Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Gov. Rhoden Signs Military and Veterans Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed four bills supporting our military and veterans.

“As Governor, my goal is to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free — and that wouldn’t be possible without all of our brave men and women in uniform,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills are a sign of support for all of our dedicated military members and the veterans who gave so much for us. Because of their sacrifices, our nation remains the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following four military and veterans bills into law:

• SB 6 authorizes a loan from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund to a school district adjoining a federal military installation for the construction or expansion of a school building;
• HB 1161 allows additional forms to verify military service for a veteran designation on a commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit;
• HB 1188 allows nonresident military members to purchase three-day temporary nonresident waterfowl licenses; and
• HB 1238 establishes protections for a veteran seeking assistance in a veterans’ benefit matter.

Governor Rhoden signed SB 6 in a signing ceremony at Douglas School District’s Vandenberg Elementary School during his Open for Opportunity tour. You can find a picture of the signing here.

Governor Rhoden has signed 211 bills and VETOED two this legislative session. There are no additional bills awaiting the Governor’s signature.

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Big Government is Not the Answer
by Drew Peterson
State Representative, District 19

As the 100th South Dakota Legislative Session comes to a close, I want to reflect on the work accomplished and the challenges that remain. This year, we passed a balanced budget for the 136th consecutive session—continuing South Dakota’s long tradition of fiscal responsibility. We cut $70 million in ongoing expenses to give a 1.25 percent increase to the Big Three of Education, State Workers, and Healthcare, and ensured other critical funding remains intact, including support for veteran burial funding, libraries, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB), which provides invaluable coverage of our high school activities and educational programming for all ages. These are priorities that matter to our communities, and I am proud to have supported them.

One of the biggest discussions in this session revolved around property tax relief, with over twenty bills introduced on the subject. Governor Rhoden’s proposal was the only one that passed, and I supported it after it was improved for funding growing tax districts. The bill provides relief to owner-occupied homeowners. While I support efforts to reduce the tax burden on South Dakotans, I am cautious about any proposal that shifts the burden onto agriculture and commercial properties, which includes rental housing. This is only the first step in what the Governor hopes will be a broader, long-term solution. I will continue to work with Governor Rhoden, Lieutenant Governor Venhuizen, and legislators to ensure that the legislature provides meaningful tax relief without simply passing the cost onto another group of taxpayers. A short-term fix is not enough—we need a comprehensive approach that fairly addresses property tax concerns without harming our family farms, family businesses, and renter communities.

I must mention that, for the first time as a legislator, I have spent more time with my allies opposing and often defeating bad bills than passing good ones. Many days, we killed 5-10 bills on the House floor in one afternoon—but we didn’t get them all.  As a citizen legislator and fifth-generation South Dakotan, it’s starting to feel like our state is a political playground for out-of-state interests to run bills that are intended to fix problems that don’t exist in South Dakota. It baffles me that people move here from coastal states because South Dakota is the greatest state in the Union, and then proceed to try and flip our state on its head with bills pushing big government, new entitlements, and overregulation.

When I ran for the Legislature, it was to ensure we advanced our state. South Dakota is an amazing place to raise our growing family, have a career, and live in peace. We have come a long ways as a state the nearly 40 years I’ve been alive, creating an economy where young people want to live instead of moving out of state after they graduate. But I do not want us to rest on our recent success that is decades in the making—we need to ensure we are pushing legislation that benefits everyone, improves the economy, and, most importantly, allows individuals to be personally responsible and self-determined.

Looking ahead, my focus remains on advocating for responsible fiscal policies, protecting agriculture and our schools, and supporting economic development across South Dakota. We must continue making strategic investments that strengthen communities of all sizes while ensuring that the government does not overreach, overregulate, or place unnecessary and extraordinary burdens on rural South Dakotans.

If we work every day to advance our state, we will provide our kids and grandkids with a better South Dakota than our parents and grandparents gave to us. May God bless you and the great state of South Dakota.

Gov. Rhoden Signs Taking Care of People Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed six bills that emphasize taking care of people.

“I will always prioritize protecting and caring for the people of the great state of South Dakota, no matter what situation they may face,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills will help ensure that we continue to live in a state where families are strong, children are safe, and every South Dakotan is free.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following six bills into law:

• HB 1005 modifies the requirement for payment of a private home study by the Department of Social Services;
• HB 1016 revises provisions related to pharmacy and increases fees;
• HB 1061 prohibits a health care provider from restricting or denying a parent or guardian’s access to certain medical records and other health information of a minor;
• HB 1071 modifies practice criteria for physician assistants;
• HB 1139 allows individualized investigative treatments for patients with life-threatening or debilitating diseases or conditions; and
• HB 1221 makes an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations.

Governor Rhoden has signed 199 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

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Matthew Monfore is a name that we haven’t heard in a while; not since he came in last in a primary election for District 30 House.   Yet, he’s back in the news today as a result of a messy guardianship battle involving him in a South Dakota Supreme Court Decision that was handed down today in the matter of GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP OF FLYTE, 2025 S.D. 21.

It’s worth a read if but for to note the parts involving Monfore, and what the opinion had to say about some of his activities. But as always, don’t take my word for it – read it yourself:

Guardianship and Conservatorship of Flyte by Pat Powers on Scribd

In the spring of 2018, Charlene’s younger son, Matthew, age 28, moved to the ranch to help Charlene care for Gerda. Matthew lives in Gerda’s 3-bedroom, 1,700 square foot ranch house with Gerda and Charlene and does not pay rent. Matthew attended the Cornerstone Bible Institute in Fall River County and identifies himself as a minister.

and..

Roger also testified about his concerns that Gerda was not receiving necessary medications because Charlene and Matthew did not believe in conventional medicine. Gerda had a history of mini-strokes and took several prescription medicines including Warfarin, a blood thinner. Gerda had a history of mini-strokes and took several prescription medicines including Warfarin, a blood thinner. Charlene testified that she and Matthew, based on advice of doctors Matthew found online, decided to take Gerda off her prescription medications and put her on supplements instead. However, none of the online doctors ever met or examined Gerda, nor did they have access to her medical records.

and..

During the evidentiary hearing, the court also heard testimony about Matthew’s role in the family and his activities on and off the ranch. Matthew testified that he operates a church headquartered at the ranch called Jesus is King Mission. Several witnesses testified that Matthew regularly posts religious signs on Gerda’s property and hosts church services in Gerda’s house, with Charlene’s permission. Matthew testified that he used to publicize the services at the ranch but stopped posting the address because of “terrorist threats” that he received because of his evangelization activities. The court heard testimony that Matthew’s religious fervor led the Oglala Sioux Tribe to banish him from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and to require all future missionaries operating on the reservation to register with the Tribe.

In addition to holding services, Matthew invited numerous individuals associated with the church to stay at the ranch. Matthew testified that some, but not all, of those people paid rent. The proceeds from those who did pay rent were split between the church and Charlene. Both Roger and Jesse testified that Matthew’s religious fervor and aggressive demeanor, including constantly recording Roger with his cell phone, had become a point of contention between Matthew, Roger, and Charlene. Jesse testified that he lived in Arizona and used to frequently visit South Dakota, but no longer does so because Matthew makes him feel unsafe. Jesse also testified that Matthew’s controlling presence has changed Charlene, including the way she cares for Gerda.

….

Charlene, Roger, and Matthew’s contentious relationship led to law enforcement involvement on at least two occasions. Roger testified that on September 25, 2021, he called the police because Matthew was threatening Gerda and Jay. The incident began, according to Matthew, when he showed Jay and Gerda a video comparing certain groups to Nazis. Roger testified that Gerda grew up in Nazi Germany, and this video was traumatic for her to watch.

and..

Matthew then made fun of Roger for having previously contemplated suicide, which led to Roger “pushing Matthew against a wall.”  Roger was charged with simple assault but eventually pled to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct for which he served a short jail sentence and was ordered to have no contact with Matthew.

and..

The circuit court also found Matthew’s involvement in Gerda’s care was a significant factor affecting Charlene’s ability to care for Gerda, concluding that only a third-party would be able to protect Gerda from Matthew. The court found that Matthew, who operated a religious entity and website, displayed large signs and banners on Gerda’s property and regularly held religious services in her house without her permission. Matthew admitted these services provoked threats against him and others, placing them in physical danger. Matthew also allowed people related to his religious entity to stay on Gerda’s property without paying rent.

and..

Charlene also takes issue with the circuit court’s discussion of Matthew’s conduct because he “was and is not the applicant for Guardian or Conservator.” However, the circuit court explained its concerns about Matthew’s impact on Charlene’s ability to act in Gerda’s best interests. The circuit court found that “[n]ot only does Charlene allow her son to exploit his grandmother’s property and safety, but she does so while admitting that Matthew’s religious beliefs are contrary to Gerda’s beliefs.” The circuit court was “very concerned that Charlene will continue to encourage his behavior if she is allowed to serve as Gerda’s guardian or conservator.”

Charlene also argues that the circuit court impermissibly considered Matthew’s religion in its decision to appoint BHA as guardian and conservator. However, the circuit court did not base its determination on Matthew’s religious views, but on the concrete effects that his presence and religious activities had on Gerda and the use of her property. Matthew’s religious services provoked terroristic threats aimed at Gerda’s home address.

The bottom line is that the court found the following:

• There is ample evidence to support the circuit court’s findings.
• SDCL 29A-5-110 does not authorize the appointment of for-profit entities to serve as guardians and conservators, so Circuit Court has to go back and try again.
• And they awarded partial attorney fees to the uncle.

Maybe it’s just my impression, but I read this as they not being able to keep the current guardian (BHA) ONLY because law does not permit a for-profit entity to serve in that role. Otherwise, they might have let the decision stand.

Seriously, go read if for yourself, as it sounds like kind of a madcap environment to be receiving elder care as a dependent adult. And not in a good way.

Rapid City Post launches; Free Digital Newspaper Aims to Provide Better Local News

(Rapid City, SD)   The HomeSlice Group announced this morning that it has launched a free, digital newspaper, The Rapid City Post, (www.RapidCityPost.com) to serve as a major local news outlet for the Black Hills Region, including western South Dakota and neighboring states.

“Comprehensive local news has, in many ways, been a casualty of the quickly evolving media landscape around the globe,” commented HomeSlice CEO Dean Kinney. “To be sure, there are numerous organizations around the state – colleagues we respect and many of whom we are partnering with in various ways – endeavoring to serve the public, but our team perceived a noticeable space in the market for a major digital publication dedicated to the Rapid City area.”

The Rapid City Post has forged alliances with other local news and sports outlets, including the HomeSlice-owned KBHB Radio News, a heritage agri-media staple since 1962, and the independent Fox Sports Rapid City, owned and operated by local sports broadcasting legend Nate Brown.  HomeSlice has also partnered with state-wide news organizations, including South Dakota Searchlight, South Dakota Newswatch, the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, and The Dakota Scout, the official legal newspaper for Sioux Falls.

Managing Editor Chris Hornick said, “The Rapid City Post is committed to delivering honest, timely, and impactful local news—by and for the residents of the Black Hills and Western South Dakota. We amplify local voices and foster deeper connections within our community, because we believe that informed citizens build stronger communities.”“We anticipate a printed companion newspaper with subscriptions and premium audio and video content,” remarked Brad “Murdoc” Jurgensen, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Producer at HomeSlice, “but our primary vision of The Rapid City Post, is free, ad-supported, locally staffed community media with strong journalistic standards, available to everyone as they like to digest it. A podcast, an e-blast, listening live on the air, or holding the newspaper in your hand – our goal is to be the trusted community media for the Black Hills and Western South Dakota,” Jurgensen concluded.

Thune Leads Colleagues in Requesting the Removal of Extraneous Biden-Era Regulations on Broadband Program

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today led his colleagues in sending a letter to Howard Lutnick, secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, requesting the removal of extraneous Biden-era regulations as Secretary Lutnick conducts his review of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is aimed at expanding internet access to Americans in rural areas and other unserved communities.

“As you may be aware, Republican senators have previously raised concerns with the Biden administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and its implementation of the BEAD program,” the senators wrote. “Specifically, NTIA ignored congressional direction and acted inconsistently with its statutory authority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), filling the program with onerous regulations that prevented the quick, efficient deployment of broadband and resulted in not a single household being connected to the internet.”

“Under your leadership, the BEAD program can finally fulfill its long overdue mission and ensure taxpayer dollars are not spent funding extraneous, burdensome regulations,” the senators continued. “Eliminating these obstacles will empower states to work closely with broadband providers and accelerate deployment, maximize resources, and reach truly unserved and underserved communities without any more delay caused by unnecessary government interference.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

Full letter below:

Dear Secretary Lutnick:

We write to thank you for committing to a rigorous review of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.  As you may be aware, Republican senators have previously raised concerns with the Biden administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and its implementation of the BEAD program.  Specifically, NTIA ignored congressional direction and acted inconsistently with its statutory authority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), filling the program with onerous regulations that prevented the quick, efficient deployment of broadband and resulted in not a single household being connected to the internet.  Therefore, we urge you to remove the Biden-era extraneous regulations as you review the BEAD program to ensure the responsible and effective use of taxpayer dollars. 

In particular, we encourage you to remove the BEAD program’s restrictive labor requirements that disadvantage rural communities, provisions favoring government-owned networks over private investment, and guidelines that prioritize certain technologies over others and clearly contradict congressional pursuit of tech-neutrality. 

Furthermore, despite the IIJA’s explicit prohibition on broadband rate regulation, NTIA exceeded its statutory authority and attempted to enact rate regulations anyway.  The inclusion of climate change mandates further diverted funds and focus away from the program’s primary objective of ensuring broadband access for unserved and underserved communities.  These unnecessary bureaucratic barriers slow deployment, increase costs, and ultimately run contrary to the very purpose of the program and should also be removed.  Even the former Director of the BEAD program recently admitted that many of these woke requirements were “inserted by the prior administration for messaging/political purposes” and “never central to the mission of the program.” 

Under your leadership, the BEAD program can finally fulfill its long overdue mission and ensure taxpayer dollars are not spent funding extraneous, burdensome regulations.  Eliminating these obstacles will empower states to work closely with broadband providers and accelerate deployment, maximize resources, and reach truly unserved and underserved communities without any more delay caused by unnecessary government interference.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.  We appreciate your leadership in reviewing and addressing these concerns, and we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

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Gov. Rhoden Celebrates South Dakota’s Reaffirmed AAA Credit Rating

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden celebrated Fitch’s reaffirmation of South Dakota’s AAA credit rating.

“South Dakota’s economy is thriving, and we are receiving national recognition for our fiscal responsibility,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We have so much to celebrate, including our 136^th consecutive balanced budget. As long as I am Governor, we will remain conservative with the taxpayer dollars of hardworking South Dakotans.”

Fitch highlighted South Dakota’s diverse economy, ample financial flexibility, competitively low long-term liabilities, and impressive employment gains.

“The state’s ‘AAA’ IDR is supported by consistently well-managed fiscal operations, strong reserve balances and a history of maintaining budgetary structural balance,” wrote Fitch.

South Dakota’s rating outlook remains stable. Our fiscal conservatism, commonsense regulatory policies, and record unemployment rates will ensure South Dakota’s economic success continues for generations to come.

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Gov. Rhoden Signs Good Government Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed 16 “Good Government” bills into law.

“South Dakota is a tremendous example of commonsense regulations and good government, and these bills will build on that,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “The Declaration of Independence clearly states that ‘governments are instituted among men’ to protect the rights of the people, and these bills ensure that remains true. They are an important step towards keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free!”

Governor Rhoden signed the following 16 bills into law:

• HB 1007 prohibits use of the South Dakota public utilities commission gross receipts tax fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by the Public Utilities Commission;
• HB 1008 includes a hybrid facility as a facility to be regulated by the Public Utilities Commission;
• HB 1041 revises and repeals certain provisions pertaining to the state library and State Library Board;
• HB 1059 clarifies the meaning of teleconference for purposes of open meeting requirements;
• HB 1106 requires a report regarding refugee resettlement services;
• HB 1131 makes an appropriation for the restoration, maintenance, and repair of the state capitol;
• HB 1216 modifies and repeals provisions related to the Legislative Research Council;
• HB 1225 updates and repeals provisions related to the reporting of hospital charge information;
• SB 3 increases driver license fees;
• SB 26 reduces employer contribution rates and increases the administrative fee rate for reemployment assistance;
• SB 45 imposes a motor vehicle technology fee;
• SB 90 clarifies provisions regarding tax deeds;
• SB 128 amends requirements for an official newspaper;
• SB 171 adds questions about historical property to seller’s disclosure statement;
• SB 176 clarifies the discovery procedures and powers and modifies the administration of the Government Operations and Audit Committee; and
• SB 215 removes the prohibition against a landowner having an easement on the landowner’s property.

Governor Rhoden has signed 193 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

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Rounds Named 5th Most Effective Republican Senator for 118th Congress
Rounds named a top lawmaker in defense, agriculture and Indian Affairs issues

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) was named as one of the top-five most effective Republican lawmakers in the 118th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL). The CEL score is based on metrics such as substance of bills introduced, their progression throughout the legislative process and how many were signed into law.

In addition to being recognized as one of the top-five most effective Republican lawmakers in the Senate, Rounds was also named:

• 2nd most effective Republican on Agricultural issues (9th overall)
• 3rd most effective Republican on Indian Affairs issues (6th overall)
• 3rd most effective Republican on Labor and Employment issues (6th overall)
• 4th most effective Republican on Defense issues (6th overall)
• 14th most effective Senator overall

“As lawmakers, one of the most important parts of our jobs is writing and introducing substantive bills and shepherding them through the legislative process with the ultimate goal of getting them signed into law,” said Rounds. “We were successful in getting results for the people of South Dakota in the 118th Congress across policy areas ranging from agriculture to national security and defense.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a large part of my daily work is focused on national security. Each year, the committee works to compose the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding to support our national defense programs as well as our men and women in uniform and their families. This past year, I authored 40 individual provisions that were included in the NDAA. The bill also included $282 million in projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base and $2.6 billion for procurement of B-21 Raider bombers which will be based at Ellsworth. We also included a number of provisions related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence efforts to support our national defense.

“South Dakota is also home to a robust agriculture industry. Despite not serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I continue to work on introducing legislation that supports our farmers and ranchers that call South Dakota home. This includes supporting American-made products all the way from the farm to the shelves at the grocery store.

“In addition, as the only member of the South Dakota delegation serving on the Indian Affairs committee, I’m committed to working with all nine tribes in South Dakota on legislation that helps tribal members while also upholding tribal sovereignty. This includes legislation that improves the Indian Health Service and addresses the ongoing public safety crisis on reservations. Last Congress, our legislation, the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Improvement Act, was signed into law, which reformed the NADL program administered by the VA to make it more accessible to Native American veterans living on tribal trust land.

“There is still plenty of work to be done on all of these issues and more in the current Congress. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate to get results for the people of South Dakota.”

Click HERE to read more about the CEL’s Legislative Effectiveness Scores.

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Just received this interesting message..

“In the Pennington County Democratic party e-mail this morning they have a call to collect Dem-friendly businesses.  I’m not a dem, so I have no additional information.  I just wonder if it will turn dems from doing business with businesses that aren’t on the list.  I also wonder about publication of the list and what business in the mostly Red Pennington county shopping area.”

Democrat Friendly Businesses in South Dakota by Pat Powers on Scribd

In looking at the Google Form, it’s not something created specifically by Pennington County Democrats, but by the state-level South Dakota Democratic Party. So, I would assume that all of the Dem party organizations may be sending it out.  Very interesting.

If I were cynical and had worked in politics a long time.. I might wonder if this is a way for Democrats to gather a list of business owners to recruit, since there are a few too many Republicans who have tried to close South Dakota for business, as they attack data centers, wind, solar & mining, building and development, etcetera and so on.

Who knows? Democrats might be trying to see how many business owners are re-evaluating the political causes they put their coin and efforts behind?

When there are Republicans out there who deride basic economic development as crony capitalism and the liberals against the transport of ethanol byproducts via pipeline have taken over the SDGOP, I’m not sure that I can blame Democrats for shooting their shot.