Storyland Studios, the three-dimensional storytelling firm, has revealed details of LIBERTYLAND USA, a new family entertainment and residential destination in the Mount Rushmore area.
The development will be the biggest development of its kind in South Dakota when it opens to visitors in 2026, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the US.
and..
Local officials have accepted the proposal unanimously, and it has been made possible by the formation of the Rapid City Destination District, a 302.1-acre planned development zone situated in a strategic location along I-90. The project’s scope and size will be expanded in the future with the addition of property offering views of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
In participating with Governor Noem’s previous request, the South Dakota State Legislature is examining whether there are more conflicts of interest out there, and intend to use them as examples in seeking guidance from the South Dakota Supreme Court.
In a meeting of the legislative Executive Board today, the panel went over the details as they attempt to answer the question of what legislators can or cannot do:
South Dakota lawmakers will receive a letter this week, asking them to list all possible conflicts of interest when it comes to their jobs outside of being legislators.
Those responses will then be used in a brief that the South Dakota Supreme Court will examine while they make a decision regarding the broad nature of a constitutional provision banning lawmakers from having a either a director or indirect conflict of interest in state contracts during their terms and up to a year after they exit office.
At the same meeting, it came to light that the Auditor’s office would be an active participant in attempting to navigate the potential conflicts as well:
During a meeting Tuesday of the Executive Board, State Auditor Richard Sattgast explained his office would be bringing in a new accounting system that would track conflict of interest disclosures for grants.
The new system will request employers applying for state department and agency-specific grants disclose if a sitting lawmaker could benefit from the contract. State lawmakers would also have a chance to self-disclose as well if they’re a partner in the business.
What do you think? Should someone be disqualified from serving if they participate in a spouse’s business? Or if a state employee on the job buys a shovel at a legislator’s store?
Some guidelines in this portion of law that dates back to 1889 would be helpful.
State Representative Olson Announces Resignation, Noem Seeks Public Input on Replacement
PIERRE, S.D. – Representative Jess Olson announced that she has resigned her seat in the State House of Representatives, citing ongoing health issues. Governor Kristi Noem wishes her a quick recovery.
Representative Olson has represented District 34 in the State House of Representatives since 2019. Upon Olson’s resignation, Governor Kristi Noem requested public input on filling the District 34 vacancy.
Those wishing to be considered for the House of Representatives vacancy, or to offer nominations, should email Ben Koisti at Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current physical address, resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. All nomination materials must be submitted by December 5th, 2023.
Representative Chris Kassin to seek re-election to District 17 House
VERMILLION, SD — Representative Chris Kassin has announced that he will seek re-election in 2024 to the South Dakota State House of Representatives from District 17.
Kassin was elected to his first term in the State House in November 2022. As a first-term member, Kassin was chosen to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees and sets the state’s budget.
“My commitment to public service is driven by the desire to safeguard the quality of life we are fortunate to experience in South Dakota. I am determined to ensure that the opportunities I have enjoyed are preserved for the benefit of my children and the future generations of South Dakotans,” said Kassin. “My first session in the State House was historic thanks to careful, commonsense conservative management of our state’s resources and strong economy. Our state’s leaders were able to prioritize efforts to continue to strengthen the state as well as take care of South Dakotans now. I’m looking forward to building on the successes of the past session to continue building a strong and secure future.”
“I want to continue to be a strong voice for my friends and neighbors in District 17, prioritizing a strong economy for our state, great schools for students, and quality healthcare for citizens. Together, we can build a great future for South Dakota,” said Kassin.
Kassin was recognized as one of the top first-term legislators in the United States by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and was invited to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Virginia.
Kassin and his wife, Katie, and their two children, Collins and Kellen, live in Vermillion, where he works for the University of South Dakota Foundation as the Vice President of External Relations. Kassin holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in public administration from the University of South Dakota.
RAPID CITY, SD – Today, Representative Becky Drury announced her intention to seek election to the South Dakota House in District 34, where she hopes to continue her service to the Rapid City community. She has previously served on the Rapid City Council and currently serves in the South Dakota House in District 32. Drury brings experience, integrity, and a fighting spirit to continue to represent the Rapid City area community.
During her time in the legislature serving District 32, Drury delivered several solutions for Rapid City. She brought legislation to protect child victims of abuse, expand transparency in local government, alleviate workforce shortages, and support teachers. With a reputation for honesty and integrity, Drury goes to great lengths to bring meaningful change to the Rapid City community.
“The Rapid City community isn’t just made up of Wards and Districts – it’s families, schools, and a vibrant community. When I represent you in Pierre, I am always thinking about the community as a whole. During my first campaign 7 years ago I consistently said ‘I Love Rapid City!’. That’s still true, and I’m still saying it. I look forward to earning the support of District 34, and bringing that same love of our great community back to Pierre once again” Drury said in a statement.
Matt Wagner Announces Candidacy for District 8 House of Representatives
Volga, SD – Matt Wagner of rural Volga announces his candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives, District 8, serving rural Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Miner Counties.
“As a conservative Republican my values are rooted in faith, family, and freedom,” said Wagner. “I am running for District 8 House to be an ambassador for less government and more liberty. I stand for life, family, the second amendment, quality education, free market, and less taxes.”
Wagner formerly served as a School Board Member for Volga Christian School and a School Board Member for Sioux Valley Public Schools, and currently serves on the Oslo Township Board as Clerk.
Wagner has strong agricultural ties to the district, growing up on a farm south of Volga. He attended Sioux Valley Schools in Volga and graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Agriculture. As a business owner and operator, Wagner has demonstrated decades of proven proficiency in the concrete construction and trucking industry. “Agriculture and small businesses are the foundation of our economy and I will work hard to keep taxes low and preserve our SD way of life.” Wagner said.
Wagner and his wife, Kerri, have been married for 25 years and reside on the family farm. They have three grown children who also live within the district. Wagner and his wife are active members of Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings, where he serves as an Elder.
“I am eager to earn your vote and be your voice in Pierre. Join me in building a stronger future for South Dakota.”
Anyone looking for housing during the upcoming session?
Drop me a note, as a friend just told me that has a 4 bedroom place available with 2 car garage within walking distance – only 3 blocks – from the State Capitol Building that they recently finished remodeling. Wi-Fi, trash, utilities, etc. included.
A Secure America Starts at the Border BySen. John Thune
For the third year in a row, attempted illegal border crossings set a new record. In total, 8 million illegal immigrants have crossed into the United States since President Biden took office – one-fifth being “gotaways” that were seen by Customs and Border Protection, but evaded apprehension. Presumably, more made it through without any detection at all. The border crisis has gotten worse and worse for three years, and it’s long past time for a serious course correction from the Biden administration.
The kind of unchecked illegal immigration we’re seeing represents a serious security threat. The Department of Homeland Security recently warned that, “Terrorists and criminal actors may exploit the elevated flow [of migration] and increasingly complex security environment to enter the United States.” The Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border has serious implications for our national security and public safety in our country.
By all indications, bad actors are in fact taking advantage of the chaos at the southern border. The Border Patrol chief recently said his agency is arresting an average of more than 47 people per day with “serious criminal histories.” In the last 12 months, 169 individuals on the terrorist watch list were caught trying to illegally enter the country. This is just the individuals who are being caught. How many of the individuals that Border Patrol fails to apprehend threaten security or safety?
The current crisis is, unfortunately, the predictable result of decisions made early on in the Biden administration. Before the president took office, his team was warned of the possibility of a migrant surge. Nevertheless, the president immediately went about dismantling his predecessor’s immigration policies and weakened our border security. He then ended pandemic-era policies that enabled expedited deportation. While the president has finally, half-heartedly acknowledged this crisis, the policy changes he has put in place are far too little and far too late. And now, the White House’s request for additional funding that would provide more resources to sanctuary cities gives Americans little confidence that the administration is actually interested in solving the crisis at the southern border.
The reality is that the solution to the border crisis is not solely a matter of money, it’s a matter of policy. Senate Republicans recently put forward a set of proposals to stem the flow of illegal immigrants. The plan would require border wall construction to proceed. It would close loopholes in our asylum system that are often abused. And it would prevent the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies from sending illegal immigrants into the United States with court dates years into the future. It’s time we fix this problem, and Republicans are offering solutions. The question is whether our Democrat colleagues will join us in finally addressing this crisis.
Recent events should serve as a wake-up call that it’s time to protect our national security and secure the southern border. Lax enforcement and policies like catch-and-release only encourage more people to attempt to enter the United States illegally. A porous border invites the threat of terrorists and criminals. My Senate Republican colleagues and I will continue to advance these kinds of serious solutions to the border crisis.
Thank You is Never Enough: Honoring Our Veterans By: Governor Kristi Noem November 10, 2023
As we celebrate Veterans Day, it is important for all of us to take a step back and remember the reason for the holiday.
Throughout our nation’s history, brave men and women have stepped up to serve the United States of America. While they each likely felt an individual calling to do so, there is something that connects them all. Every veteran in American history has had a belief in a purpose greater than any one person.
When our nation was created, it was founded upon the ideal that each and every one of us has God-given rights that cannot be taken away. Our Democratic form of government secures those rights. And every man and woman who has ever served in the United States military fought to protect our rights, our Freedoms, and our self-governance.
Those who serve make great sacrifices. They sacrifice time with their families. And many of them sacrifice their physical and mental wellbeing. They do this because they know that their cause is one worth fighting for – America is worth fighting for.
We live in a time where some people are turning their backs on the traditional American values that made us the nation we are today. But those who serve have never turned their backs on America.
I am proud to be from a state that still respects the ideal upon which our nation was founded. South Dakotans have held true to our values. We love America. We fight for what is right. And we never forget the people who have sacrificed so that we can enjoy our Freedoms.
We have thousands of active-duty military members and veterans living in South Dakota. The members of the South Dakota National Guard have received numerous national awards for their strength and readiness. There is no one that I trust more to keep our state and our nation safe than our National Guard. I thank them for their continued service.
On Veterans Day, we remember those who fought. We pay our respect to our veterans. It is important that we do this. We can never ask people to continue to serve their nation without also showing them that they will receive the respect and honor they deserve for doing so.
I encourage everyone to continue to thank veterans for their service. Don’t just do it in honor of Veterans Day – thank our veterans every day of the year. Those who served this nation could never receive enough thanks for what they have done.
I will always do all that I can to make South Dakota the best state in America to live, work, and retire as a veteran. I hope that our veterans know how much we appreciate them and all they have done for us.
To all of the veterans who have served the United States of America, thank you. God bless you.
Making Medicaid Expansion a pathway forward By Rep. Tony Venhuizen and Sen. Casey Crabtree
During the 2023 legislative session, we introduced House Joint Resolution 5004, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the State of South Dakota to consider a work requirement for those who enroll in Medicaid expansion. This proposal passed the State House overwhelmingly, but fell a little short in the Senate due to good-faith committee questions about it.
We have accepted input from some of the opponents and believe those concerns have now been addressed, and will be re-introducing this proposal in 2024.
This proposal asks a basic philosophical question: Is Medicaid expansion meant to be a hand up for people facing tough times, or should it be a way of life? We believe that Medicaid, like all social programs, should be a hand up for people who need it. But it should also be a pathway forward to something better.
South Dakota voters passed Medicaid expansion in 2022, and the governor and state legislators honored that decision. Medicaid expansion was implemented and went into effect on July 1, 2023, and it is available for eligible recipients today.
One provision of the Medicaid expansion ballot measure, though, causes a problem. The amendment contained language that said that the state cannot impose any requirements on those who receive Medicaid expansion that are not also imposed on other Medicaid recipients.
Why is that a problem?
Because the traditional Medicaid program applies to children, the elderly, the disabled, and in some cases, pregnant women. We don’t apply a work requirement to these recipients, because it wouldn’t make any sense.
Medicaid expansion, though, applies to able-bodied, working-age adults – adults who are aged 18 to 65 and who are not disabled. It makes perfect sense to consider a work requirement for this population.
We want to be clear about what our proposal does, and what it does not do.
Our proposed amendment says that the State may consider a work requirement for these Medicaid expansion recipients, if it is allowed by the federal government.
It does not establish a work requirement for Medicaid expansion. It does not require South Dakota to adopt one in the future. It simply says that we can consider it. And it doesn’t address the program’s specific parameters, such as exemptions for parents of young children or those pursuing further education. Those would be decisions to be made at the time that a requirement is actually considered.
Currently, the Biden administration does not allow states to impose a work requirement in Medicaid expansion. The Trump administration did allow it, and during that time 13 states adopted a work requirement and 9 others were working toward it. When President Biden came into office, those requirements were abolished and no new ones are allowed.
We know, though, that President Biden will not be in office forever, and that at some point a future administration will allow a work requirement again. In addition to prior Republican administrations, even the administration of President Bill Clinton was open to work requirements in federal social programs.
When a work requirement is once again allowed, South Dakota should not put ourselves in a position where we cannot even consider it, when every other state has that option. That just doesn’t make sense.
Finally, we want to emphasize that this proposed amendment honors the will of the voters. The voters in 2022 passed Medicaid expansion, and we have implemented it. Our proposal would also go before the voters. We are giving the voters the opportunity to refine their earlier decision with a more specific question. We know they want Medicaid expansion, but would they like to consider a work requirement, or not? If they say “yes,” that will be the will of the voters as well.
South Dakotans are hard-working people, and we believe in the value of work. Medicaid expansion, like all social programs, should be a pathway forward for those who receive it. This proposal is an important step in that direction, and we look forward to the discussion in Pierre in January.
VERMILLION, SD — Representative Chris Kassin has announced that he will seek re-election in 2024 to the South Dakota State House of Representatives from District 17.
