Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Building a Winning Workforce
By: Governor Kristi Noem
April 28, 2023

My first job consisted of a list of farm chores – feed the horses, check the cows, clean the barns. But it was never my intention to keep that job forever. It wasn’t my dad’s wish for me either. At one time, my dad suggested that my sister and I should become famous auctioneers. He used to say that the “Arnold Sisters” could travel the Midwest entertaining crowds while helping families get the most for their treasures.

I often laugh when I think about what could have been. As it turns out, being an auctioneer requires a license. And getting that license took too many steps for my teenage self. Now, as Governor, I realize that many South Dakotans have similar hoops to jump through to reach their dreams.

I recently announced an investment of $7.9 million for businesses across South Dakota to develop new and expand existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training for folks wanting to earn a new license or pick up a new skill. They allow people to get the training they need while earning a wage to take care of themselves and their families.

When I’ve asked business owners across the state why they do not have apprenticeship programs, their answer is almost always a lack of funds. South Dakota has never made an investment like this in apprenticeships. I realize that government dollars often come with strings attached, but we won’t dictate how businesses use these grants. They invest in apprenticeship programs, then we get out of the way and let them do what they need to succeed.

Our unemployment is at 1.9% – that’s not only the lowest in state history, but the lowest in American history. Even so, we’re still struggling to fill our open jobs. Thanks to these apprenticeship programs, individuals won’t have to leave their job or delay joining the workforce to get the training they need to enter the career of their dreams.

I also signed an Executive Order expanding job opportunities to South Dakotans without a postsecondary degree.  It requires executive branch agencies to consider work and life experiences during the hiring process when a college degree is not required to perform the duties of the job

There are many cases where lived experiences are more valuable than academic degrees. Take me, for instance – I took classes for many years, but I did not graduate with my bachelor’s degree until I was already a member of Congress. I think it’s safe to say that not have that degree didn’t hold me back, and it shouldn’t prevent qualified South Dakotans from accomplishing their goals either.

I firmly believe that the state that has the workers will be the state that succeeds.

South Dakota has the lowest unemployment in the nation, but we aren’t settling. We are continuing to make our state even better. We’re making it easier for folks who want to work, who are qualified to work, to actually get to work.

Who knows, maybe in my retirement years I’ll find the time to finally get that auctioneering license. It would certainly be an easier process now than it was when I was a teen.

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In a letter/release to Brookings School District Families from the Brookings School District, the Brookings School Board is interviewing four candidates to replace current Superintendent Klint Willert who was forced to resign after a number of issues arose with his performance.

Breaking from the last time the job was open, the District is not releasing the list of interviewees ahead of time, and is holding names until such time that interviews are compete:

April 26th, 2023

The Brookings School Board is pleased to announce they have selected four candidates to formally interview for the next Superintendent of the Brookings School District.

The Board has been working with Dakota Education Consulting, a South Dakota based firm- specializing in Superintendent searches. Dakota Education Consulting is led by Tom Oster, a long time South Dakota school administrator and superintendent. Applications came from four different states with a strong presence of South Dakota candidates.

Dakota Education Consulting has utilized a search and interview method to assist school districts for over 170 searches.

The Brookings School Board has narrowed the pool to four candidates. All candidates have accepted the opportunity to interview. Per the Dakota Education Consulting search process and to respect the candidate’s confidentiality, names will not be released prior to the interviews.

Interviews will be held Saturday, April 29th. The candidates will meet with four different groups, each composed of 10-15 members. The four groups include a community and parent group, staff and teachers, administration team, and the school board and business manager. As per South Dakota law, the interviews are held in executive session.

The Brookings District is thankful for the strong interest in the superintendent opening and the willingness of the around 40 committee members to participate in the process.

So, it appears we will know more next week.

Gov. Noem Recognizes the 75^th Anniversary of the State of Israel

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem recognized the 75^th anniversary of the state of Israel. The proclamation can be found here.

Genesis 12: 1-3 tells us that Israel has been granted her lands by a promise made by God to Abraham. Throughout the last four thousand years, the Jewish people have held a constant claim and presence in Israel. And in 1948, the people of Israel declared their independence with the goal of reestablishing it as the homeland for the Jewish people.

“The promise of the God of Israel is that God will bless those that bless Israel,” said Governor Noem, “and let it be known that the State of South Dakota openly blesses Israel with gratitude for our cordial and mutually beneficial relations since 1948.”

Over the last 75 years, Israel has rebuilt itself. The nation has developed an advanced economy, a thriving tech industry, and a democratic political system. Their government also recognizes the God-given Freedoms of speech, association, religion, and press.

“The State of Israel and the United States maintain a very close relationship born of shared democratic values and moral beliefs,” Governor Noem continued. “Both the United States and South Dakota regard Israel as a trusted ally. We care for and respect the people of Israel, and we want to celebrate their Independence Day with them.”

The United States was the first country to recognize Israel as an independent nation and serves as Israel’s principal ally.

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Just had a hot tip that SDSU Student Association President Nick Grote has resigned effective immediately.

This comes after reports from the SDSU Collegian that in addition to his other troubles, it’s being reported that he’s being investigated for vandalism which took place this last Sunday.

Stay tuned.

Commissioner Steve Westra Stepping Down

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Steve Westra, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will be stepping down from that position, effective May 22.

“South Dakotans are building the strongest economy in America with the lowest unemployment rate of all time. Steve helped provide the level playing field to make that possible,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “I want to thank him for his leadership on behalf of the people of South Dakota.”

Westra has served as GOED Commissioner since 2019. He previously served as the chief operating officer of Hegg Companies in Sioux Falls. He was a member of the State House of Representatives from 2013-2016 and also served on the State Tourism Advisory Board.

“When I took on this role, I never expected that it would be defined by a global pandemic. Governor Noem trusted the people of South Dakota and our business community to make the right decisions, and we have emerged with record-breaking business investment,” said Steve Westra. “We had more business development in the last four years than in the previous ten combined. I am grateful to the Governor for her trust in me and her leadership of our state, and it has been an honor to serve on her team. There are more opportunities for our future than ever before!”

South Dakota’s 1.9% unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation and tied for the lowest of any state in American history. In the last year, South Dakota has at various points been the national leader in new business applications per-capita, new housing growth, and personal income growth.

Travis Dovre will serve as interim commissioner of GOED.

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What is going on up the street at SDSU with the Student Association President. Holy buckets!

If you recall, the South Dakota State University Association President Nicholas Grote was arrested for underage possession a week or so as well as a fake ID which made a splash in the news.

Grote was arrested at 1:38 a.m. early Sunday morning on charges of possession of a fictitious license and underage purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages, according to an email from Brookings Police Department Detective Adam Smith sent to The Collegian. The arrest took place on the 300 block of 3rd Street at the 24-hour parking lot.

Detective Smith told The Collegian Grote smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes.

and..

Grote said he does not think law enforcement had a good reason to stop him, and said that there is not enough evidence for his charges.

Read that here.

Since then, it came out that he had been cited for underage consumption prior to his recent arrest…

On March 16, 2023, just 21 days before he would be arrested for underage possession and having a fake ID, Grote was cited for underage consumption, with a BAC of .138%, as well as use of tobacco by a person under the age of 21 (In December 2019 a change in federal policy raised the age to buy and use tobacco to 21).

Read that here.

I had been told he was signed up for the diversion program which would have wiped the offense from his record.. but obviously, he didn’t take the lesson with his arrest three weeks later.

But now, in an even bigger bombshell, according to SDSU Student Newspaper the Collegian, the Brookings Police as well as the University Police are investigating SA President Grote after a new vandalism incident this past Sunday, and the Student Senate is preparing to possibly remove him from office:

The Collegian confirmed Tuesday with UPD Chief Timothy Heaton, SDSU’s Vice President of Technology and Security David Overby and the State’s Attorney’s office that Grote is a target in the investigation. The Brookings Police Department also confirmed the incident involved Grote.

and..

Grote hasn’t been charged for the incident, but may be in the coming days, according to the State’s Attorney’s office. The office said they are investigating the incident and may recommend charges. If he is charged and a judge signs off on it and sets bond, the State’s Attorney’s Office will file an arrest warrant through the Clerk of Courts, which will then be sent to the Sheriff’s office.

and..

His first court appearance for the March 26 charge is scheduled for Monday, and later that day the Senate will decide whether to remove Grote regarding his April 16 arrest.

Go read this story now!

Good gosh. I’m not sure why we’re talking removal at this point.  This is a public dumpster fire.

He should be resigning, and exploring what assistance he can reach out for to others to salvage his college career. Because from the string of incidents in rapid succession, it would not seem that he’s going down a good path.

If he can’t see that himself, then I’m sure the Student Senate will help him on his journey next Monday.

State Representative Kevin Jensen, who earlier this year was running for SDGOP Chair, until he wasn’t, announced yesterday on Facebook that he will be running for State Senate in 2024:

If you recall, this last election Jensen had fronted a Political Action Committee that had raised and donated money – much of it coming from State Rep. Karla Lems – to defeat Governor Kristi Noem, as well as Senate Leadership in the 2022 primary.

Given that, and other issues out there, I’d anticipate the District 16 Senate contest will shape up to be one of our first primaries for the State Senate next year.

Only 405 days!

Gov. Noem Announces Additional Funding for Apprenticeship Programs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) announced additional financial assistance for businesses and apprentices to develop new and expand existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The effort will invest $7.9 million over three years to administer apprenticeship grants.

“South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in America, but we still have workforce challenges to address,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Apprenticeships will provide South Dakotans the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job training while continuing to earn an income and provide for their families.”

The governor made the announcement at Howe, Inc. in Sioux Falls, whose paid apprenticeship program is setting an example for others across the state. You can find photos from the announcement here.

New sponsors can receive up to $15,000. Current sponsors expanding current programs can receive up to $10,000. Recipients of these awards will receive technical assistance from DLR as they register or expand programs.

“Registered apprenticeships provide South Dakota businesses with a proactive strategy to engage individuals in their communities and improve skill sets to meet their workforce needs,” said state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. “Now is a great time for businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.”

DLR will host a Registered Apprenticeship Program webinar to provide an overview of these resources and answer commonly asked questions on Wednesday, May 10 from 2-3 p.m. CDT. Employers, registered apprenticeship sponsors, and education or training providers looking to build or expand programs are encouraged to apply for financial assistance before June 2, 2023. Visit StartTodaySD.com for more information.

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Thune, Rounds Introduce Bill to Stop Ban of Traditional Ammo and Tackle

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and 22 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023. This legislation would prohibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition or tackle on public lands unless such action is supported by the best available science and state wildlife and fish agencies.

“Whether you’re from the state or visiting, it doesn’t take long to realize South Dakota has some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation,” said Rounds. “Hunters and anglers are conservationists by nature and want public areas to be productive for future generations. This legislation keeps the heavy-hand of government from interfering with our way of life in South Dakota.”

“Hunting and fishing play an integral role in the lives of many South Dakotans, and they also provide significant economic benefits at the state and local levels,” said Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation to protect the hunting and fishing industries from costly federal regulations that would make these activities less accessible for Americans.”

“Sportsmen are the original conservationists and play an important role in wildlife management—the last thing we should do is limit their access to public lands by implementing a blanket-ban on traditional ammo and tackle, reduce revenue for important state wildlife and conservation programs in the process,” said Daines. “Outdoor recreation is part of our Montana way of life—I’ll keep fighting to protect our hunting and fishing legacy and ensuring these decisions are guided by science, not politics.”

Last year, the FWS entered into settlement negotiations with activist organizations over a lawsuit regarding the use of traditional ammunition and tackle on over three million acres of federal land. Rounds, Thune and Daines led a group of their colleagues in urging FWS Director Martha Williams not to cave in to activists’ calls to restrict the use of lead ammo and tackle on public lands.

Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Deb Fischer (R-Neb), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) joined Rounds, Thune and Daines in introducing this legislation.

Click HERE for full bill text.

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Had a reader in Minnehaha County send this to me last night. Apparently for their dinner event last week, the Minnehaha County Republican Party decided to go with a puritanical motif, and banned people from partaking of potent potables with their evening meal:

If they don’t want people having beer with their dinner… I have to ask… why did they hold their event at a microbrewery?

That would be the Minnehaha County GOP – taking the ‘party’ out of the Republican Party.