Author: @SoDakCampaigns

If you notice the splash of color, we’re turning blue for World Autism Day – April 2, 2015.

And this is specially poignant as this year South Dakota  became the 40th State to pass some form of Autism Insurance reform, as you’ll see from the ceremonial bill signing photo that took place on the last day of session (when everyone else was busy resigning…)

I’m reminded of the letter I sent to State Representatives last year as we were working hard to get a measure moved forward.  Looking back, it remains an important reminder of how far we’ve come in South Dakota:

I’m writing you this morning not on a partisan matter, but on a personal one. I’m writing you today to encourage your strong support for the passage of House Bill 1257, an act to clarify certain autism spectrum disorders insurance coverage.

…

In committee, my wife Michelle spoke about our daughter, Delaney, and some of the challenges we’ve faced in our journey raising our daughter, and our plight in finding an effective treatment that allowed her to finally move forward, only to have our insurance carrier yank the rug out from under us and to inform us that they were ceasing coverage solely because South Dakota is one of only a handful of remaining states which do not require it.

I realize I cannot tell you my family’s whole story on a short email, but please know in the past seven months, these therapies have made all the difference for my daughter who suffers from violent outbursts and dangerous behaviors that will impact her entire life if she is not able to continue with her therapies until she has acquired the skills to cope with her world.

….

There aren’t any heroes or villains in this matter, just problems that require leadership to help families find hope and at least a temporary respite. Autism Spectrum Disorders are ailments that affect entire families, because every member of the family plays their part in caring for their child, sibling, niece, nephew, brother, sister or grandchild.

In the meantime, on behalf of my family, I thank you for your time today, and would welcome and greatly appreciate your support of House Bill 1257 this next week and beyond. Thank you for caring about the children in this state with autism and the families who love them.

Regards,

Pat Powers

What has happened since I sent this in 2014? Insurers came to the table in 2015 with a measure in hand, and eventually, it was amended to a point where both sides could call it progress.

People working together towards a common goal. Who would have thought?

The important point is that, it’s not a partisan thing. Autism does not choose among Republicans or Democrats.  And as noted, Autism Spectrum Disorders are ailments that affect entire families, because every member of the family plays their part in caring for their child, sibling, niece, nephew, brother, sister or grandchild.

When you see that out of control child having an intense meltdown in WalMart, or wrestling with their mom as she tries to get through the check-out. Or the kid who is loud and acting out in a restaurant – think before you speak. There’s a good chance those kids may suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder.

So, please, have a little patience. We’re all trying to do the best that we can for our families.

I found out this week that in addition to going to the Eagles concert (the one with the ridiculously priced tickets) in early June, that it looks like I might get to go to Washington DC.

I had hoped to go a month or two back for CPAC, but a death in the family and other obligations altered those plans. This opportunity kind of popped up out of the blue, so it’s looking like I get to go about June 15th.

Last time I went, I managed to hit Ford’s Theater, The Newseum, the Smithsonian World History and American History Museums, the Washington & Lincoln Memorials, and the Capitol.

What else is worth putting on my bucket list?

Delegation Concerned by Misguided ESA Listing of Northern Long-Eared Bat

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) expressed continued concern over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) misguided approach to addressing the decline of the northern long-eared bat population by listing it as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A fungal disease, white-nose syndrome, not habitat loss, is the primary cause of northern long-eared bat deaths that have resulted in a sharp decline in population throughout many states in the bats’ range.

“I’m disappointed by today’s announcement because the FWS’ approach does not focus on the real problem, which is that northern long-eared bat deaths are due to white-nose syndrome, not habitat loss,” said Thune. “This is why I recently introduced legislation that would prohibit FWS from listing the northern long-eared bat as threatened under the ESA.”

“This is another example of federal overreach by this Administration,” said Rounds. “I applaud Sen. Thune and Rep. Noem for being leaders on this issue and will continue to work with them to rectify this misguided decision.”

“While I am relieved to see South Dakota land outside the buffer zone for now, I remain concerned that the Fish and Wildlife Service continues to elevate an unproven environmental agenda rather keeping the focus on a disease that truly jeopardizes the long-eared bat’s population in certain areas of the county,” said Noem. “It’s a disappointing conclusion that will pull critical and limited resources from the real threats facing the species.”

In 2011, the FWS reached a secret sue-and-settle agreement with two radical environmental groups to require listing determinations on more than 250 species across the United States, including the northern long-eared bat. While this syndrome has been found in 22 states across the country, it has not been found in South Dakota. Today’s listing was accompanied by an announcement of publication of an interim regulation with a 90-day public comment period under Section 4(d) of the ESA for the northern long-eared bat. This interim rule will be published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2015. Under the interim 4(d) rule, because the white-nose syndrome is not present in South Dakota, forest management restrictions are limited; however, if the white-nosed syndrome is detected in South Dakota, far-reaching timber management restrictions will be imposed on the Black Hills timber industry, impacting 1,500 jobs and $119 million in revenue to Black Hills economies.

On October 14, 2014, Thune and Noem sent a letter to the FWS encouraging the agency to withdraw its proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat as endangered, and to refocus its attention on combating white-nose syndrome. On January 14, Thune and 12 of his Senate colleagues called on the FWS to revise the misguided and harmful forest management restrictions accompanying the endangered species listing released in 2014, and instead issue a regulation to allow normal forest management practices and minimize economic impact on states. On March 4, Thune introduced legislation to prevent the FWS from listing the northern long-eared bat under the ESA, and on March 24, Noem introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The FWS has not listed a U.S. species as threatened or endangered with disease as a primary cause of widespread death loss for more than ten years. FWS acknowledges that the white-nose syndrome is the primary cause of devastating northern long-eared bat deaths.

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Back in state how many weeks, and Cory Heidelberger is already trying to tell Aberdeen residents what to do?

Four people filed nominating petitions for open spots on the Aberdeen Public Board of Education and three others turned in petitions for the Aberdeen City Council.

and…

Petitions for the City Council were submitted by incumbents Laure Swanson and David Bunsness who represent the southeast and southwest districts, respectively. Challenging Swanson in the Southeast District is Cory A. Heidelberger.

Read it here.

Update – Always good to see Cory make my arguments for me regarding his carpetbagger status…

I took up residency in Aberdeen the night of February 2. I registered to vote in Brown County on February 3. The city election is June 2.

Read that here.