70069 – election coronavirus legislation by Pat Powers on Scribd
The proposed election legislation would move municipal elections to the June primary election date, and give the Governor the authority the potential authority to move the primary election date to as late as July 28th, if needed.
What do you think? Are we going to need to push things back?
Legislators had a conference call with Governor Kristi Noem tonight and discussed a number of bills that they will be asked to consider on the final legislative day in response to the coronavirus, addressing the needs of both state and local governments.
As noted on Facebook by State Representative Fred Deutsch:
Each bill has an emergency clause, meaning each bill would be effective immediately upon the governor’s signature. Each bill has a sunset clause – meaning each bill will be temporary.
1. Education bill to allow minimum number of student instruction hours to be waived this year, and allow virtual/remote hours to be included in the total hours. Schools don’t have to meet min number of hours currently required by law.
2. Education bill to allow the administration to waive school district accountability requirements this year. Required testing, drills, etc would be waved. Kids won’t have to take state tests.
3. Unemployment Insurance bill to allow state to waive 1st week waiting period so workers filing for unemployment could receive their first check immediately. The bill would also allow employees to file a claim that would not be charged against the employer’s unemployment insurance account.
4. Department of Health bill to add Coronavirus-19 to list of diseases so public health directives can be made.
5. Department of Health bill to allow the Secretary to restrict gatherings in public places during public health emergencies
6. Department of Public Safety bill to provide authority for a 90 day grace period upon expiration of drivers licenses and CDLs.
7. Allows governor to temporarily suspend statutory requirement to conduct business during emergencies. licensure, DVMs regulations
8. Allows schools and local gov’t to postpone elections and expand early voting.
9. Provides counties emergency authority to declare an emergency. Grants counties similar authority as cities.
10. Economic bill to create a subfund to help small businesses adversely affected by the virus.
11. Provides the state authorization for expenditure of federal funds.
12. Budget decisions – we will wait till June to make decisions about budget, so we will have more information about revenue and expenditures. We are still digesting federal laws. Possible to have budget reductions in 2020 and 2021. Potential for significant federal monies for SD but lots of unknows currently.
This is going to involve some significant items. And some won’t be considered lightly, as some legislators on the call had concerns about limiting business.
#8 The election shift – has my particular attention. I did catch (and asked Senator Schoenbeck about) that Lee had mentioned that the proposal would affect the primary as well.
It gave me a little pause, but the reason noted to me was that the peak of the virus is said to be in June – the time of the primary election – which does make sense to shift it to a later date, said to be July.
This is uncharted territory – and we’d better get ready.
What are your thoughts about these proposals?
Delegation-Supported Provisions to Help South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers Included in Latest Coronavirus Relief Bill
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes provisions the delegation helped secure to support South Dakota farmers and ranchers. Specifically, the CARES Act includes $14 billion to replenish the U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodity Credit Corporation. This legislation would also provide a $9.5 billion emergency appropriation to support certain producers, including livestock producers, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we don’t know the full impact of this outbreak across the agricultural community, we do know this: Our producers are doing their part to keep the grocery shelves stocked and food on our tables,” said Thune. “I’m glad those who were at the negotiating table with us agreed to provide these critical resources that are necessary to support our agriculture community and bring swift relief to South Dakota’s number-one industry.”
“No corner of our country is immune from the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis,” said Rounds. “I’m glad our COVID-19 relief legislation helps our farmers and ranchers, who are already suffering from low commodity prices and the loss of overseas markets, among other things. I’m especially grateful we were able to get direct support for our cattle producers, who are seeing record losses despite a growing demand for U.S. beef. We’ll continue to seek ways to support our ag community so they can continue to put food on the table, particularly during these challenging times.”
“While most of America is stuck inside, our farmers and ranchers are out in the fields making sure our people get fed,”said Johnson. “Turbulent markets leave many things uncertain, but producers deserved a seat at the table, and that’s why we successfully fought for emergency relief for farmers and cattlemen facing unpredictable markets during the COVID-19 outbreak.”
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As you might have heard by now, Senator John Thune has taken ill, and has returned to South Dakota. As noted on KELOland News:
One of the most powerful U.S. Senators woke up Wednesday morning “and didn’t feel well.” Sen. John Thune (R-SD) talked to two doctors and then took a charter flight to South Dakota wearing a mask “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a spokesperson. He also missed a key vote on a muti-trillion dollar aid package late Wednesday, one of several missed votes from Senators in isolation or quarantined due to COVID-19.
“I unfortunately had to miss today’s votes – something I’ve rarely done during my time in Congress,” Thune said in a statement late Wednesday.
We’re coming down to the wire this next week for election petitions, which means it’s time for me to be a scold to candidates in order to help save them from a grave error if they find themselves mailing in their petitions.
If you can’t drive yourself to Pierre before Tuesday at 5pm, we’re at the point where if you mail your election petitions into the Secretary of State (Secretary of State, Attn: Elections, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501), there’s the possibility they might not show up by the deadline on Tuesday. No matter what any clerk at a postal desk tries to talk you into, there’s only ONE proper way to mail those petitions into the Secretary of State’s office, and I can’t admonish candidates strongly enough.
Send those petitions in via REGISTERED mail, not certified.
There’s a good reason for it. It’s the law. As I noted two years ago, under South Dakota Election law, the definitions expressly note that “Registered mail,” does not include certified mail;” and more specifically:
12-6-4. Petition required to place candidate’s name on primary ballot–Place of filing. Except as provided by § 12-5-4 and as may be otherwise provided in chapter 12-9, no candidate for any office to be filled, or nomination to be made, at the primary election, other than a presidential election, may have that person’s name printed upon the official primary election ballot of that person’s party, unless a petition has been filed on that person’s behalf not prior to January first, and not later than the last Tuesday of March at five p.m. prior to the date of the primary election. If the petition is mailed by registered mail by the last Tuesday of March at five p.m. prior to the primary election, the petition shall be considered filed.
Read the law for yourself here.
Why registered mail? Registered mail has a clear chain of custody that is recorded by the post office before being sent and at each point along its route to safeguard against loss, theft, or damage. Every year there are people who let themselves get talked into sending it certified by someone who doesn’t know South Dakota Election Law.. and they find themselves out of luck.
It’s an exciting time in South Dakota politics. By my unofficial tally, I’m counting as many as 8 GOP Senate primary Elections, and as many as 12 House primary elections… and we’re not done with candidates yet!
We’ll know more next week, so keep your eyes on South Dakota War College for coverage of the legislative campaigns. It’s just getting started in what might be one of the wildest years ever!
Rounds Supports COVID-19 Relief Legislation
Legislation will provide direct support to South Dakota families and businesses and help stabilize the economy
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of emergency COVID-19 relief legislation. It now must be passed by the House of Representatives, before being sent to President Trump for signature.
“As a nation, we’re all feeling the effects of this unprecedented crisis. I’m glad we were able to come together to provide immediate, direct relief to South Dakota families and businesses, while at the same time taking steps to stabilize our economy. It is not a perfect bill, but it gets resources to state and local governments, who know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. It also removes regulatory barriers so businesses can get people the help they need during this time of crisis.
“In the history of our nation, we’ve never faced a challenge we weren’t able to overcome. The COVID-19 crisis is no different. No one is immune to the disease or its impact on our everyday lives. We’re in this together, and we’ll get through this together.
“We understand the seriousness of initiating legislation of this magnitude. However, if we fail to act and respond appropriately, the cost to our citizens and our economy as a whole would be devastating.
“The federal government has a responsibility to act in emergency situations, such as this, to protect lives and safeguard our country from undue harm. Today, the Senate fulfilled this important duty.”
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Thune Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Package
“Challenging times require swift and bold action from the federal government. That’s why I’m glad the Senate was able to rise above politics and act in a bipartisan way to provide much-needed relief to the American people.”
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation that will provide immediate relief to the American people. Thune was a key negotiator throughout the development of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and supported two previous legislative packages that are already providing support to families, small businesses, and the nation’s medical community. The CARES Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
“Challenging times require swift and bold action from the federal government,” said Thune. “That’s why I’m glad the Senate was able to rise above politics and act in a bipartisan way to provide much-needed relief to the American people. The CARES Act will put emergency cash into the hands of American families and workers who need it the most, and it will deliver relief to small businesses to help them and their workers weather this storm. It will take meaningful steps to help stabilize an uneasy economy, provide significant resources to support state unemployment programs, and most importantly, it will continue to deliver resources to the health care workers fighting to stop this pandemic. I hope the House acts on this critical piece of legislation as soon as possible.
“The American people have faced obstacles before, but they always rise to the occasion. That’s what we’re seeing today in communities in South Dakota and across the country. Heroes are among us – health care professionals, first responders, grocery store workers, delivery drivers, and pharmacy clerks. Americans are stepping up and providing for their communities in ways many of us never thought would be necessary. But then again, there’s nothing more American than rising to the occasion and supporting friends, neighbors, and communities in times of need.
“I unfortunately had to miss today’s votes – something I’ve rarely done during my time in Congress. I felt under the weather this morning and, out of an abundance of caution, thought it was the responsible decision to avoid contact with my colleagues on Capitol Hill. Rest assured, I’ve been in touch with the attending physician at the Capitol and with my doctor in Sioux Falls – both of whom advised that self-quarantine was not required. Again, out of an abundance of caution, and in accordance with the advice I’ve been giving South Dakotans, I decided that avoiding others was the best option.”
The CARES Act would:
On March 19, 2020, Thune introduced a bill to extend the tax filing deadline from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, to provide greater clarity to taxpayers and allow those who need to travel to a secondary location to acquire documents or meet with an accountant to follow CDC’s ongoing guidelines with respect to the coronavirus outbreak. One day later, the Treasury Department approved Thune’s request administratively, a decision that dovetailed with the department’s previous announcement that it would extend the tax payment deadline for filers who owe the IRS for the 2019 tax year. Americans who would like to file early are still able to do so, and the IRS is processing returns so taxpayers can get their hard-earned money returned to them as soon as possible. Thune’s bill was included in the base text of the CARES Act, but was removed after the Treasury Department’s announcement.
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From Facebook, attorney and long-time South Dakota politico Scott Odenbach has announced his entrance into the District 31 House Race:
SOUTH DAKOTA LEGISLATURE TO HOLD “ELECTRONIC” VETO DAY
PIERRE – When the South Dakota Legislature meets on March 30, 2020 for its last scheduled day of the 2020 session, to consider bills vetoed by the Governor, there will be plenty of social distance between members. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the guidance to limit the size of gatherings to fewer than ten people, Veto Day business will be conducted electronically.
Legislators will participate remotely from their residences via electronic conference. South Dakota Public Broadcasting will provide livestream coverage of the session, making the process open to the public electronically, but not physically. The electronic feed can be accessed through the Legislative Research Council website or sd.net.
Senator Brock Greenfield, President Pro Tempore, says while the “electronic” Veto Day may be unusual, given current events, it is necessary.
“We’re all committed to doing whatever we can as lawmakers and just as people to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in South Dakota. As important as it is to wrap up our legislative business on March 30, it’s just as important that we do it without putting anyone’s health in jeopardy,” Greenfield said.
According to House Speaker Representative Steven Haugaard, that concern extends to members of the public.
“The legislature is a public process and we welcome participation by the public. Normally, this is done through contacting legislators, testifying in committee, or watching floor debate from the gallery. But no one should put themselves or others at risk of coming in contact with COVID-19 by attending Veto Day in person this year,” said Haugaard.
Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert says public service and public safety were both considerations in the decision.
“We’ve covered a lot of important issues during this session but none so important as what’s going on in our state, across the country, and around the world right now. We need to finish out our work, but we don’t want to put people at risk to do it,” Heinert said.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are scheduled to convene at 11:00 a.m. (CT).
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Thor Bardon announces his candidacy for District 15 State Senate
Sioux Falls, SD – March 24, 2020
Thor Bardon announced his candidacy for District 15 Senate late last evening via a video that he placed on his campaign social media page. District 15 has long been considered a democratic stronghold in the state and Bardon is the first Republican candidate. The seat is currently filled by Reynold Nesiba (D).
Bardon moved to St. Onge, SD when he was 12 and after some time in the foster care system moved to Sioux Falls and now lives with his dog Dixie. Currently working in the casino industry, his hobbies are volunteerism, flying airplanes, and spending time with his dog.
His passion for helping the community has kept him engaged with many state legislators, non-profit organizations, and public figures.
“I feel that the professional relationships I have built with current and former elected officials and community leaders will help me serve this district,” says Bardon, “I would be incredibly humbled if elected to represent my district in the Senate.”
To see his announcement video or to follow Bardon go to https://www.facebook.com/thorbardonsiouxfalls/