South Dakota’s Presidential Independence Day
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

It was an eventful Fourth of July week 90 years ago when President Calvin Coolidge spent the holiday in the Black Hills. He and First Lady Grace Coolidge came to the State Game Lodge at Custer State Park that summer to escape the noise and congestion of Washington, D.C. Arriving in mid-June, they planned to stay for three weeks but enjoyed South Dakota so much they extended their stay to three months.

There were two birthdays being celebrated that July Fourth: the nation’s and President Coolidge’s. Coolidge turned 55. In his recently released book, “Calvin Coolidge in the Black Hills,” Seth Tupper describes the events of that day.

A crowd gathered outside the Game Lodge and a Montana cowboy band played some western tunes. When the Coolidges emerged from the lodge, a local Boy Scout troop gave the president a gift: a mare with a white star on her forehead. To go with the horse, the Boy Scouts also gave the President a saddle, bridle, boots, a red western shirt and a purple neckerchief. Coolidge also received a gift from the cowboy band: a pair of white chaps with “Cal” sewn on them.

After the gathered crowd had enjoyed a picnic lunch and cakes prepared by White House staff and volunteers, Coolidge put on his new western gear and modeled it for the crowd.

The next day, on July 5, 1927, the Coolidges traveled to the northern hills to watch the Belle Fourche Roundup. It was literally their first rodeo and Cal donned a ten-gallon hat which had been presented to him by the event’s organizers. The President probably didn’t know what to think at first. But after the “wild cow milking” event – where a group of cowboys competed to be the first to fill a jar with milk from beef cattle – it was clear he was having a good time.

The following week, one of Coolidge’s aides, Edward T. Clark observed, “He is actually enjoying himself in these strange clothes and with a new kind of people. It seems to me that for the first time in his life he is actually playing.”

There are many unique ways to celebrate Independence Day here in South Dakota. However you are spending this Fourth of July – whether by attending the Belle Fourche rodeo, the Lennox parade or the Fort Pierre fireworks display, I hope you take some time to enjoy yourself. Like our thirtieth president did, get out and play. Our Independence Day is truly a cause for celebration.

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From the Associated Press/US News & World Report, apparently Secretary of State & Republican Congressional candidate Shantel Krebs is joining Democrat Secretaries of State to refuse sharing information with a national voter fraud probe which is seeking to determine whether allegations of widespread voter fraud are in fact true:

The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity on Wednesday gave secretaries of state about two weeks to provide about a dozen points of data. That request includes names, party affiliations, addresses and voting histories of all voters. It also includes birthdates, the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers and any information about felony convictions and military status.

Krebs spokesman Jason Williams said in an email to The Associated Press that she “will not share voter information with the commission.”

Several Democratic secretaries of state had already said they would refuse to share the data. Trump has alleged, without evidence, that millions voted illegally in the 2016 elections. Democrats and voting rights groups have called the commission a sham.

Read it all here.

As opposed to Krebs’ current blanket refusal, a couple of other Republicans concerned about certain aspects of the request have indicated they are willing to comply on a modified basis:

The White House bristled Friday at states refusing to cooperate with the commission.

“I think that that is mostly political stunt,” Huckabee Sanders said when asked about the pushback. “This is a commission that’s asking for publicly available data and the fact that these governors wouldn’t be willing to turn that over – this is something that has been part of the commission’s discussion, which has bipartisan support and none of the members raised any concern whatsoever.”

Other states have said that they do plan to hand over information, albeit less than the broad sweep outlined in the letters. Wisconsin’s elections commission administrator said that the state would give the public information for the standard $12,500 fee, but was not allowed to release other details such as dates of birth. Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican, said his state would be handing over most of the requested information – noting that it is publicly available – though he said they would not provide portions of Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers because those are not.

Read that here.

What are your thoughts about the South Dakota Secretary of State refusing the Commission’s request, or the probe itself?

Thune Applauds Commerce Committee Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill

“In preparing for the future of aviation, our committee has acted to continue advancing unmanned aircraft systems and other aviation innovations while offering airline passengers new protections following recent incidents.” 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Commerce Committee approved the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization Act of 2017. As the Working Group on Improving Air Service to Small Communities recently recommended, the bill includes a Thune-led provision, which enhances safety and offers aspiring aviators more training opportunities. This provision is one solution to address the availability of safe and thoroughly trained pilots that are particularly important to air service at smaller airports in rural areas. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

“This passenger-friendly aviation reform legislation improves safety and incorporates over 50 amendments offered by both committee Democrats and Republicans,” said Thune. “In particular, this bill will strengthen safety and service for those who depend on smaller airports in rural areas. In preparing for the future of aviation, our committee has acted to continue advancing unmanned aircraft systems and other aviation innovations while offering airline passengers new protections following recent incidents.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF S. 1405:

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017 reauthorizes the agency and related programs through the end of fiscal year 2021.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & STUDY – Increases authorized funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which pays for infrastructure like runways, by $400 million to an annual level of $3.75 billion (well within the projected trust fund surplus), and streamlines the application process for Passenger Facility Charges (PFC). Requires a study and recommendations on upgrading and restoring the nation’s airport infrastructure.

PROTECTING RURAL SERVICE – Maintains access to our nation’s aviation system for millions of Americans in rural areas by reauthorizing the Essential Air Service Program and the Small Community Air Service Development Program through 2021.

GENERAL AVIATION (GA) SAFETY & PROTECTIONS – Offers GA airports more flexibility to facilitate infrastructure investment, applies the same medical certificate requirements to air balloon operators as other licensed pilots, and expands the rights of pilots in FAA enforcement proceedings.

CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM UPDATES – Protects and enhances safety for airline service in rural communities that rely on or seek entrance into the contract tower program. The contract tower program helps rural airports which might not otherwise have locally based air traffic controllers directing aircraft.

AIRLINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & AVIATION ACCESS – Includes new requirements on the bulk transfer of lithium batteries, improves communicable disease preparedness, and supports contract air traffic control towers, which largely serve rural communities.

CONSUMER PROTECTION & AIR TRAVEL ENHANCEMENTS – Includes new consumer protections for the flying public, updates Department of Transportation (DOT) rules following high-profile airline incidents, and takes steps to help passengers needing assistance during air travel.

DRONE SAFETY & INNOVATION – Addresses safety and privacy issues, criminalizes reckless drone behavior around manned aircraft and runways, authorizes FAA drone registration authority, and boosts enforcement while creating new opportunities for testing and promoting innovative uses.

AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION REFORMS – Improves international competitiveness of U.S. aerospace manufacturing by improving the FAA’s processes for certifying aircraft designs and modifications, as well as ensuring the benefits of such certification processes for manufacturers competing in global markets.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL & NEXTGEN – Acts on recommendations of independent government watchdogs for improving the FAA’s transition to 21st century air traffic control technologies known collectively as “NextGen” and requires the FAA to assess how each NextGen program contributes to a more safe and efficient air traffic control system and its current implementation status.

Click here for information and summaries of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 as originally introduced.

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After filing a one month extension back in May, Congressional Candidate and Secretary of State Shantel Krebs filed her US House Race Financial Disclosure Statement for the contest:

Krebs US House Financial Disclosure by Pat Powers on Scribd

Comparing it to Congressional Candidate Dusty Johnson’s disclosure, Krebs’ finances seem a bit… slimmer for someone who has touted their business acumen in the past.  In the disclosure, on the income side, she notes her state salary, her husband’s work, and some modest retirement investments. On the liability side, she has a $15-50k line of credit for a business, and a $15-50K Home equity loan.

What’s coming up next in the Congressional contest? Candidate financials end today for the quarter, and we should see reports in the next few weeks.  And we should see candidates active on the campaign trail this weekend through the 4th of July Holiday. (I’m sure I’lll have pictures!)

Stay tuned!

Gov. Daugaard Appoints Jim Thares To Board Of Regents

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard today announced that he will appoint Jim Thares of Aberdeen to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

“Jim Thares is a leader in the Aberdeen community who started his own business and made it a success,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Jim has been a longtime supporter of Northern State University, and he understands the value of higher education for our young people and for the economy of our state.”

Thares is the founder and CEO of Primrose Retirement Communities, an Aberdeen company founded in 1989 that currently operates 35 senior living communities in 16 states. He has also worked in hotel development and as a certified public accountant. Thares is a graduate of Moorhead State University, where he earned his degree in accounting.

Thares’ appointment is effective immediately. He succeeds Harvey C. Jewett of Aberdeen, who retired from the board after 20 years of service, including 10 years as the board president.

Thares will serve a six year term which expires in March of 2023.

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NOEM STANDS WITH PATIENTS & TAXPAYERS TO LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS AND IMPROVE ACCESS

Jackley Campaign-Allied Trial Lawyers Immediately Go on the Attack

Congresswoman Kristi Noem faced bitter attacks today from trial lawyers backing Marty Jackley for Governor.

“Obamacare did nothing to drive down health care costs, in part because it failed to enact any kind of meaningful tort reform. That’s why I’m proud to stand with President Trump and conservatives on the Protecting Access to Care Act. This bill would save hardworking taxpayers $50 billion while offering reforms that can fundamentally lower the cost of health care in this country. I’m fighting to give families the freedom and flexibility to meet their family’s financial and health care needs. This bill is another step in the right direction,” said Kristi Noem, a Republican candidate for South Dakota Governor.

Conservative Iowa Republican Steve King said the bill will continue to “allow an injured party to receive full compensation for measureable economic harm (such as medical expenses or lost wages) that they have incurred. The damage cap only applies to an award of non-economic damages (such as punitive damages) that are, by their very nature, speculative, subjective, and wildly inconsistent.”

Former South Dakota lawmaker Lee Schoenbeck, an outspoken supporter of Attorney General Marty Jackley, cited the vote of liberal Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) as an example of those standing against the bill.  

“Trial lawyer Marty Jackley and his band of trial lawyer supporters may want to rethink their opposition to saving taxpayers $50 billion and lowering health care costs.  I look forward to hearing them explain that to Republican primary voters,” said Justin Brasell, Noem campaign spokesman.

More about the bill:

http://dailycaller.com/2017/06/29/house-passes-medical-malpractice-tort-reform-bill/

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