Author: @SoDakCampaigns

MEDICAL MARIJUANA OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO MEET

PIERRE – The Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee will hold its first meeting of the 2023 Interim on Monday, August 21, 2023, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

he meeting is being conducted in Room 362 of the State Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota. The committee will select a Chair and Vice Chair; discuss the efficacy of statutes and rules related to medical marijuana; and hear presentations and take testimony from sectors impacted by South Dakota’s medical marijuana laws including state agencies, the medical marijuana industry, and the public. The full agenda is available online.

Members include Senators Jim Mehlhaff (R-Pierre) and Erin Tobin (R-Winner); Representatives Roger DeGroot (R-Brookings) and Curt Massie (R-Rapid City); and non-legislators Francine Arneson, Brian Doherty, Katie Kassin, Brian Mueller, Kristi Palmer, Jon Thum, and Rachel Waddell.

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If you recall  the story earlier this year that Bob Braun, Superintendent of the Aberdeen Water Treatment plant, had some harsh words for his former employer, as in a very public tirade, when he exposed a litany of employee issues that he was not allowed to take any action on, as well as delays that increased costs for taxpayers, because they were held for no discernible reason.  He also explained how he was denied the ability to get surgery by his employer, laying most of the blame at the feet of the City Manager, Joe Gaa.   Of course, the city claimed all was well.

And then the city had to later send out notices pointing out there’s an increased risk of disease in using their water supply.  Oops.

Now, it looks as if the city manager, Joe Gaa, has decided that it might be a good time “to move closer to family.”

Aberdeen City Manager Joe Gaa is departing for Iowa after working in the Hub City for three years.

and..

Gaa is expected to start in Marshalltown as early as next month.

In a statement to Dakota News Now, Gaa said the move to Iowa will allow him to be closer to family.

Read the entire story here.

Gotta love city politics. Never a dull moment.

From Facebook:

Youngberg announces candidacy for District 25 Senate

COLMAN, SD – Today, Jordan Youngberg announced his intention to seek election to represent District 25 in the South Dakota Senate during the upcoming election cycle. This decision comes on the back of support from citizens across the district and a desire to take action to improve the lives of South Dakotans through his conservative values and proven record of results and leadership.

“The decision to run again is something I’ve been excited to announce for a while now,” Youngberg said in a statement, “I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me in this decision, and I look forward to working with our communities to take action for District 25.”

Youngberg enters the race with an extensive amount of experience in the legislative branch. He was first elected to the South Dakota Senate in 2016, where he served as the Republican Whip and championed legislation to prevent higher taxes, improve education, and protect children and victims of human trafficking.

He resides in Colman with his wife, Ann, and their two children, Russell and Blake. If elected to the Senate, Youngberg’s goals remain the same: focus on actions over words and use his proven record of conservative values to work hard for the people of District 25. Youngberg is committed to keeping taxes low, supporting agriculture, cutting red tape, and improving public safety.

To learn more about Youngberg’s campaign, please visit www.youngbergforSDsenate.com. For press inquiries, please email jordan.youngberg@yahoo.com.

Attorney General’s Office Releases Final Explanation For Initiated Measure Repealing South Dakota’s Medical Marijuana Program

PIERRE, S.D. – The final ballot explanation for a proposed initiated measure that would repeal South Dakota’s Medical Marijuana Program, as proposed by Travis Ismay of Newell, has been released by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Marty Jackley does not take a position on any such proposal. As required by law, the Attorney General has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to assist the voters.

This proposed initiated measure would repeal the state’s medical marijuana program that was approved by voters in the 2020 general election. The repeal would make all possession, use, cultivation, sale, manufacture, sale of marijuana, and marijuana products a crime. The ballot explanation can be found here.

If the required 17,509 valid signatures are gathered and approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the 2024 general ballot. A majority of the votes cast in the general election will be needed to pass the measure.

The Attorney General’s explanation was drafted after a review of all the comments received during the proposed amendment’s 10-day comment period. A total of 48 comments were received.

State law requires the Attorney General to draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot.

For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State’s website.

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Interim update from State Rep. Chris Kassin, District 17 House

A few miles north of Burbank, on Highway 50, two identical historical markers read, “On November 25, 1935, 17 farmers from Clay and Union counties held an historic meeting at the Manning/O’Connor store in Burbank. Their purpose was to form a consumer-owned corporation which would allow the rural residents of this portion of southeastern South Dakota to provide themselves with central station electric service. At that meeting, Clay-Union Electric, the first rural electric cooperative in South Dakota, was formed.”

As I’ve shared, the legislature’s work is more comprehensive than the time in Pierre in January and February. Our interim time focuses on having more in-depth discussions, reviewing progress on projects, and getting the opportunity to see and hear firsthand about industries and initiatives serving South Dakota’s people. During the past month, I’ve had the chance to learn more about one of our state’s most essential tools in our economic development — our rural electric cooperatives.

When those 17 farmers got together in 1935, 90% of our rural homes and farms didn’t have electricity. In May 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an Executive Order establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), a lending program from the federal government designed to “spark” development for rural communities, and it was the farmer-based cooperatives that made rural electrification a reality.

For most of us, the idea of not having electricity is only something we deal with for only a few hours if the lines go down. The idea of trying to earn a living, educate our children, and have access to health care or other services without electricity is beyond our experience — thankfully — due to our electric co-ops.

Reliable power is the cornerstone of rural development, contributing to economic growth, improved living conditions, and the integration of rural communities into the broader national economy.

This month, I joined other friends and neighbors to celebrate the grand opening of the new headquarters for the Union County Electric Cooperative in Elk Point. In operation for more than 86 years, it can be easy to take for granted all the electric co-ops have done for our communities. They’ve been the crucial key to rural economic development. The member-owned cooperatives invest in our communities by supporting local small businesses, first responders and emergency services, and education.

Our co-ops and the REA efforts on behalf of the community continued after initial electrification. They’ve continued to provide support to ensure reliable power for rural communities. The REA and local co-ops stay current in a volatile and ever-changing market. They are committed to ensuring their communities benefit from ongoing advancements in the energy sector. They play an essential role in rural communities, providing reliable energy, fostering local development, and empowering members to have a voice in their energy provider.

The history of service provided by the co-ops is a testament to the power of private partnerships and cooperative efforts to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural regions by providing them with access to electricity.

As our focus now turns to the 2024 legislative session, any ideas, thoughts, or concerns can be the foundation for future legislation. Please know that I’m listening. My email address is chris.kassin@sdlegislature.gov, or you can always call/text me at (605) 670-9698.

Thank you again for the opportunity to represent you.

Sources: The Historical Marker Database; National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Democrat Aaron Matson who served as South Dakota Democrat Party Communications Director, and most recently lost a race for State Treasurer (62.3% to 37.7%) to State Treasurer Josh Haeder is apparently setting his sights a little lower in the 2024 election cycle, and has announced that he will be running in the District 11 House race:

Some personal news: After a lot of thought, conversation, and prayer, I have decided to run for the South Dakota State House. You can check out my campaign website at https://t.co/1jY6dB9OM2, follow me at @aaronfor11, and donate to the campaign here: https://t.co/14oCgISJKs

— Dr. Aaron Matson (@aaronfromsd) August 12, 2023

The House seats are currently held by Republican Representatives Brian Mulder and Chris Karr.

Karr is term limited from running for that office again, so the contest starts with one open seat. So, we’ll see how things shake out in the coming months.

Summer is in full swing in South Dakota. Fair season is ramping up. The weather is great for a hike in the Black Hills or a day at the lake. And visitors from all over are flocking to South Dakota’s unique sites and natural wonders. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that South Dakota is a popular tourist destination each year.

The tourism season is an important contributor to South Dakota’s economy. Tourism supports countless jobs and small businesses around the state. Last year, 14.4 million people visited our communities and spent $4.7 billion while they traveled from town to town. Growing up in Murdo, at the intersection of Highway 83 and I-90, I saw firsthand the impact of tourism on our small town. Everyone in my family worked a job related to the travel industry. From my job at the Star Family Restaurant, I saw families from across the country coming through Murdo on their way out west to visit the Black Hills and make a pilgrimage to Mount Rushmore.

Tourism is not the only thing that’s contributing to our state’s strong economy. Today, South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. While this is great news, it can also pose challenges to job creators who need workers to staff and grow their business. I recently met with business leaders in Yankton who expressed a frustration I hear often from businesspeople around South Dakota in nearly every sector: They need more workers.

With South Dakota’s unemployment rate under 2 percent, it can be hard to find workers to fill openings. And when there aren’t enough workers on the payroll, it can hold back businesses’ operations and growth. To help fill this gap, many South Dakota businesses rely on the H-2B visa program, which allows businesses to hire nonimmigrant foreign workers for temporary, nonagricultural jobs. Employers in the tourism, hospitality, construction, and forestry industries have benefited from an additional pool of workers when they have struggled to find domestic labor to hire. I’ve made it a priority to ensure South Dakota’s businesses aren’t held back by labor shortages.

I recently introduced legislation to empower states to alleviate workforce shortages through the H-2B visa program. The State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor (SEASONAL) Act would allow governors to request a specific number of additional visa slots when their states have experienced persistently low unemployment. Visa recipients would still be subject to existing program requirements that protect the domestic workforce, ensuring that states can fill open jobs without negatively impacting hardworking Americans or their wages. Governors could request supplemental visas for specific occupations or economic regions, while state legislatures would be able to impose limitations on the program. And while the federal government continues to balk at reforming our broken immigration system, my bill would ensure that Washington’s inaction doesn’t prevent state leaders from strengthening their states’ economies and supporting local businesses.

Summertime is a great time to experience the best of South Dakota, and more workers could amplify the economic success of our businesses. Whether you’re at a local fair or going down Main Street, I encourage you to support our local businesses and the products that are made right here in South Dakota. And I hope to see you there.

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As of 2021, more than 65,000 veterans live in South Dakota, more than 20,000 of those are Vietnam veterans who served from 1961 to 1975. Many of these veterans did not receive a proper welcome home after the war and came back to a debate of the rightness or wrongness of the war. Regardless, these Vietnam veterans should be able to have their stories heard and sacrifices honored. To give them the honor they deserve, I partner with Vietnam War Commemoration to thank Vietnam veterans for their service.

Throughout this summer, I’ve had the privilege to honor Vietnam-era veterans from all over the state of South Dakota. I shake their hands, hear their stories, and welcome them home. Each veteran is presented with a commemorative lapel pin, a lasting symbol of our nation’s thanks. These veterans are honored in front of friends and family, making the event special for all involved. For many, this is the first welcome home and public recognition for their service they’ve ever received.

Each veteran I have met shares a different impactful story. They come from all walks of life, having served in all branches of the Armed Forces. Whether these veterans volunteered for the draft, earned high ranks and awards, served alongside family members, or served multiple tours—they all have one thing in common: protecting our freedom.

Over the past few years, I’ve recognized and honored more than 780 Vietnam veterans, and I want to continue to do so. I’ll be hosting ceremonies around the state this month, so if you or someone you know served in the Vietnam war, you can nominate them to be recognized by visiting my website or calling my office at 605-275-2868.

I didn’t think I’d find so much Jesus at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  He’s everywhere all the time, but I didn’t expect to feel his presence at a pancake breakfast at the Buffalo Chip. He was clearly there when the Sons of Light Ministry graciously hosted hundreds of guests, including myself and Lawrence Jones from Fox and Friends. The Sons of Light witnessed by serving a free breakfast to all who came, sharing songs of praise, and just joining in fellowship.

South Dakotans are a tight-knit bunch. We look out for one another. We lend a hand when a neighbor is in need. We go the extra mile. And we witness Christ’s love to those around us.

After attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, I want to recognize folks like the Sons of Light – the unsung heroes of Sturgis.

There’s one thing that is pretty critical to a successful Rally – working motorcycles. Throughout the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, mechanics were working all hours of the day and night to make sure that bikes were ready to ride. I paid a visit to Black Hills Harley Davidson and saw just how hard those mechanics work. I am grateful to them for making sure my bike was in great condition, and I know they saved the day for a lot of people throughout the Rally.

Anyone who has been to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally knows that it can get rowdy. That’s part of the fun – until it goes too far. Our law enforcement officers make sure that everyone can stay safe while participating in all the activities that the Rally has to offer.

In a time when there are entire states turning their backs on hard-working law enforcement officers, I am proud that South Dakota stands with ours. Those men and women in uniform are essential every single year to a safe and successful Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Our first responders also deal with a lot during the Rally. Thousands of bikers from all over the United States – and even from other countries – all flock to the Black Hills of South Dakota. That leads to some bizarre incidents. I’m sure that our first responders received some calls that they may not have experienced before. Nonetheless, they always showed up. They did what they do every single time – they went above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need.

I could go on and on about these unsung heroes. They are truly the backbone of South Dakota. They create the kind of atmosphere that makes people want to come back year after year. They make Sturgis an event for the whole family. I met a lot of people who brought their family members with them – dads and sons, spouses, grandfathers and grandkids, and even moms and daughters – all spending time together making memories.

In South Dakota, we celebrate these folks. We are grateful for them every day. And we show them the respect that they deserve.

Thank you to all of the unsung heroes of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for your hard work. It’s because of you that we can continue the legacy of this Rally and celebrate faith, family, and Freedom. I’m already looking forward to next year – when the fastest and the Freest event in America revs up again!

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