Governor Larry Rhoden’s Weekly Column: Peace & Prosperity

Peace & Prosperity
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
June 13, 2025

There’s a beat-up old book sitting on my desk at the State Capitol. It’s full of pictures that were taken by my dad. Long after he passed, we found an old camera hidden amongst his old possessions. We got the film developed, and lo and behold – the photos were all from his service in World War II. They started with his service in the Battle of the Bulge and continue through the end of the war in Europe.

My dad helped liberate the notorious Mauthausen Concentration Camp, and the book includes those photos as well. The pictures are difficult to look at because of the horrific things that were done there, and my dad didn’t talk about it much.

I recently went on a trade mission to Israel, and I joined a wreath-laying ceremony at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. While I was there, they showed me portions of the memorial specific to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. By remembering and honoring the dead, we can ensure that atrocities like the Holocaust never happen again. And we can work together to build a more peaceful and more prosperous world.

I don’t use the word “awesome” very much. Americans use it far too often and far too frivolously. It’s supposed to mean “inspiring awe or admiration,” but to most Americans, it just means “yeah, that’s pretty good.” But let me tell you, Israel is truly an awesome place. The history is awesome, that of both God and of man. Beyond that, the nation of Israel is taking incredible actions to maintain the peace and prosperity of their people.

Israel is a nation beset by enemies on all sides. In just these last few days, conflict has broken out between them and Iran as Israel moves to defend themselves, and we are praying for the safety of their people. Yet theirs is a land where freedom rules, where anyone can be who they set out to be. Jews, Muslims, and Christians live side by side and have all the same opportunities.

Israel even has the highest birth rate in the developed world – kind of like South Dakota has the highest birth rate in America! With freedom comes happiness and the hope of building a better life.

While I was in Israel, I met with key leaders like President Isaac Herzog, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Those meetings were an important part of strengthening our relationship and working together for our mutual peace and prosperity. By working together with Israel, one of our greatest allies, we will keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity for generations to come.

I also spent an evening with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. He hosted our trade delegation for a reception at this house. Ambassador Huckabee used to be Governor of Arkansas, so he understands what it means to advance opportunities for his home state. Ambassador Huckabee has stood for freedom his entire career and appreciates what a strong Israel means for America’s own peace and prosperity. I was grateful for his kindness and counsel.

Our time was very well spent to support South Dakota’s economy! Our trade delegation was made up of South Dakota defense and agriculture businesses that are actively seeking sales in the Israeli market, and previous such missions have paid tremendous dividends. As President & CEO of South Dakota Trade Jesse Fonkert said, “Businesses are generating real opportunities that have already produced millions in sales and a robust pipeline for even more expansion.”

That’s how we continue expanding peace and prosperity – by working together, strengthening relationships, honoring the past, and looking to the future with hope for all the opportunities in front of us.

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US Senator John Thune’s Weekly Column: A Safer, Stronger America

A Safer, Stronger America
By Sen. John Thune

 Since taking office in January, President Trump has swiftly changed the status quo at the southern border. Border towns that were overwhelmed with illegal immigrants during the Biden era are now quiet as illegal crossings have dropped significantly. Border Patrol agents are no longer processing thousands of illegal immigrants per day, they are back on patrol and have greater bandwidth to prevent illegal crossings. And criminal illegal aliens who had taken up residence in our country are being removed.

The improved situation at the border and the progress on deporting criminal illegal immigrants make our country safer. But sustaining these efforts and keeping our country secure for the long-term will require more resources. That’s where Congress comes in. The Republican Congress has been working for months to advance a reconciliation bill that makes a generational investment in border security, alongside other gains like preventing a tax hike on working families, strengthening our military, and unleashing American energy.

This bill will provide the Trump administration with the resources it needs to continue its border security efforts for years to come. That includes funding to finish the border wall, facilitate deportations, and invest in the technology and personnel needed to prevent illegal aliens and illegal drugs from getting across the border. President Trump has brought a new direction to border security, and our bill will ensure that those new policies can go the distance.

But this bill is not the only effort in Congress to protect our country from dangers coming from the border. Congress has passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, which will ensure law enforcement has a critical tool to go after the people bringing fentanyl-related substances into our country and peddling them in our communities.

Sadly, no part of our country has been immune to the crisis of drug overdoses. With better border security policies in place, border agents have greater bandwidth for duties like drug interdiction efforts, and because of the HALT Fentanyl Act, law enforcement can be sure it will have a critical tool to arrest and prosecute criminals bringing this poison into our country.

President Biden left a mess at the southern border. President Trump and Republicans are working hard to clean it up. We’re working to make sure that law enforcement officials in our communities and at our borders have everything they need to do the job we ask them to do – to keep us safe.

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Release: Secretary of State Releases Draft Voter Registration Form for Public Comment

SECRETARY OF STATE RELEASES DRAFT VOTER REGISTRATION FORM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(PIERRE, S.D.) – The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has released a draft version of the state’s voter registration form and is inviting the public to review and comment over the next ten business days.

“As we work to improve the voter registration process, we want to ensure the new registration form is clear, accessible, and easy to use for all voters,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “Public input is a key part of this process, and we want to hear from South Dakotans so we can make this the best form possible.”

The draft form reflects updates to improve readability, simplify instructions, and align with current state and federal requirements.

The Secretary of State’s Office welcomes feedback from voters, election workers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. The public comment period will run through June 27, 2025. Comments may be submitted via email to elections@state.sd.us.

A copy of the draft form is available on the Secretary of State’s website.

Kind of thinking Rep. Manhart was in more danger of dying in DC on January 6th than dying for Israel now.

From Facebook, apparently State Representative Logan Manhart is now living in fear of dying for Israel for some weird reason..

I wasn’t aware that he had some obligation to travel to the Middle East to enlist as part of the IDF.

Honestly, I think he was more in danger for participating in the rally on January 6th 2021 in Washington DC which devolved into a riot, than he faces in a Middle East conflict, unless there’s something we don’t know.

2% Hansen chasing 4% Doeden as Hansen/Lemming campaign rolls out *the Phony Express* aftermarket knock-off bus tour

Coming after the Doeden for Governor campaign announced this week they would be going around South Dakota with Toby Doeden’s scowling face on the side of a bus..

..apparently the Hansen/Lemming campaign thought they needed to do something like that to chase around team Doeden.

So this afternoon, it looks like we have an announcement of the Hansen/Lemming Phony Express hitting the road.

It’s just like the Doeden bus tour, except similar to when an original product is made, the inevitable cheap Chinese knockoff products in bulk show up, because it’s easier than having on original idea.  Doeden has a wrapped bus, so the Hansen campaign wrapped a camper.

Why? … well.. the other guys have a bus, so they need a wrapped vehicle to make it look like they’re coming close to 4% too.

Congressman Dusty Johnson’s Weekly Column: It’s Time for CLARITY

It’s Time for CLARITY
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
June 13, 2025

BIG Update

For too long, the United States has resisted creating a regulatory framework for digital assets. That’s not a strategy – it’s a surrender. My bill, the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act would establish clear rules of the road for digital asset regulation, giving certainty to developers and consumers. This week, the CLARITY Act passed the House Agriculture Committee by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 47-6.

Sooner than we expect, digital assets and blockchain technology will transform almost every industry. Our landmark legislation will foster innovation and investment in America to ensure our country powers the future of blockchain and digital assets development.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks

BIG Idea

South Dakota has $29 million in funding from federal electric vehicle (EV) programs that are unusable due to rules that were attached when it was received from the Biden Administration. The EV agenda of the Biden Administration has passed, but South Dakota and other states are left with money that can only be used on EV infrastructure.

I introduced the Highway Funding Flexibility Act to allow states like South Dakota to reallocate these dollars to other highway and infrastructure projects that are a priority. States would be able to use these dollars for engineering, design, construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and truck parking facilities.

More than $7 billion was allocated across the country for EV projects, and there are few EV chargers to show for it. America’s transportation infrastructure is lagging behind China’s and it’s time to prioritize the health of our roads and bridges. Congress and the White House should empower states to make the necessary investments to address their unique transportation needs.

BIG News

The images and videos of vandalism, looting, assault on law enforcement, and rioting in Los Angeles are troubling. These are not protesters, but are violent individuals upset about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who are enforcing the law.

California Governor Newsom’s soft-on-crime policies have led to vicious assaults on law enforcement. This is not the American way. Local law enforcement and ICE officers deserve our respect and support for keeping us all safe.

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Doeden attacks Governor Rhoden for trade mission to Israel as country goes to war with Iran over Nuclear Weapons

Gubernatorial wannabe Toby Doeden today took a swipe at Governor Rhoden for his trade mission to Israel via facebook because… well, politics. As well as the fact that he clearly doesn’t understand one of the jobs of the chief executive is to promote trade with the state:

It appears that someone polling at 4% does not have a good grasp of what the job duties of the big office on the second floor of the Capitol Building entail.  According to a release from the Governor’s office:

Governor Rhoden Leads Trade Mission to Israel

PIERRE, SD – This week, Governor Larry Rhoden is leading a business-driven trade mission to Israel alongside South Dakota Trade. By the end of his first full day in the Holy Land, he will have met with President Isaac Herzog, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar of Israel. You can find photos of his meetings with President Herzog and Foreign Minister Sa’ar here and here, respectively.

“South Dakota continues to be an economic leader – both nationally and internationally. Israel has been a key partner in our state’s economic success, and I was honored to meet with the Israeli leaders to strengthen our relationship,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “By working together with countries across the globe, we will keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity for generations to come.”

The Governor is leading a business delegation made up of defense and agriculture businesses that are actively seeking sales in the Israeli market.

“This mission is 100% business-driven,” said Jesse Fonkert, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade. “We had a successful mission in November of last year and are back because our businesses are generating real opportunities that have already produced millions in sales and a robust pipeline for even more expansion.”

Governor Rhoden also conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. You can find a photo of that ceremony here. Governor Rhoden also saw sections of the memorial specific to the Mauthausen concentration camp, which his father helped liberate near the end of World War II.

President Trump’s newly confirmed Ambassador, Mike Huckabee, will host a reception to honor the Governor’s visit.

Governor Rhoden also visited the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah’s Mt. Scopus Hospital to meet with recovering soldiers who have been injured since the start of the war. This stop was coordinated by South Dakota Jewish community leader Carol Rosenthal, who serves as the Chair of Hadassah International. You can find a photo of the visit here.

“The Gandel Rehabilitation Center is a beacon of hope that serves as a home where the wounded come to gradually regain their lives through physical and emotional rehabilitation,” said Carol Rosenthal. “I’d like to thank Governor Rhoden for visiting Hadassah during his time in Israel. I’m confident that he will see first-hand the resilience of the Israeli people and that our Jewish friends and neighbors here in South Dakota will never forget this statement of support.”

Governor Rhoden is joined by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner Joe Fiala, who attended the first trade mission to Israel in November 2024. Governor Rhoden and the trade delegation are hosting, a “Doing Business in South Dakota” seminar that focused on recruiting foreign direct investment into the state.

“South Dakota was the first state to bring a trade mission to Israel after the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023,” said Deputy Commissioner Joe Fiala. “Being there in person demonstrated our commitment to building relationships with the Israeli people. Our trade missions have created new friendships, stronger business ties, and exciting opportunities for our state’s economy.”

Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz of Sioux Falls, SD, is also joining Governor Rhoden and the business delegates in Israel.

“Governor Rhoden has been a true friend to the Jewish community here in South Dakota, and I am incredibly grateful he included me on this visit to the Holy Land,” said Rabbi Alperowitz.

Trade missions to the UK/Ireland and Canada are currently being planned for later in 2025. Interested businesses should reach out to Rachael Weiland from South Dakota Trade at rachael.weiland@southdakotatrade.com.

South Dakota Trade is a 501(c)(6) association that navigates international trade for South Dakota. The Association has offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. For additional information, please visit www.southdakotatrade.com.

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Yes, South Dakota does trade with people farther away than Minnesota and Nebraska. South Dakota businesses sell things to other countries, including Saudi Arabia as well.

If Toby doesn’t want to do the job, maybe he shouldn’t be running for it.

Press Release: Thank You, Senator Thune, for Standing Up for Credit Unions and the People They Serve

Thank You, Senator Thune, for Standing Up for Credit Unions and the People They Serve
By Jeff Olson, President/CEO, Dakota Credit Union Association

At a time when many Americans are navigating financial stress and uncertainty, having access to safe, affordable financial services has never been more important. That’s why South Dakotans and credit union members across the country should take note and be grateful for Senator John Thune’s continued leadership and support for credit unions.

As Senate Majority Leader, Senator Thune plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact everyday Americans. His vocal support for credit unions and preserving their not-for-profit tax status sends a strong message: he’s standing with working families, small businesses, farmers, veterans, teachers, and the people who live and work in our rural and underserved communities.

Credit unions aren’t just financial institutions. They are member-owned cooperatives deeply embedded in their local communities. Nationwide, they serve over 142 million members – roughly 43% of the U.S. population. These are not Wall Street giants. They are Main Street champions. Unlike for-profit banks, credit unions reinvest earnings into their members through lower loan rates, higher savings returns, and fewer fees.

Here in South Dakota, credit unions generate more than $572 million in annual economic output and support nearly 3,000 jobs. In 2024 alone, South Dakota credit unions returned over

$96 million in direct benefits to members, while also generating $63 million in tax revenue, including $9 million in state taxes. That’s an important contribution to our state’s infrastructure, education, and public services.

Senator Thune understands that changing the tax treatment of credit unions would do more than increase costs – it would limit financial choice, drive people toward high-interest lenders and credit cards, and weaken the economic stability of our communities, especially our rural communities. If credit union rates on loans are no longer competitive, many families will be left with no other option than to borrow under far more burdensome terms.

In rural areas especially, credit unions are often the only locally governed financial institution. They’re the ones sponsoring youth sports, providing free financial education in schools, helping first-time homebuyers, and offering essential services to people who may not otherwise be served. They are not just part of the financial system; they are part of the community fabric.

Public support for credit unions is overwhelming. Nationwide, 87% of voters view them favorably, and over 90% of members trust their credit union. In an era where partisanship divides, credit unions unite Americans. Senator Thune recognizes this. His leadership mirrors the values of transparency, fairness, and community investment that credit unions embody every day.

As the House of Representatives has already done, the Senate should now follow Senator Thune’s lead on passing the Senate’s reconciliation package, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which preserves and protects the tax exemption status of credit unions. Doing so ensures that families and small businesses can continue to rely on these trusted, community-based financial cooperatives.

Credit unions win when their members win and we’re grateful to have a leader like Senator Thune who understands that.

Jeff Olson
President/CEO
Dakota Credit Union Association

Aberdeen Police Chief says Shad Olson firebomb threat claim “Didn’t happen”

As I was writing about earlier, a social media post claiming threats were made during a Toby Doeden campaign event on Thursday, June 12 in downtown Aberdeen is wrong, according to the chief of the Aberdeen Police Department, via the Aberdeen Insider:

Chief Dave McNeil said there was a police officer at the Brown County Republicans monthly Reagan Lunch, but no threats were made against Doeden or the Engels Event Co., which hosted the event that ran from roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I don’t believe that happened at all. I don’t believe anybody was making threats,” McNeil said.

and..

Shad Olson, a former Rapid City TV reporter who is known to make inflammatory political posts on social media, wrote on Facebook about the Thursday event in Aberdeen. His entry was also on the Rushmore Republican Facebook page. The Rushmore Republican is a right-wing political blog.

and..

But nobody drove by the event center making threats, McNeil said.

Read that all here.

A good reminder, paraphrasing Mark Twain, that there are lies, damned lies, and goofy things that Shad Olson says.