Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed eighteen bills into law:

• SB 6 corrects technical errors in statutory cross-references related to the Department of Social Services.
• SB 20 places certain controlled substances on the controlled substances schedule.
• SB 22 corrects a technical error concerning a cross-reference regarding a certain energy conservation program.
• SB 29 revises certain training and testing requirements for entry level driver applicants for a commercial driver license.
• SB 30 extends the issuance period for commercial learner’s permits.
• SB 32 revises certain provisions regarding access critical nursing facilities.
• SB 39 repeals the registration requirements for certain amusement devices.
• SB 41 revises certain requirements for contesting certificates of assessment.
• SB 42 requires all documentation supporting a tax refund claim regarding the accidental mixing of undyed and dyed diesel fuel to be submitted to the Department of Revenue within a certain time period.
• SB 43 modifies certain provisions related to motor vehicles.
• SB 63 corrects technical errors and outdated provisions regarding the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
• SB 73 revises provisions regarding the sale of certain government owned vehicles by an auction agency.
• SB 78 modifies certain provisions related to trusts.
• HB 1031 revises certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System.
• HB 1032 revises the minimum cost of living adjustment and revises terminology of the South Dakota Retirement System.
• HB 1033 updates certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System and revises certain provisions relating to reemployment after retirement with the South Dakota Retirement System.
• HB 1037 authorizes the increase of certain fees by the State Electrical Commission.
• HB 1046 limits liability for certain exposures to COVID-19.

Governor Noem has signed sixty bills into law this legislative session.

State Sen. Brock Greenfield to run for Commissioner of School & Public Lands

Brock Greenfield (R-Clark) has announced he will be seeking the nomination for the office of Commissioner of School and Public Lands in the 2022 election cycle.  Greenfield graduated from Doland and earned his Bachelor of Science from Northern State University with majors in Business Management and Marketing and a minor in Economics.

Greenfield has served in both the SD Senate and House of Representatives and has held numerous leadership positions in the Legislature, including President Pro Tempore of the Senate for four years.  He has also served on Appropriations, State Affairs, Taxation, Commerce and Energy, Education, Retirement Laws, the Executive Board, and State and Tribal Relations, as well as a number of interim summer studies.  He has extensive conservative budgeting experience as an 11-year appropriator, and he has chaired several legislative committees.  In his daily life, Greenfield is a businessman, substitute teacher, bus driver, and baseball coach.  He is also a past State Director of South Dakota Right to Life.  He was united in marriage to his wife, Kelli, last April.  Kelli grew up near Clearfield and graduated from Winner. She is currently a nurse practitioner with the Monument Health system.

Greenfield says the Office of School and Public Lands has been well-served by current Commissioner Ryan Brunner and Deputy Commissioner Mike Lauritsen.  He wants to carry on their tradition of superior, efficient, and effective management of school and endowment lands and dams under the purview of the office. “Ryan, Mike, and their team in the Office of the Commissioner of School and Public Lands have dedicated themselves to serving with integrity as they oversee operations and work to achieve the best results for students, taxpayers, lease holders, and all South Dakotans.”

Greenfield concluded, “I have reached out to a number of people who have served as convention delegates in the past, and they have provided me with strong encouragement to run for this very important job. I look forward to visiting with more delegates from all across the state to listen to their input and concerns in the hopes of garnering their feedback and ultimately gaining their trust and support.”

YOUNGBERG ANNOUNCES DESIRE TO LEAD THE OFFICE OF SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL & PUBLIC LANDS

Former State Senator wants to return to Pierre and continue serving the people of South Dakota.

MADISON, SD– Today Former District 8 State Senator Jordan Youngberg officially announced his intent to seek election to serve as South Dakota’s Commissioner of School and Public Lands.

“I have a fierce desire to continue serving our state, and I believe that my conservative, hardworking approach is a perfect fit to lead the office of South Dakota School & Public Lands,” said Youngberg. “As South Dakota’s next Commissioner, I’m committed to utilizing my legislative experience and commitment to financial stewardship to ensure the office continues to effectively maintain all properties and allocate funds to our school districts.”

Born and raised in South Dakota, Jordan and his wife Ann currently call Madison home, along with their two young sons, Russell and Blake. Jordan was re-elected to the State Senate after defeating a popular incumbent democratic incumbent and served as Senate Majority Whip, Vice Chair for the Ag and Natural Resources and Local Government Committees and Chair of the Government Accountability Committee. In addition to public service, Former Senator Youngberg has experience managing an ag implement dealership along with owning and operating small businesses.

“I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish during my time serving in the South Dakota Legislature, but equally as important are the friendships and relationships I’ve been able to develop with folks who have South Dakota’s best interest at heart,” said Youngberg. “I’m excited to engage those individuals again soon as I travel the state to listen and learn throughout my campaign. Those that know me know that I will work hard every single day to make this state better for our next generation.”

The Commissioner of the office of South Dakota School & Public Lands is officially elected in November of 2022. Youngberg is the only candidate to officially announce intentions to pursue the office and will seek the Republican Nomination in June of 2022.

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Former congresswoman and current Augustana university president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has been sworn into federal court. I had heard about this story this last week, and it opens up some interesting areas of speculation:

The move, sponsored by Democratic Chairman Randy Seiler, opens the door to Herseth Sandlin being nominated for either U.S. attorney — the top federal prosecutor in the state — or a lifetime tenure as a federal judge.

Read it all here.

If I was to place a wager, given her background and prior federal court clerk experience, I would guess it is for a federal judgeship.

Thune Statement on Conclusion of Senate Impeachment Trial

“The Constitution is clear that the primary purpose of impeachment is removal from office, and that’s what I believe the Founders intended.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial:

“The impeachment trial is over and former President Trump has been acquitted. My vote to acquit should not be viewed as exoneration for his conduct on January 6, 2021, or in the days and weeks leading up to it. What former President Trump did to undermine faith in our election system and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power is inexcusable.

“But he is no longer president. The Constitution is clear that the primary purpose of impeachment is removal from office, and that’s what I believe the Founders intended. I have great concerns with the Senate punishing a private citizen with the sole intent of disqualifying him from holding future office. Our Founders designed impeachment to be an extreme remedy and cautioned against its use as a political weapon. We should heed their caution. In our democracy, matters of representation should be left with the people, as the Founders intended.

“I have faith in the American people and the strength of our democracy.”

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Rounds Votes Against Articles of Impeachment

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after voting against the articles of impeachment brought against former President Trump.

“I’ve said all along that impeaching former President Trump is a moot point as the Constitution is clear that removal from office is the primary purpose of impeachment. Our Founding Fathers intended the process of impeachment to remove public officials from office, not to punish private citizens. After carefully listening to every minute of the presentations made by the House Managers and the former president’s legal team, I am convinced that the Senate does not have jurisdiction to render a judgement against the former president. Therefore, I voted not guilty. It is now time to get back to the work of the American people.”

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Rounds: $15 Minimum Wage Would Damage Our Economy By Killing 1.4 Million Jobs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report detailing the devastating impacts of President Biden’s proposed $15 minimum wage increase.

“As a former governor and business owner, I understand how important economic policies are in making sure businesses have opportunities to grow and create jobs.

“President Biden continues to embrace a radical left-wing agenda by pushing policies like a $15 federal minimum wage, which would kill an estimated 1.4 million American jobs and damage our economy.

“In South Dakota, I’ve already talked to several small business owners who have indicated they will be forced to cut staff just to stay open should this drastic hike to the minimum wage take place.

“We are in the middle of a pandemic. Our businesses have faced enough hardship already. We don’t need to add additional injury. Our goal should be to enact business-friendly policies that promote economic growth and job creation.”

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A measure designed to preserve and recognize the rights of churches to operate on the same level as secular groups and businesses was attacked by a group promoting LGBT rights in the legislature this week:

“This bill represents a dangerous attempt to enshrine discrimination into state law by creating a legal mechanism to privilege some religious beliefs over the well being of all South Dakotans,” the letter said.

and..

Schoenbeck said he was surprised to learn Tuesday that the national group opposed the bill.

“I just got to tell you, I find it offensive when people play the LBGTQ-whatever card, or race card, or any of that kind of garbage, instead of dealing with the merits of what’s before you,” Schoenbeck told the committee. “And what’s before you is a bill that does nothing to discriminate, except to protect people and the free exercise of their religion.”

Read the entire story here.

The bill was brought because some are treating churches differently (and more restrictively) than businesses in terms of COVID restrictions.

And last time I checked, that’s against the Constitution.

Johnson Secures Top Republican Position on Livestock Subcommittee

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced his appointment as the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee’s Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee. Johnson is the first Northern Plains congressman to be selected as top Republican of this subcommittee in nearly 40 years.

“Ranching and raising livestock often gets less attention in DC than it deserves,” said Johnson. “It’s been almost 40 years since the top Republican on the livestock subcommittee has been from the Northern Plains. I’m looking forward to highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing South Dakota’s small feeders and cow-calf operators.”

“Dusty Johnson has been a great friend and fearless fighter for agriculture,” said Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee. “He’s proven himself time and time again as an advocate for farm families and I’m pleased to have him on my team as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.”

The Subcommittee on Livestock & Foreign Agriculture has jurisdiction over the policies, statutes, and markets relating to all livestock, poultry, dairy, and seafood, including all products thereof; the inspection, marketing, and promotion of such commodities and products; aquaculture; animal welfare; grazing; foreign agricultural assistance and trade promotion.

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