While I’m not finding it online, Joe Sneve of the Argus seems to have gotten ahold of a copy of the latest redistricting map..
Here’s the new compromise map that will be considered tonight. House republicans will caucus in about an hour before any formal action can be taken. pic.twitter.com/yVbCUTJGHx
— Joe Sneve (@Argus_Joe) November 9, 2021
Reporters present in Pierre are noting that a deal may be struck which would means they would complete redistricting today, and not send it to the State Supreme Court.
I’m being told that a contingent of senators and representatives from northeast SD are working on a compromise redistricting map behind the scenes and are nearing agreement. Those negotiations are why House State Affairs hasn’t yet reconvened yet.
— Joe Sneve (@Argus_Joe) November 9, 2021
State lawmakers from northeastern SD are close to a deal that would push redistricting across the finish line. Would split Brown County into three districts.
— Austin Goss (@AustinGossSD) November 9, 2021
Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Maybe Republicans can get along with each other.
South Dakotans Decide Healthcare Filed to Put Medicaid Expansion to South Dakota Voters
South Dakotans Decide Healthcare, a broad coalition of patient advocates, nurses, healthcare providers, farmers, faith leaders, educators and more, filed paperwork with the Secretary of State yesterday morning to place Medicaid Expansion on the November 2022 ballot and let the voters of South Dakota decide the issue.
Following the filing there was a conference call with supporters which can be viewed here. Medicaid Expansion supporters discussed how expansion will benefit South Dakota and benefit South Dakotans.
From the New York Times comes a column/video today asking where all the Democrat utopias are:
It’s easy to blame the other side. And for many Democrats, it’s obvious that Republicans are thwarting progress toward a more equal society.
and..
In key respects, many blue states are actually doing worse than red states. It is in the blue states where affordable housing is often hardest to find, there are some of the most acute disparities in education funding and economic inequality is increasing most quickly.
I listened to the House State Affairs meeting this morning where they finally met to hear Senate Bill 1001 for the Senate version of redistricting, and while the Senators testifying seemed earnest enough, there definitely seemed to be tension in the room.
While I couldn’t judge, since there was no video, and I’m listening on a computer 200 miles away… it’s hard to say where we’re going on this.
They asked mainly about Aberdeen and brought up other areas. And the Senators, Mary Duvall and Casey Crabtree responded, and noted a willingness to discuss modifications in Conference Committee, especially in the Aberdeen area.
There was other testimony, mainly from people looking to protect their own districts. Which I just don’t understand, as the map has taken a number of various forms over past decades.
In the end, let’s just say that I’m not sure how much “give” there is on the part of House Leadership to compromise with the Senate.
Maybe there will be a breakthrough, but I’m not sure we’re there yet.
National Republicans are showing up to advance agricultural export policies…here in South Dakota.
by Luke Lindberg, South Dakota District Export Council
Tomorrow, the South Dakota District Export Council will host a Midwest Agricultural Export Summit for the first time. This regional event brings together agricultural leaders from six states, SD, ND, IA, MN, NE and KS, to coordinate on export policies that will help our farmers and ranchers feed the world. And the speaker list is top-notch.
As we put out requests for individuals to join this summit, the response was overwhelming, particularly from well-known, Republican leaders in agricultural policy. Currently, we have seven confirmed speakers who were appointed to government posts by President Donald J. Trump (myself included) and four confirmed Members of Congress. I’m also pleased that Governor Noem will welcome the attendees to South Dakota.
The speaking list includes:
Former Appointees
Members of Congress
And our very own Governor, Kristi Noem!
Unfortunately, we were not able to secure any Democratic speakers, despite our best efforts.
The South Dakota District Export Council is hosting this event to ensure our farmers and ranchers are paid a fair price for their meats and grains. Today’s geopolitical environment is far too uncertain for us not to plan for the future, expand access to new markets, and develop the infrastructure needed to export our products.
Please join me in welcoming these great Republicans to South Dakota!
PHOTOS: Governor Farrar Brought into State Capitol; Lying in State
PIERRE, S.D. – Last night, Former Governor Frank L. Farrar was brought into the State Capitol by South Dakota National Guardsmen and South Dakota State Troopers. There was a small ceremony with members of Governor Farrar’s family. Governor Farrar is now lying in state, and his casket was guarded by an honor guard of South Dakota National Guardsmen and South Dakota State Troopers through the night. Photos of the proceedings can be found here, courtesy of the Office of Governor Kristi Noem.
Former Governor Frank L. Farrar will be honored at the South Dakota State Capitol on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Public viewing will be allowed from 7 am to 11 am CT. A memorial ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda is scheduled for 1 pm to 2 pm.
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I’m thinking the legislative map is going to be redrawn by the Supreme Court at this point, if the news story in the Argus provides any clues:
The Senate’s preferred map, known as Blackbird 2.0, aims to make districts more compact while more clearly defining urban and rural areas of the state, supporters say. But House members leading the opposition to the Senate’s map say it intentionally pits conservatives who currently hold office against one another in the 2022 election and beyond.
And..
Schoenbeck said he’s still hopeful a compromise can be reached, but the decision was made to adjourn for the day after waiting hours for the House to schedule a time and place to convene a conference committee composed of three representatives and three senators.
House Republicans were caucusing in secret as of 9 p.m
If the House won’t schedule a conference committee to iron out map differences, it really leaves the whole process dead in the water.
We’ll see whether today brings compromise or dysfunction. But either way, it’s all moving forward.
The DNC recently ramped up their monthly giving to the SD Dems by 25%. While it’s appreciated, it’s also laughable in light of the .5 FTE we can hire with that money as opposed to the 5 FT staff we need on the ground yesterday.
— Susan Kroger (@susanckroger) November 8, 2021
South Dakota Democrat activist and co-founder of LEAD South Dakota, Susan Kroger is on Twitter tonight lamenting last week’s election, and trying to tell people that South Dakota Democrats don’t need people coming to South Dakota to tell them how to win elections, because South Dakota Democrats “know to steer clear of issues like guns and abortion.” (As if referring to Republicans as an “infection” wasn’t offensive enough.)
What she does say they need is MONEY – and what money national Democrats put into the South Dakota Democrat party is “laughable.”
The best part might be that she provides a link to donate.
But instead of giving to the State Democrat Party, she suggests you give it to her allegedly ‘non-partisan’ organization.
(And of course, we have one of the leaders of the South Dakota ACLU cheering her on.)