Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Hanson begins fourth term on South Dakota Public Utilities Commission with oath of office

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson took the oath of office on Jan. 4, 2021, marking the official start to his fourth term on the PUC. Hanson’s longtime friend, Judge Larry Long, administered the oath at a private ceremony in Lincoln County.

Hanson was first elected to the PUC in 2002 and was re-elected by South Dakota voters in 2008, 2014 and 2020. During his time with the commission, Hanson has had the opportunity to take on many leadership roles including serving as the PUC’s chairman for seven years, leading the Mid-America Regulatory Conference as their current president and representing South Dakota on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Electricity Committee, Electric Vehicle Working Group, and Low-income Energy Forum, just to name a few.

“I look forward to continue working to keep utility services safe, dependable, and affordable for the citizens of South Dakota and to assure that other states’ political decisions do not adversely affect the cost or reliability of our utilities,” said Hanson.

Hanson has a long history of public service. He was elected to two terms as the mayor of Sioux Falls. Before becoming mayor, he spent six years as Sioux Falls’ utilities commissioner and was responsible for the development and day-to-day activities of three municipal utilities. He also owned several businesses before elected office and was a licensed real estate auctioneer, appraiser and broker.

Hanson’s wife, Sandy, stood with him during his swearing-in ceremony, holding a fifth generation Bible. The couple was surrounded by 14 additional family members.

View Commissioner Hanson’s full biography on the PUC website, www.puc.sd.gov.

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As shocking as the Paul Erickson pardon was, at South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Seth Tupper tonight has noted that Erickson doesn’t just get an early release, he has $3 million of court-ordered restitution to victims wiped away:

Experts say there’s likely no obligation for Erickson to even attempt to pay that money now. Neil Fulton, dean of the University of South Dakota School of Law, said it’s his understanding that in the case of a full and unconditional pardon like the one granted to Erickson, “restitution is wiped out.”

Joyce Vance, a former U.S. attorney in Alabama, also said it appears that the full and unconditional pardon relieves Erickson of the obligation to pay restitution.

“It’s a get-out-jail-free card and a bank-account-restoration card,” Vance said.

Go read the entire story here.

And the concept of it being wiped away is just offensive.

I do note Governor Noem’s office is making a point by expressly noting “She had nothing whatsoever to do with the Erickson pardon.”

Governor Noem Introduces Legislation to Codify Healthcare Flexibilities

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will introduce two pieces of legislation to codify executive orders that originally provided flexibility to healthcare providers in response to COVID-19. The two pieces of legislation cover telehealth and recognition of out-of-state healthcare licenses.

“COVID-19 challenged us in new, unforeseen ways, and those challenges provided us an opportunity  to adapt and find innovative ways to deliver healthcare in South Dakota,” saidGovernor Kristi Noem. “The flexibilities that we put in place in response to the pandemic have worked, with no concerns regarding their implementation. We will continue to strengthen South Dakota healthcare by welcoming these successes, building on them, and leaving flexibility for even more innovation into the future.”

Governor Noem’s telehealth bill would make certain telehealth flexibilities permanent.

“We greatly expanded telehealth in 2020. Since March, people have used tech services like these more than 70,000 times in South Dakota’s Medicaid program alone,” continuedGovernor Noem. “In 2021, we will build on telehealth advancements and continue to find ways to remove government red tape in healthcare.”

Governor Noem’s license recognition bill would make permanent the recognition of certain out-of-state healthcare licenses.

“Workforce is one of the major challenges facing South Dakota healthcare,” continuedGovernor Noem. “As freedom-loving Americans from around the country continue moving to South Dakota, we can address workforce shortages by recognizing the good work that they did in other states and welcoming them to continue their work by serving South Dakotans.”

Both bills are a permanent extension of portions of Executive Order 2020-07 and Executive Order 2020-16, which Governor Noem signed last year to increase flexibility in the state’s COVID-19 response.

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Rounds Statement on Inauguration of President Biden

WASHINGTON —U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) made the following statement on the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris:

“The peaceful transfer of power that the American people witnessed today on the steps of the U.S. Capitol is fundamental to our republic and the future of our great nation. I wish President Biden and Vice President Harris the best as they assume the tremendous responsibility entrusted to them.

“I know we will not agree on every issue, and I’m ready to stand as loyal opposition when we disagree on issues of principle. But we all want to leave this nation better than we found it. I do look forward to working with the new administration on ways we can move our country forward, leaving more opportunities for the next generation.”

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I was honestly a little shocked at this one. While not supported by Senator Rounds or Governor Noem, former political operative Paul Erickson was given a “get out of jail free” card by President Trump as one of his final acts of office:

The list of South Dakotans includes Paul Erickson of Sioux Falls, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2020 for defrauding investors. He was also the boyfriend of Maria Butina from Russia, who was deported in 2019 after serving time for failing to register as a foreign agent. Noem and Rounds were not listed as supporters of Erickson’s pardon.

and..

Erickson was accused of defrauding investors in a proposal to develop land in the North Dakota Bakken oil field by persuading people to buy real estate and build single-family homes. One person, identified as “D.G.” in the indictment, wired $100,000 to Erickson as an investment in the project. The money laundering charge relates to transferring $1,000 of that $100,000 to someone identified as “M.B.”

Read it here.

Not sure what to say on that one, but “wow.”

 

From the Argus Leader, Senator John Thune believes that an impeachment trial would “further divide the country when we can least afford it.”

“In my view, using a constitutional tool designed to remove the president from office after he has already left could further divide our country when we can least afford it,” he said. “If the Democrat-led Senate proceeds with an impeachment trial after inauguration, I will uphold my oath, listen to the evidence presented and perform my constitutional duty as I have sworn to do.”

Read the entire story here.

Governor Noem Signs Executive Order on DANR Merger

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-03 to merge the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, forming a new Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

“With this merger, we are fostering sustainable agriculture and conservation that we can pass on to our kids and grandkids,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “This merger will simplify life for South Dakota’s agriculture producers by creating a one-stop shop in state government. It will also save taxpayers money by streamlining the state’s regulatory bodies,eliminating redundancies, and creating a better customer service experience for all.”

Hunter Roberts, current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources andacting-Secretary of Agriculture, will serve as the cabinet secretary for DANR.

“Governor Noem has a tremendous vision for the next generation of agriculture, and we’re excited to see it through,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “I’m excited for the synergies that this merger will create.”

Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, who previously served as interim-Secretary of Agriculture, will continue serving in his current role of Agriculture Ambassador.

“Governor Noem and I are the only farmer/rancher duo in the country to be serving as Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” said Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are excited for the potential that this merger has to unleash the next generation of agriculture for our state. I look forward to continue working as an ambassador to the agriculture industry.”

In addition to other groups, the proposed merger has the support of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. Based on a vote of their convention delegates, representing county farm bureaus throughout the state.

“We believe this merger will make government work better for farmers and ranchers and will strengthen the future of agriculture,” said Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. “The agriculture industry is continually evolving, and thanks to Governor Noem’s leadership, South Dakota continues to be on the leading edge of that evolution. There is no better time than now to solidify agriculture’s role in protecting our environment and natural resources while ensuring our industry in South Dakota remains economically viable and growing.”

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From Dakota News Now:

The South Dakota Farmers Union opposes the proposed merger by Governor Kristi Noem of the state Agriculture Department with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

President Doug Sombke told WNAX in Yankton, the organization is now working with lawmakers to write a bill that would put the State Agriculture Secretary position on the ballot rather than Governor Noem appointing the position.

Read that here.

Pointing out the last time that was proposed:

Senate Bill 194

Title: provide for the election of the secretary of agriculture.
Sponsors: Senators Kloucek, Hoerth, Jerstad, Katus, Maher, and Schmidt and Representatives Ahlers, Bradford, Elliott, Feinstein, Halverson, Miles, Street, and Van Norman

and..

02/01/2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Deferred to 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 1. S.J. 349

Read that here.

That idea was a dumb one in 2007. And it’s still a dumb idea in 2021.

Ag producers aren’t looking for a politician in that office, which is what they’ll get if it becomes an elected position. They want a thoughtful steward of the office, and they have the opportunity to vet them when those officials are confirmed by the Senate.

Enough said.

 

Rounds, Colleagues: Stop Illegal PPP Loans to Planned Parenthood

PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and a group of senators in a letter urging U.S. Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza to prevent Planned Parenthood affiliates from receiving illegal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as they did last year.

“Planned Parenthood affiliates are well aware that they are ineligible to receive PPP loans, on the basis of SBA’s letters and the frank admission of their political-action committee,”wrote the senators. “Their attempts to apply for PPP loans are naked attempts to defraud the United States government.”

In addition to Rounds and Cotton, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Full text of the letter:

The Honorable Jovita Carranza
Administrator
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd St, SW
Washington DC 20416

Dear Administrator Carranza,

We write to urge you to take precautions so that affiliates of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest and most notorious abortion provider, do not receive loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as they did earlier this year in defiance of the law.

The coronavirus relief package Congress passed on December 21 authorizes a second round of PPP loans for certain small businesses and non-profits that received and fully spent a PPP loan earlier this year. Eligibility requirements for these “second-draw” loans are similar to the requirements for initial loans authorized under the CARES Act. Generally speaking, applicants for the initial waves of PPP loans had to employ no more than 500 employees across all of their affiliates in order to be eligible for a loan; applicants for a second-draw loan must have no more than 300 employees across all of their affiliates. As before, applicants for a second-draw loan must self-certify that they are eligible to receive such a loan; the Small Business Administration has written that “incorrect or false eligibility certifications by borrowers are subject to severe penalties.”

Planned Parenthood employs about 16,000 people nationwide. The group’s national organization, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, jealously exercises control over local affiliates, subjecting them to uniform bylaws, accreditation, frequent reviews, and mandates about what services they must provide to remain part of the Federation, such as on-site abortion. Planned Parenthood affiliates thus are ineligible to receive PPP loans, as part of an affiliated group that employs far more people than the number allowed for an initial or second-draw PPP loan. This fact was admitted by none other than Planned Parenthood’s political-action committee, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which wrote that the CARES Act “gives the Small Business Administration broad discretion to exclude Planned Parenthood affiliates and other non-profits serving people with low incomes and deny them benefits under the new small business loan program.”

Nonetheless, at least 37 Planned Parenthood affiliates illegally obtained more than $80 million in taxpayer funds during the initial rounds of PPP by self-certifying their eligibility for the program. In response, the SBA determined that these affiliates were ineligible to receive PPP loans and issued letters informing them of the consequences of false certifications of eligibility, including repayment of loans, loss of loan forgiveness, and other civil and criminal penalties. Members of this body previously have urged you to investigate these false certifications of eligibility, recover the more than $80 million in funds, and seek appropriate penalties against Planned Parenthood affiliates that broke the law.

An equally urgent task is to ensure Planned Parenthood affiliates do not receive additional PPP loans intended for struggling small businesses and non-profits. We therefore urge you to inform participating lenders that Planned Parenthood affiliates are ineligible to receive second-draw PPP loans, and encourage them to immediately notify SBA if a Planned Parenthood affiliate applies for such a loan through their institution. Furthermore, we urge you to refer any Planned Parenthood affiliate that applies for such a loan to the Department of Justice for prosecution. Planned Parenthood affiliates are well aware that they are ineligible to receive PPP loans, on the basis of SBA’s letters and the frank admission of their political-action committee. Their attempts to apply for PPP loans are naked attempts to defraud the United States government.

Thank you for your tireless efforts to help small businesses and non-profits survive the Covid-19 pandemic. With appropriate precautions, we can ensure that additional relief funds go to those that need it, in accordance with the law, rather than to unscrupulous organizations like Planned Parenthood.

Sincerely,

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According to KELOland, US Senator John Thune isn’t indicating how he’s going to vote one way or the other on impeachment.  But, he’s also not sure how you impeach a former President:

“I think the fact that the president for so long continued to try and convince people in this country that the election was stolen from him was a disservice to people, and it got people to believe something that wasn’t true, and I think that, you could argue I suppose, was partly the, at least at the beginning, the origin of a lot of this,” Thune said.

The senator is also looking into what will happen with Trump’s second impeachment.

“I think there are some very serious constitutional questions that we’re looking into on whether you can impeach a former president,” Thune said.

Read it all here.