Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Thune, Wicker, Moran, Blackburn Announce Plans to Introduce Data Privacy Bill

“While the severity of the COVID-19 health crisis cannot be overstated, individual privacy, even during times of crisis, remains critically important.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet; today joined U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security; and Marsha Blackburn(R-Tenn.) in announcing plans to introduce the COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act. The legislation would provide all Americans with more transparency, choice, and control over the collection and use of their personal health, geolocation, and proximity data. The bill would also hold businesses accountable to consumers if they use personal data to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the severity of the COVID-19 health crisis cannot be overstated, individual privacy, even during times of crisis, remains critically important,” said Thune. “This bill strikes the right balance between innovation – allowing technology companies to continue their work toward developing platforms that could trace the virus and help flatten the curve and stop the spread – and maintaining privacy protections for U.S. citizens.”

As the coronavirus continues to take a heavy toll on our economy and American life, government officials and health-care professionals have rightly turned to data to help fight this global pandemic,” said Wicker. “This data has great potential to help us contain the virus and limit future outbreaks, but we need to ensure that individuals’ personal information is safe from misuse. I am pleased to join Senators Thune, Moran, and Blackburn in introducing legislation to address this critical issue.”

“I remain motivated to provide American consumers with clear and measurable protections when it comes to the collection, processing and transferring of their personally identifiable information,” said Moran. “While many businesses have taken well-intentioned steps to develop technological solutions to tracking, containing and ending the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress must address potentially harmful practices that could stem from these innovations if not held accountable. As Congress seeks to enact a uniform comprehensive data privacy and security framework, thoughtful and targeted legislative efforts, like this bill, will address specific consumer privacy violations resulting from COVID-19.”

“In the age of social distancing, we are leaning on technology more than ever to stay connected and obtain information,” said Blackburn. “It is paramount that as tech companies utilize data to track the spread of COVID-19, Americans’ privacy and security are not put at risk. Health and location data can reveal sensitive and personal information, and these companies must be transparent with their users.”

The COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act would:

• Require companies under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission to obtain affirmative express consent from individuals to collect, process, or transfer their personal health, geolocation, or proximity information for the purposes of tracking the spread of COVID-19.
• Direct companies to disclose to consumers at the point of collection how their data will be handled, to whom it will be transferred, and how long it will be retained.
• Establish clear definitions about what constitutes aggregate and de-identified data to ensure companies adopt certain technical and legal safeguards to protect consumer data from being re-identified.
• Require companies to allow individuals to opt out of the collection, processing, or transfer of their personal health, geolocation, or proximity information.
• Direct companies to provide transparency reports to the public describing their data collection activities related to COVID-19.
• Establish data minimization and data security requirements for any personally identifiable information collected by a covered entity.
• Require companies to delete or de-identify all personally identifiable information when it is no longer being used for the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• Authorize state attorneys general to enforce the Act.

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A group of physicians in the Watertown area sent a letter to Governor Kristi Noem this week thanking her for her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, specifically noting that they appreciate the opportunity for people “to be personally responsible for their own wellbeing”  without “the restrictions we see in other states.”

Thanks, Governor Noem!

“Frank Kloucek of Scotland made the request to the county auditor to have the county commissioners pass a resolution requiring individuals to wear face masks in the county. It was the consensus of the commissioners to not adopt the resolution and leave it up to the individual whether they wish to wear a mask.”

(Frank was so disappointed)

Representative Lee Qualm seems to be feeling a bit of heat. Because this week in his District’s papers, he’s placed a couple of ads, one of which claims he has all sorts of healthcare credentials.

As noted on Qualm’s facebook page:

Qualm claims he’s “…a proven leader who works hard to enhance healthcare in SD?”  Really?

Well…ok.. except for that time he voted against adding vaccinating children against meningitis to the state vaccination schedule.

And nevermind his claim of a false link between autism and vaccinations, that was part of his testimony on his bill House Bill 1235.. that anti-healthcare bill where he was the prime sponsor of a measure to not just end mandatory vaccination for school attendance, but made it a class one misdemeanor – that’s up to one year in jail – if an employer requires vaccinations for employees of nursing homes & state medical students.

Anyway, there’s one item that really got my attention in his ad. The first bullet where Qualm claims we should look at him as a health leader because he was the “Prime Sponsor of a Commemoration Honoring Dr. Jerome Bentz of Platte as the 2015 Family Doctor of the Year.”

Why? Because Dr. Jerome Bentz has his own opinion about this years’ District 21 State Senate Primary.  And as reflected to a couple of the newspapers in District 21, it doesn’t really reflect glowingly on Qualm’s health care leadership:

To the Editor:

Erin Tobin and Lee Qualm are running for the District 21 Senate seat.  Erin, a west river rancher’s wife, and her husband have 2 children in elementary school and is a certified nurse practitioner.  Lee, a farmer and rancher from west of Platte, has been in the SD House of Representatives for 8 years.  He has term-limited out and is hoping that voters will send him across the hall to the Senate Chamber.

In his campaign announcement Lee touted his accomplishments, but failed to remind voters of the misguided medical bills he has sponsored.  Most noteworthy was HB1235 which would have abolished mandatory childhood vaccination requirements.  Proponents labeled this bill a “medical freedom act”.  Had this bill passed less children would’ve received childhood vaccinations and eventually SD would have had an increase or outbreak of vaccine preventable infectious diseases like measles.

Lest you brush this off as alarmist, you should note the 2019 measles outbreak in Oregon which has a strong anti-vaccination lobby.  Between September 2018 and July 2019 New York also experienced a measles outbreak brought on by vaccine hesitancy, exercise of parental freedom to refuse immunization, and non-medical vaccine opponents.  649 patients contracted measles (most were not vaccinated) and nearly 6% had complications.  The cost of managing this epidemic totaled more than 8 million dollars.

To my knowledge HB1235 was brought forward without ever consulting any SD medical practitioners.  The entire SD medical community including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, hospitals, and the SD Department of Health testified against it.  Fortunately it was overwhelmingly killed in the Health and Human Services Committee by a resounding 10 to 2 vote.  It’s baffling that a lifelong farmer/rancher with no medical background would sponsor such an ill-advised medical bill.  But then again, maybe it’s not surprising since no SD medical professionals or organizations were consulted.

Erin is a solid conservative prolife candidate who understands and will promote South Dakota agriculture.  She will use her medical experience and expertise and work alongside (rather than against) our medial community to promote the health and wellbeing of our children and adults.  It’s time for a change—vote ERIN TOBIN.

Sincerely,
Jerome W. Bentz, MD                                                                                                          Family Physician in Platte, SD

Ouch.

“In his campaign announcement Lee touted his accomplishments, but failed to remind voters of the misguided medical bills he has sponsored….

To my knowledge HB1235 was brought forward without ever consulting any SD medical practitioners.  The entire SD medical community including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, hospitals, and the SD Department of Health testified against it….

It’s baffling that a lifelong farmer/rancher with no medical background would sponsor such an ill-advised medical bill.  But then again, maybe it’s not surprising since no SD medical professionals or organizations were consulted.”

It doesn’t sound as if the 2015 South Dakota Family Physician of the Year that Lee cites in his advertising believes Qualm is “a proven leader works hard to enhance healthcare in SD.”

If anything, I think he’s telling people the exact opposite.

Rounds, Cramer Urge Treasury Department to Allot Fair and Equitable Amount of Funding to Tribes in the Great Plains Region

The Great Plains Region is one of 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs Regions in the United States, encompassing nearly 25 percent of all Indian land owned by federally recognized tribes

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, urging the Department of the Treasury to distribute the $8 billion allocated for tribes in the CARES Act in a fair and equal manner to the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs Regions. The Great Plains Region, which includes South Dakota and North Dakota, makes up 10 percent of the enrolled tribal member population nationwide and encompasses nearly 25 percent of all Indian land owned by federally recognized tribes.

“As you know, there are 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs Regions. The Great Plains Region encompasses nearly 25 percent of all Indian land owned by federally recognized tribes. Further, 10 percent of the enrolled tribal member population nationwide resides within the Great Plains Region. We ask that when you are allocating funding amongst the tribes, you allot a fair and equitable amount to the Great Plains Region based on these statistics and their demonstrated need and difficult public health challenges,” wrote the senators. 

“As your Department of Treasury staff has acknowledged, when allocating this funding, there should be no overlap in counting, both on population and land base. Of particular concern is the Treasury allowing the Alaska Native Corporations to receive funding, as well as the native village corporations and tribes simultaneously,” they continued. 

Full text of the letter below: 

Dear Secretary Mnuchin:

Thank you for all of your work to keep the national economy afloat during these unprecedented times. Through passage of the four legislative vehicles, Congress intended to help all Americans and state, local and tribal governments. We appreciate the hard work you and your team has done to make sure funding is being distributed in a timely fashion.

Within H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Congress created an $8 billion tribal set-aside. As you know, there are 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs Regions. The Great Plains Region encompasses nearly 25 percent of all Indian land owned by federally recognized tribes. Further, 10 percent of the enrolled tribal member population nationwide resides within the Great Plains Region. We ask that when you are allocating funding amongst the tribes, you allot a fair and equitable amount to the Great Plains Region based on these statistics and their demonstrated need and difficult public health challenges.

As your Department of Treasury (Treasury) staff has acknowledged, when allocating this funding, there should be no overlap in counting, both on population and land base. Of particular concern is the Treasury allowing the Alaska Native Corporations to receive funding, as well as the native village corporations and tribes simultaneously. As you may know, Alaska Native Corporations were established in 1971 when Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act which settled land and financial claims made by the Alaska Natives and provided for the establishment of regional corporations to administer those claims. The tribal members of the 229 federally recognized tribes (or villages), based on their location, belong to one of the 13 regional corporations. By allowing these corporations, as well as the federally recognized tribes, to receive funding through the $8 billion tribal set-aside would give Alaska tribes a disproportionate advantage to receive additional funding.

We understand your team has had several conversations with tribes from across the country, as well as from the Great Plains Region, which we appreciate. We believe consultation with tribal leaders is critical when administering these programs. Again, we ask that you work to administer this funding in a fair and equitable manner that does not allow for overlap in counting.

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The deadline for independent candidates to file to run for the State Legislature passed yesterday at 5pm. And absent any showing up in the mail, here is the list.

As reported he was bragging about doing so earlier, State Elections Board member Rick Knobe did file to run in District 25, despite the fact that 2 weeks ago, he was registered as living in District 9.  This would make Knobe the second person to file petitions to run against current Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer, along with Seth William Van’T Hof.

While Van’T Hof represents a challenge to Langer from the right, Knobe most certainly represents a challenge to the Senator from the left. In discussing it with a current and former State Senator, the broadly accepted consensus is that, if elected, there would be no way Knobe would be allowed to join the Republican Caucus, leaving him to be counted among the Democrats, or off in a corner by his lonesome.

And as far as Knobe’s residency is concerned.. here’s another interesting item:

Knobe has declared residency at 25293 473rd Ave in Baltic.  Which happens to be the exact same address as 2018 State Senate Candidate Peter Klebanoff, who also filed at the last minute against Senator Langer to run as an Independent in 2018.

So, what is this place that Knobe claims as his new permanent residence where people seem to land for purposes of running for the Legislature? It’s the non-profit “Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge.”According to an Argus Leader article in 2013:

Described as “a short-term residential use facility,” this is where Knobe declared his residency for purposes of running for the Legislature.  A short-term residential use artist’s camp.

This might be an interesting election.

Johnson Statement on Supply Chain Executive Order 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s Executive Order on U.S. supply chains:

“South Dakota farmers and ranchers are getting battered out there,” said Johnson. “It’s imperative our supply chains remain open for both the American people and our producers. I’m encouraged the president and USDA are working to ensure our supply chains remain open both safely and swiftly. Our supply chains should continue to carry many of these safety practices into the future so we can ensure our economy isn’t faced with uncertainty down the road.”

Earlier today, Johnson spoke with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue regarding supply chain closures. Johnson has spoken with the administration and USDA regarding solutions for farmers and ranchers facing economic hardship daily since the closure of the Smithfield plant in Sioux Falls.

On April 16, Johnson, along with Senator Thune, led a Midwest delegation in urging USDA to assist pork producers and maintain the pork supply food chain.On March 16, Johnson, along with Senator Tillis (R-NC), urged USDA to take all necessary steps to ensure there are no disruptions to our nation’s food supply. Additionally, on March 19, Johnson requested U.S. House leadership include $50 billion in aid for farmers and ranchers. Several of the South Dakota delegation’s requests were included in the final text of the CARES Act.

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Governor Noem Announces ‘Back to Normal’ Plan

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced her plan to help South Dakotans get “Back to Normal” following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the path so many South Dakotans were on. Some of us lost friends and loved-ones,” Noem said. “This disease also stole our most precious commodity—time. In addition to the health costs, the social costs of this virus are historic in the worst way. I have let science, facts, and data drive our decision-making, and we will continue to do so.

“South Dakotans have taken personal responsibility for their health and safety seriously. They have done a tremendous job practicing good public hygiene and social distancing. Together, we’ve cut our projected peak infection rate by more than 75 percent. South Dakotans have lived up to our state’s motto: ‘Under God, the people rule.’

“The plan I am unveiling today continues to put the power of decision-making into the hands of the people – where it belongs. Today’s plan relies on South Dakotan’s continuing to exercise common sense, reasonableness, innovation, and a commitment to themselves, their families, and – in turn – their communities.”

The “Back to Normal” plan outlines guidance for individuals, employers, schools, health care providers and local governments. Specific information is available here.

Today, Governor Noem signed Executive Order 2020-20 to put the plan into effect.

The plan is based on increased testing capacity and continued improvement in South Dakota’s projected peak hospitalization. To learn more about the “Back to Normal” plan and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit COVID.sd.gov.

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COVID_SDPlan_BackToNormal by Pat Powers on Scribd

Governor Kristi Noem was honored yesterday with a parade from Pierre residents in appreciation for her actions in NOT closing down the state, due to COVID-19:

Gov. Kristi Noem was surprised early yesterday evening by several hundred vehicles– and one horse– driving past the governor’s residence in a show of support for how she’s handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noem was thankful for the gesture by so many Pierre and Fort Pierre area residents.

Read it all here.

This is one method of campaigning I didn’t think I’d see this season.

In a snapshot from 4 days ago (April 23rd) a reader sent me, as they witnessed, Phil Jensen appears to be doing some campaigning for the House seat he’s seeking by going door to door… …which appears to be the opposite of social distancing.

Wow.