Gov. Noem Signs Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed 16 bills into law:

• SB 4 revises provisions related to a written certification for the medical use of cannabis.
• SB 12 revises the annual report on medical cannabis by the Department of Health to the Legislature.
• SB 14 revises provisions related to the confidential list of medical cannabis cardholders maintained by the Department of Health.
• SB 23 revises the definition of bona fide practitioner-patient relationship.
• SB 27 revises the provisions regarding the denial or nonrenewal of a patient registry identification card.
• SB 52 makes an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake spillway and for the general maintenance and repair of other state-owned dams.
• SB 64 makes appropriations from the water and environment fund and its revolving subfunds for various water and environmental purposes.
• SB 67 makes an appropriation to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to improve and repair infrastructure around Lake Alvin and Newell Lake.
• SB 73 provides for the use of artificial light and night-vision equipment while hunting coyotes and other predators.
• SB 93 revises certain provisions related to the use of epinephrine and supraglottic airway devices by ambulance services.
• SB 176 revises provisions regarding self-propelled agriculture units.
• HB 1083 provides a partial property tax exemption for the surviving spouses of certain veterans.
• HB 1130 specifies taxation, authorization, and standards of practice for the sale of travel insurance.
• HB 1153 revises the number of class hours required to obtain a responsible broker’s license.
• HB 1169 modifies the licensing of barbers.
• HB 1195 directs the Indian Education Advisory Council to make an annual report to the Governor and the State-Tribal Relations Committee.

Governor Noem has signed 102 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

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The Argus Leader is writing tonight that some legislators seem in a hurry to leave, even with no budget agreement in sight. But Kristi Noem can wait for them to figure it out. Because she’s in no hurry.

With just two days left in the regular Legislative, there’s uncertainty if a budget deal will get done before lawmakers head home. Noem says she isn’t worried about that though.

“I can sit here until July. I’m not in a hurry,” she said. “They’re the ones panicked about getting out of here because they’re tired of debating and they have vacations planned and they want to go. I don’t have to go anywhere so I will sit here until we do it right.”

Read the entire story here.

Dakota Institute for Legislative Solutions Launches to Support Noem Agenda

Pierre, SD – Today, Rob Burgess announced the launching of the Dakota Institute for Legislative Solutions (DakotaInstitute.net). Mr. Burgess serves as the Executive Director of the new organization.

The Institute was formed to advocate for issues, educate citizens on how their representatives vote on critical issues, frame the debate to advance conservative principles, and generate support for Governor Noem’s agenda.

“South Dakota has record-setting momentum on so many fronts, with the number one economy in the nation and the 2^nd lowest unemployment rate. People are flocking to South Dakota because it’s a beacon for personal liberty and freedom,” Burgess said.

“Unfortunately there are politicians who want to block and even reverse all that progress. Dakota Institute for Legislative Solutions was formed to get the truth out to South Dakotans. Right now we have a budget of $800,000 for this calendar year with an additional $1.5M for the next two years following,” Burgess added.

Among other issues, the Institute will focus on educating citizens on the dangers of Critical Race Theory in our schools, economic prosperity, cutting taxes, encouraging business growth and innovation, supporting farmers and ranchers, and providing an opportunity for all South Dakotans.

 

Thune, Scott Introduce Legislation to Combat Workforce Challenges

Senators’ bill would help ensure that apprenticeship programs are more responsive to private sector workforce needs

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today introduced the Training America’s Workforce Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to revive industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) that wereformalized by the Trump administration. Specifically, it would reinstate the rule that allowed third-party, DOL-approved entities, like qualifying trade associations or institutions of higher education, to recognize and perform oversight over apprenticeship programs developed by the private sector and other organizations. This legislation would make apprenticeship programs more responsive to industry workforce needs, and it would help individuals obtain industry-specific skills through on-the-job learning and classroom instruction, as well as an industry-recognized credential upon completion of the program.

“Workforce shortages, especially in skills-based industries, is an issue I continue to hear about from South Dakota businesses all across the state,” said Thune. “The best solutions to this problem lie within the private sector, but there are steps that Congress can take to help ensure individuals across South Dakota have the skills they need to thrive in our economy. This legislation would reinstate IRAPs as a way to help address these ongoing workforce challenges in South Dakota and throughout the country.”

“At a time when so many Americans have stopped looking for work, thousands of small business owners are struggling to find workers for millions of open jobs,” said Scott. “Rather than rely on heavy-handed, government-run programs, this bill will help create industry-led workforce development programs to get qualified workers into well-paying jobs.”

“The Training America’s Workforce Act will support the industry-recognized, market-driven apprenticeship programs that many ABC chapters and members use to provide their workers with the skills they need for a successful career,” said Kristen Swearingen, Associated Builders and Contractors vice president of legislative and political affairs. “At a critical time when the construction industry faces an estimated workforce shortage of 650,000 workers in 2022, we know that the flexibility and modern approach that these programs offer can provide new opportunities for all of America’s workers. ABC appreciates Senator Thune and Scott’s efforts to better serve construction professionals throughout the country.”

“With chronic labor shortages contributing to rising construction costs, NAHB commends Sens. Thune and Scott for introducing the Training America’s Workforce Act,” said Jerry Konter, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “The legislation will help ease the housing affordability crisis by allowing the home building industry to expand its workforce training reach through industry-recognized apprenticeship programs, or IRAPs. By supplementing existing training options with IRAPs, this bill will provide the education and training needed to promote and advance careers in residential construction.”

“As the first responders for their community’s workforce needs, America’s technical community colleges need every possible tool to help address today’s workforce shortage and skills gap,” said Mike Cartney, president of Lake Area Technical College. “IRAPs uniquely provide a pathway to gaining those high-demand skills on the job, making the employee available for work on day one, and I appreciate Senators Thune and Scott for introducing this legislation.”

During the Trump administration, IRAPs served as a necessary alternative to registered apprenticeships, which are required to be recognized directly by DOL or state apprenticeship agencies and are oftentimes accompanied by rigid and onerous requirements. Shortly after President Biden took office, he effectively ended this new apprenticeship effort by prohibiting the recognition of any new IRAPs. On November 15, 2021, President Biden promulgated a rule that would formally rescind the Trump-era rule. The public comment period concluded on January 14, 2022, and a final rule to rescind IRAPs has yet to be published.

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I haven’t been paying attention today (as I do have a day job) but the Cybersecurity program apparently did pass the House today, despite the best efforts of House Appropriations:

The investment to expand @DakotaState‘s cyberresearch program passed the House and is on its way to my desk! This project will help bring the next big industry to our state.

Now more than ever, South Dakota needs to lead the way in advancing our nation’s cybersecurity. pic.twitter.com/ZAFZbB7CNv

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) March 7, 2022

The Argus has a story this morning about how members of the House Appropriations Committee seem to have this propensity this session to kill projects that Governor Noem is supporting for the sake of sandbagging her agenda of growth and development:

That two committee members, Reps. Taffy Howard, R-Rapid City, and Steve Haugaard, R-Sioux Falls, are seeking statewide offices and have acrimonious history with the governor has the committee accused of playing politics.

“At no point did a member of the public or private industry oppose these bills, which makes it clear they are wanted and needed by South Dakotans,” Sen. Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, said, specific to the workforce housing initiative and the planned cyber-security campus for Dakota State University. “The small group that opposes will need to decide if they represent the people of their district or if they are going to sacrifice these initiatives to help Haugaard’s campaign against our governor.”

Read it all here.

Speaking of Steve Haugaard and Taffy Howard, even more interesting is that there seems to be a number of measures being voted on that they are “excused” for.

Or as one legislator noted to me, “there seems to be a story to be had on Rep. Howard ducking off the house floor to avoid votes.” First, she is there, and then “nowhere to be found on occasion, specifically whenever we are voting on BOR issues.”

Interesting.

Former Sheriff, Retired Adjutant General to run for District 8 State House

With more than 40 years of service to the State of South Dakota, including serving as Miner County Sheriff, the head of the South Dakota National Guard, and as a member of the cabinet of three Governors, Tim Reisch of Howard, South Dakota is announcing that he is running for State Representative in the District 8 House race.

Reisch was elected Sheriff of Miner County at age 24 and was serving in his fifth 4-year term when he was tapped by then-Governor Bill Janklow to serve as Deputy Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Corrections.  When Mike Rounds was elected Governor 2 ½ years later, he made Reisch his cabinet secretary.  When Governor Dennis Daugaard took office in 2011, he initially reappointed Reisch to the Corrections post but in April of that year, Daugaard appointed him as the Adjutant General of the SD National Guard.  Governor Kristi Noem reappointed him Adjutant General when she took office in 2019.  Major General Reisch retired from the post later that year having served over 40 years in uniform.

“After agreeing to serve temporarily as interim Secretary of Corrections to help Governor Noem address some issues identified in the department last summer, my appetite for public service was reignited,” said Reisch.  Proud of his small-town roots, Reisch believes he can offer a fresh perspective to the legislative process.

Reisch holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University; a master’s degree in Administrative Studies from the University of South Dakota; and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the US Army War College. He currently serves part-time as the Miner County Veterans Service Officer, and operates Reisch Sales LLC, a used farm equipment business located in Howard. He also helps his son raise corn and soybeans on the family farm.

Reisch is married to the former Anne Roby of Carthage, SD.  They are active members of St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard and proud parents of five children and four grandchildren.  Reisch is also an active member of Howard’s American Legion Post 145.  “I very much look forward to meeting the citizens of the newly-drawn District 8 which includes all or portions of Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake and Miner Counties.”

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Over the last few weeks, the world has watched in horror as Russia has invaded Ukraine, and the videos and pictures we see on social media and the news are heartbreaking. The people of Ukraine continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and although this is Ukraine’s fight, the implications of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked aggressions against Russia’s neighbor are reverberating around the world. I believe that the United States and other free nations must match the resolve of the Ukrainian people and respond with swift and severe consequences for Putin and his cronies.

The lifeblood of Russia’s economy is their energy sector, and right now, the United States imports around 700,000 barrels of crude oil and other petroleum products per day from them. Under the Biden administration, U.S. imports of Russian energy have surged, and we can tragically see how Russia is spending its export profits in real time.

The conflict in Ukraine is a timely reminder that energy independence is not only a component of economic security, but it is also critically important to national security. In the United States, we cannot waste another second in terms of getting our energy producers off the bench and into the game. American energy independence, which we had during the last administration, and for the first time in my lifetime, means we don’t have to rely on foreign regimes for energy supplies.

Unfortunately, since taking office, President Biden has pursued a radical agenda that is hostile to conventional energy production. He set the tone on his first day in office when he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline – an environmentally responsible pipeline project that was already underway. The project was being paired with $1.7 billion in private investment in renewable energy to fully offset its operating emissions. Also, the president almost immediately froze new oil and gas leases on federal lands – sending a clear signal to oil and gas producers that his administration would be reluctant to work with them to increase American energy production.

President Biden seems to think that he can hurry along the clean energy future he dreams of by discouraging oil and natural gas production here at home, but frankly, clean energy sources are simply not at the point where they can solely power American homes and our economy. As we are seeing now, the only effect of curbing conventional energy production is to either force Americans to pay more for their energy or rely more on foreign sources, like Russia, for oil and natural gas. The more we rely on energy from abroad, the more vulnerable Americans are to energy price spikes and global shortages. Relying on foreign sources of energy also often means doing business with tyrannical governments and volatile areas of the world.

The only acceptable American energy policy is an all-of-the-above energy policy that invests in both clean energy technologies and conventional energy sources. That’s the only way to keep energy prices down and ensure that Americans’ energy needs are met – no matter what is going on in oil-producing countries around the globe. If the president really wants to lower energy prices for our families, as he indicated in his State of the Union address, he could reverse his rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would be a much-welcome recognition that liquid fuels will be part of meeting our domestic energy needs well into the future. He can also unlock our abundant energy reserves here in the United States by allowing responsible development on federal lands.

I am calling on President Biden to get serious about leveraging American agriculture as an energy solution, specifically restoring integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard. This means not only setting robust blending targets and rejecting unnecessary and counterproductive small refinery exemptions, but also approving advanced fuels from corn kernel fiber and restoring the year-round sale of E15. These measures, and others like them, combined with clean-energy investment, would help lower energy prices now and in the future – and help put our nation on a path to long-term, full energy independence. It’s the best decision President Biden could make for American families struggling with high energy prices, and it’s the best decision he could make for the long-term security of our country.

I hope that the president will rethink his hostility to conventional energy production and spend the next year of his administration embracing the kind of all-of-the-above energy strategy our nation needs.

On Tuesday, President Biden visited the U.S. Capitol to address both chambers of Congress while 37 million Americans tuned in at home to listen to the annual State of the Union.

At the Rapid City crackerbarrel yesterday, House Assistant Majority Leader Chris Johnson (District 32) announced he will not be seeking re-election, creating an open seat in Rapid City.

A big chunk of the House GOP Leadership team will be vacated this next year with the Majority Leader Position (Kent Peterson) termed out, Assistant Majority Leader Johnson gone, and Majority Whip Tim Goodwin running for the Senate.

Who does that leave for next year? Speaker Spencer Gosch, who has been engaged in multiple controversies this last year, as well as open warfare with the Governor, Speaker Pro Tempore Jon Hansen who has also found himself at loggerheads with the second floor, and Majority whips Kirk Chaffee, Kevin Jensen, Rebecca Reimer and Marli Wiese.

Now that leaves a huge void for next year, and it’s entirely possible that the house may be a very different place with some very good candidates who are running this next year. Or it could be more of a dysfunctional mess than it is now. We’ll see.

I do note that current Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack will be running for the House, so we’ll see if he enters into competition for legislative leadership this next November.

We will see.