspection standards. However, under current law, products processed at these facilities can’t be sold across state lines. Producers have to take extra steps if they want to expand their market reach.

Our farmers and ranchers work hard to deliver the best and safest food products in the world. When I purchase beef at the store, I want to know with certainty that it is an American product. Our beef labeling bill and our meat inspection bill will provide consumers with greater transparency and choice when they’re at the grocery store.

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Congressman Dusty Johnson’s Weekly Column: Tick Tock

Tick Tock
By Rep. Dusty Johnson

This won’t be new news to you, but Congress sure has a hard time sticking to a budget. Let me back up – Congress has a hard time even creating a budget and many hardworking Americans, including our nation’s military, could end up paying the price.

Our federal government is traditionally funded through a process called appropriations. House and Senate committees will consider budget proposals for different parts of the federal government – like military and defense spending, education and transportation – and pass them individually, providing a piecemeal funding structure. It’s like putting together your family budget by looking at your gas budget, mortgage and rent costs, as well as spending on food all in separate buckets.

Makes sense, right? Well – it works when Congress does its job, but unfortunately, this process has become increasingly political over the years. Politicians often use these spending bills as a way to insert controversial provisions, decreasing any chances of bipartisanship and resulting in a stalemate. Congress constantly packages multiple spending bills together, even if they’re not related, which results in bills that are extraordinarily complex and hundreds of pages long.

Because of the inability of Congress and the president to agree on regular appropriations bills, the government will often pass “continuing resolutions” to keep the government open – Congress takes the easy way out and extends previous funding levels. We owe it to our kids to do the hard work – to look at our nation’s budget and make the tough decisions necessary to rein in spending. It’s been said so frequently I’m afraid it doesn’t sink in for folks anymore, but our nation is running an absurd $22 trillion deficit. Operating a balanced budget should not be a partisan issue.

I support adding a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It’s time for us to put some skin in the game and hold each other accountable. If this is an expectation we have of South Dakota families, and even South Dakota’s government, we should expect no differently from Washington.

The clock is ticking. Congress has until November 21st to pass all twelve appropriations bills or we’ll be faced with another continuing resolution, leaving tough decisions for another day.

This process is too complicated, and I believe South Dakotans are rightfully frustrated. We must make comprehensive, structural changes to reform this dysfunctional budget process. I have fought and will continue to fight for a conservative approach that rightfully prioritizes your taxpayer dollars and also addresses the gravity of our national debt. I hope my colleagues will join me in this fight.

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Governor Kristi Noem’s Weekly Column: Protecting and Preserving Our Outdoor Treasures

Protecting and Preserving Our Outdoor Treasures
By Governor Kristi Noem

Fall in South Dakota really is a special time. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, the desire to get into South Dakota’s outdoors goes up! Fall traditions abound and our natural resources rise to the occasion. Migrating ducks and geese fill our skies, pheasants explode from a shelterbelt, bugling elk and buck deer tug at our thoughts… we can hardly wait to take family and friends out in the field.

But when we take in these extraordinary sights and sounds, it’s important to remember the role we all play in protecting and preserving these treasures for future generations.

We’ve just recently learned that zebra mussels are present in Lake Francis Case. This invasive species is primarily spread to other water bodies through live wells, bait wells, and water left in boats. As boaters and anglers, we have a responsibility to know the laws and protect our waters. Clean, drain, and dry your boat every time you use it. Boat plugs must be pulled – and stay pulled – until the next time you use it. This is especially important to remember when you’re duck hunting this fall.

We’ve also learned that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected in Bennett County, which means this disease is spreading among deer and elk in South Dakota. In 2020, deer and elk hunters will have new rules for transporting and disposing of carcasses. CWD is transferred through direct animal-to-animal contact. However, infected carcasses that aren’t properly disposed of can, and will, spread this disease. These rules are crucial to protecting our deer and elk herds. We have a responsibility to future generations AND to our wildlife. Get to know the new rules.

Another great way to preserve our outdoor heritage for the future is to take the time to mentor. When I say mentor, I mean more than kids. Take a neighbor, coworker, friend or family member fishing, hunting and camping. Spending time with people new to the outdoors is imperative. Your knowledge, passion, and access are precious and gifts worth passing on.

If you don’t think these issues impact you, you’re wrong. If you use South Dakota’s outdoor resources for any form of recreation, you need to do your part to take care of them and pass them on. I don’t want the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts to have to solve these issues when we can do something about it today.

South Dakota’s beautiful outdoors are here for all of us to enjoy – for today and for the next generation. We must all take care of them together.

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South Dakota GOP sponsoring candidate schools in both Rapid City and Sioux Falls this December

With fewer than 60 days until candidate petitions start circulating for political offices, the South Dakota GOP is active in not just recruiting Republican candidates for office, but in helping them equip their tool boxes as they prepare for their run.

Along those lines, the South Dakota Republican Party is involved with two candidate schools that are happening in coming weeks.

In Rapid City, The Pennington County Republican Party is hosting the Leadership Institute for a Candidate Development on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.    Find out more about the training here.

In Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Republican Party is hosting the SDGOP Candidate School on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 8 AM – 4 PM at Sioux Falls First, 2000 S 1st Ave, in Sioux Falls.

The GOP Candidate school focuses on preparing Republicans for service as elected officials and community leaders. Ideal attendees for the workshop are Republican party members who are looking to become more politically active, including candidates and campaign staff.   Find more out about the Sioux Falls workshop here.

The cost for either workshop is $35, and participants may sign up and pay their registration fee for either workshop by visiting the SDGOP’s registration page in WinRed here.

Sioux Falls Drinking Liberally claims SDDP naysayers will soon be eating “political crow.”

Sheldon Osborne over at Sioux Falls Drinking Liberally is claiming this weekend that things are not as dire as they seem with the South Dakota Democrat Party, and that naysayers will soon be eating political crow:

With all of this, Randy has steadied the SDDP ship and set it on a course which should revitalize it going into the 2020 campaign season. I hope Randy remains in a leadership position in the SDDP.

And for those who wonder about the financial position of the SDDP, it is not nearly as dire as some would have you believe. Yes, it has a small amount of debt, less than $30,000.00, which is not unusual for a political party following a hard fought gubernatorial election. But, its monthly revenue should exceed its now pared down monthly expenses by several thousand dollars even without the additional contributions it normally receives and which it has every reason to believe will continue. Those in the South Dakota Republican Party gleefully writing the SDDP’s obituary may soon be forced to eat some proverbial political crow.

Read it here.

Well, that’s a pretty bow they’re trying to put on it. But.

Democrats claim there is a “small amount of debt.”  But, I can’t help but wonder about the over $25,000 in impermissible contributions as per the FEC? And the small matter of an upcoming fine that has yet to be assessed?

They can gussy up that pig all they want. But even if they can find a new chair, SD Dems still have a lot of issues still oinking in the background.

Former Republican legislator Gene Abdallah passes away

Former Republican State Legislator Gene Abdallah has passed away, and is remembered tonight by his friends and colleagues in this article by the Argus Leader:

Abdallah, 83, was the longest-serving U.S. Marshal in South Dakota history and served as head of the South Dakota Highway Patrol for five years. He also served 12 years in the South Dakota Legislature, in both the House and Senate.

“Gene was a South Dakota institution,” Gov. Kristi Noem said in a statement. “He was a force to be reckoned with and a lifelong supporter of our state’s law enforcement. We served together in the State Legislature… he was a friend. He will be missed.”

Russ Janklow, a Sioux Falls attorney who knew Abdallah well, said his impact on South Dakota law enforcement is unmatched.

Read the entire article here.

Pot petition leader Melissa Mentele claims Rhines execution was specifically scheduled to overshadow her petitions

My apologies in advance for the brain cells you’re going to lose processing this.

Pot Petition leader Melissa Mentele is claiming on social media on the KELOLand news facebook page today that after repeated and finally exhausted appeals, the execution of death row inmate Charles Rhines is being scheduled on Monday because the state is intentionally trying to overshadow her effort.

Mentele actually has the temerity to claim the execution was scheduled for Monday because “The execution was scheduled to ensure that this news over shadowed the news of the ballot question committee turn ins.

Wow.  So, putting someone to death who committed one of the more brutal crimes in recent state history after sitting on death row over 25 years is all about her ballot measure?

No words.   Except, a good reminder that this is who is trying to legalize marijuana in the state.

Spearfish High School Football coach citing “special needs” kid in 103-0 blowout football loss?

Maybe I shouldn’t be, but I’m disturbed by this comment by the losing Spearfish HS football coach about the 103-0 blowout this week in his comments to the media:

“They faked (an extra point) at 54-0 and they threw a pass in the fourth quarter over a special needs kid,” McCarty said. “There was no backing off until late in the third.”

And…

As noted by Pierre Coach, “As for the fourth-quarter pass, Steele was adamant that no one on his sideline was aware Spearfish had a special needs player out on defense. “We had no way to know any of that,” he explained. “I didn’t even know that he was on the team or where he was playing or what number he is or anything.”

Read it here.

Why is the coach even bringing it up as a factor? Insert any minority description for ‘special needs’ in that sentence, and the coach would probably be run out of town on a rail.

I don’t believe that kids with disabilities are required to have special uniforms that identify them as such, despite the Spearfish coach’s comments.

It was a team loss. I can’t imagine that singling out a player as “a special needs kid” as a factor in that loss is remotely proper.