Author: Pat Powers

Thune Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators in Expressing Concerns with USDA’s Decision to Lift Brazilian Beef Ban

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today led a bipartisan group of senators in expressing their concern with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) decision to lift its U.S. ban on Brazilian raw beef imports. The senators worry this decision could put food safety standards at risk, and they have significant concerns over how these beef imports will be monitored.

“In 2017, USDA FSIS refused entry to approximately 2 million pounds of beef from Brazil and subsequently announced the suspension of all imports of fresh beef from Brazil due to public health concerns, poor sanitary conditions, and animal health issues,” the senators wrote. “Given that the United States halted Brazilian raw beef imports less than one year after Brazil was granted access in 2016, we have serious concerns about Brazil’s ability to maintain adequate food safety standards over the long run.”

In addition to Thune, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

Full text of the letter below.

The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Perdue:

We write to express our concerns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) February 20, 2020, decision to lift the U.S. ban on Brazilian raw beef imports.

In 2017, USDA FSIS refused entry to approximately 2 million pounds of beef from Brazil and subsequently announced the suspension of all imports of fresh beef from Brazil due to public health concerns, poor sanitary conditions, and animal health issues.  Given that the United States halted Brazilian raw beef imports less than one year after Brazil was granted access in 2016, we have serious concerns about Brazil’s ability to maintain adequate food safety standards over the long run.

We recognize that the January 2020 FSIS audit found that Brazil’s Central Competent Authority had implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies identified in the June 2019 FSIS audit.  However, considering Brazil’s multiple failed attempts to uphold equivalent food safety standards, we believe a complete verification process of certified Brazilian facilities may be warranted.

For this reason, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:

1. How will FSIS monitor Brazil’s progress in fully implementing the corrective actions?
2. How does FSIS plan to respond if Brazil fails to implement all necessary corrective actions?
3. Given that FSIS audited only eight of the 28 facilities in Brazil certified for U.S. exports, does FSIS plan to audit additional facilities? If so, when?
4. When, if ever, does FSIS expect to have audited all 28 certified facilities?
5. On what basis will FSIS conduct routine audits of already certified facilities?

Thank you for your prompt attention to these concerns.  Please respond in writing no later than March 10.  If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our offices.

Sincerely, 

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Could this be a year with no primaries for down-ticket Democrats?

With the only two possible primaries for dems at the moment at the top of the ballot, assuming all their federal candidates (Clara Hart and Dan Ahlers for Senate, Brian Wirth & Whitney Raver for Congress) successfully collect adequate signatures for their petitions, the remainder of Democrat’s chances for June primaries looks somewhat bleak at the moment.

While Republicans currently are at nine state legislative primary races at the moment (3 Senate, 6 House) with a few more developing, Democrats have NO state legislative primaries with only a month of signature collection to go.

Compared to 2018, when Dems had seven state legislative primary races (House & Senate, District 1, House District 15, Senate District 21, House District 26A, House and Senate District 27), 2020 appears exceedingly bleak in the wake of the Democrat Party’s financial and organizational collapse this past summer.

It will likely pick up in the next few weeks, but this election could mark a historic drubbing of the minority party in the state.

From Americans for Prosperity:

So, this filing just popped up on 2/19 with the Secretary of State’s office. A “Louise Snodgrass” has apparently filed paperwork to run for the State Legislature here in Brookings.  At least according to my records, she’s a registered Democrat. And is involved with the local farmers market.

And that’s about all I can tell you.

Noem Signs Legislation to Protect South Dakota Waters from Invasive Species
Signs 12 Bills on Variety of Topics

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem today signed legislation to protect South Dakota’s public waters and prevent the spread of invasive species. HB1033 works to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) by requiring the inspection and decontamination of boats.

“Each year, thousands of South Dakotans and tourists enjoy the beauty and peace of South Dakota’s lakes and rivers. It’s a major economic driver and one of the things that makes South Dakota so special,” said Noem. “While we enjoy these outdoor opportunities, we must work diligently to keep our waters safe from species that have the potential to harm these favorite places. The legislation I signed today takes steps to prevent the spread of invasive species and keep our natural treasures safe for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”

Each year, zebra mussels and other invasive species cause billions of dollars in damages across the United States. Zebra mussels, an invasive species found in five South Dakota lakes, attach to hard objects to live, reproduce rapidly, and move quickly. The mussels clog irrigation lines and damage boat motors and docks. Their sharp shells can wash up on shorelines in large numbers making recreation difficult or even dangerous. Last summer, Noem called on state agencies and South Dakotans to raise awareness about AIS and carefully follow the rules of water recreation.

HB1033 addresses invasive species by giving Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) authority to establish AIS inspection and decontamination stations at boat ramps; authorizes law enforcement and GFP to inspect and require decontamination of boats; and creates repercussions for transporting invasive species. The legislation goes into effect immediately.

Noem signed the following bills today:

• HB1023 – An Act to permit the secretary of revenue to issue cease and desist orders and to impose a civil penalty on certain public auctions.
• HB1032 – An Act to revise the authority of the Board of Education Standards to promulgate rules regarding certification.
• HB1033 – An Act to provide for the prevention of aquatic invasive species contamination in public waters and to declare an emergency.
• HB1039 – An Act to revise the rule-making authority of the Human Resources Commissioner regarding the drug screening program for certain state employees.
• HB1051 – An Act to revise certain provisions regarding public access to voter registration data.
• HB1058 – An Act to revise certain provisions regarding water development districts.
• HB1084 – An Act to increase the maximum allowable height of certain vehicles carrying baled feed and to declare an emergency.
• SB9 – An Act to repeal the Department of Labor and Regulation’s retirement plan and to transfer plan members and funds to the South Dakota Retirement System.
• SB31 – An Act to revise and repeal certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System.
• SB32 – An Act to revise certain provisions regarding the administration of certain family and surviving spouse benefits of the South Dakota Retirement System.
• SB34 – An Act to establish a qualified benefit preservation arrangement for eligible members of the South Dakota Retirement System.
• SB50 – An Act to revise certain provisions regarding the practice of a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

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Noem Appoints BIT Commissioner

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Jeffrey Clines will join her cabinet as Commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT). The appointment will be effective April 6.

“Staying on top of our technological needs is so important in today’s environment,” said Noem. “Jeff’s diverse background will position him well to lead BIT in a way that ensures we are attracting and retaining the very best talent we need to maintain and modernize our state’s government IT needs.”

“Technology has increasingly become critical to our way of life, from smartphones to technology in agriculture,” said Clines. “I am grateful for Governor Noem’s vision to prioritize broadband connectivity and cybersecurity for the people of our state, and I look forward to working with her and the great BIT staff to deliver and support technology for South Dakota.”

Clines currently serves as the director of information technology for the Illinois Secretary of State where he is responsible for all information technology systems, services, and operations. In this role, he has initiated and led several projects and initiatives to modernize systems including the mainframe, disaster recovery plans, and cybersecurity practices. He previously worked for the American Heart Association and managed operations systems for Enterprise Solutions.

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From Facebook:

Former Republican State Representative Tom Holmes
announces candidacy for District 14 House

Tom Holmes would like to announce his candidacy for one of the House seats from District 14. Tom taught for many years in the Sioux Falls public schools. During his time in the legislature he continued with his work on behalf of our children.

Tom was appointed by the governor as the legislative liaison for the Birth to Three program. In addition, he sponsored legislation in the areas of autism and human trafficking. In 2018 he received the Legislative Advocacy Award from the Disability Rights Association of South Dakota.

Currently Tom is a volunteer participant in the Kid Link project in Sioux Falls whose purpose is to help alleviate food insecurity among children.

Tom is seeking to return to the legislature in order that he may continue working on behalf of our children. Our children, after all, are our future, they should be our priority.

House Bill 1035 – what many are calling the anti-vaccination bill – was heard in committee this morning. And it was sent to the 41st day on a vote of 10-2.

Committee Chair Kevin Jensen indicated that maybe they could talk about the vaccination topic in a summer study.

Ummm… please don’t?

From the Democrat State Party, Randy Seiler is announcing that 1-term former Democrat State Representative Pam Merchant is the Democrat Party’s new Executive Director.

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SOUTH DAKOTA DEMOCRATIC PARTY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sioux Falls, SD (February 25, 2020) – The South Dakota Democratic Party (SDDP) has hired a new Executive Director, Pamela Cole. Cole is a former state legislator (District 7 Senator, 2008 – 2010) whose professional career has included grant writing, marketing, and volunteer coordination for a major healthcare provider.

“We have a team that has worked very hard in the last few months to put the party back on the right track to ensure a great 2020 election season. Part of that restructure involved finding the right executive director, someone with enthusiasm, commitment, and pride in the duties of the position. Pam has the experience and talents we were looking for.” – Randy Seiler, Chair, SDDP

When Seiler was elected to the chair position in December, he and his team had numerous challenges to overcome. In 2019, a recently elected chair, executive director and treasurer had already stepped aside realizing the time requirement it would take to rectify reports and refocus the party on its main goal, “working for quality education, healthcare and living wages for South Dakotans,” according to Seiler.

“This effort has been a testament to the pride and conviction of our members. A number of volunteers stepped forward to make sure we quickly resolved the situation, kept important upcoming events moving forward and continued to serve the members of the party. I really credit the group effort with making this possible,” Seiler said.

The Democratic Party will host a meet and greet with Pam at a later date to be announced.

“It’s important that our members get a chance to visit and learn about what 2020 holds for the party. I’m really excited about this opportunity and to be part of this team. This is a role I am honored to be in.” – Pamela Cole, Executive Director, SDDP

As the Democratic Party heads into the 2020 election season they will have two primaries in the U.S. Senate and House races. Former state legislator Dan Ahlers (Dell Rapids) and community activist Clara Hart (Sioux Falls) will run to try to unseat incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds. Two newcomers, Whitney Raver (Custer) and Brian Wirth (Dell Rapids) are running to take on recently elected Rep. Dusty Johnson.

“Many wondered if there would be less enthusiasm to run due to the developments of 2019 but actually, we haven’t seen any change in the desire to create real change for our state. South Dakota lags behind the nation in too many important areas such as teacher pay, cumbersome student debt, and low wages. We have members that are truly committed to taking those issues on.” – Nikki Gronli, Vice Chair, SDDP

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This will be interesting.  Let’s see if she lasts longer than the last one.