Congressman Dusty Johnson’s Weekly Column: Where the Real Work Gets Done

Where the Real Work Gets Done
By Congressman Dusty Johnson

Many people are familiar with the work I do in D.C., which ensures South Dakota’s voice is heard on a national level about the issues that matter most to our state. However, I believe the most effective work gets done right here at home. I have offices in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Rapid City, where my staff works every day to help folks who are having issues with the federal government. We call it casework.

The federal government impacts every single one of us – oftentimes too much. There are plenty of times when South Dakotans get stuck in bureaucratic red tape and it can be confusing, frustrating and frankly, a burden. Here’s where my office can help. When you are dealing with a federal agency – like the Social Security Administration, the VA, IRS or Medicare – it can take months, and sometimes even years, to find a resolution. I’d encourage you to call my office, let a member of my team know what you have been experiencing and we will work for you to solve these issues as swiftly as we can, hopefully resulting in less frustration on your end.

Here’s a recent example. A few weeks ago, a South Dakotan family got in touch with my office. They have three small children and rely on a single income. Unfortunately, after filing their taxes, the IRS told the family they wouldn’t see their tax return until mid-summer, putting their family in even greater financial strain. A member of my staff contacted the IRS, and the following day their tax return was deposited into their bank account. We can’t make any guarantees for a positive outcome, but we can do everything we can to open the communication channels. It doesn’t get much better than helping South Dakota families.

In addition to casework, my South Dakota team keeps in touch with our state’s communities, organizations and constituents while I’m in D.C. voting. I never want to lose touch with my bosses (that’s you!), so I value having a pulse on what’s happening back home. We plan to hold office hours across the state, because I recognize not everyone can easily drive to one of my district offices. In fact, Reid was recently in Vermillion, Ashley was in Mobridge and Danica was in Whitewood. Because much of South Dakota is rural, we want to come to you.

Another special part of this job is the honor of nominating outstanding students to U.S. Service Academies. Members of Congress may nominate candidates to the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. These nominees are many of South Dakota’s best and brightest who want to serve our country, and I am honored to be a part of their journey. Any interested candidates should visit my website, dustyjohnson.house.gov, for more information and to apply.

I work with the federal government every day and trust me, I know how frustrating it can be. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let me work for you. If you, or someone you know, are having issues with any federal agency, please call my office. My team is ready to help.

• Sioux Falls: (605) 275-2868
• Aberdeen: (605) 622-1060
• Rapid City: (605) 646-6454