The Liberal out-of-state Special Interest group Represent.US is back at it, attacking legislators who have the unfortunate task of cleaning up their legislation that was declared unconstitutional by Judge Barnett, and enjoined from taking effect.
Seriously. Who has gotten a gold watch, all expenses paid vacation, or a million dollars form a lobbyist? That’s why this IM22 needs to be dismantled. It’s all built on a tower of lies.
As State Legislators continue their work to rectify the complete mess foisted upon South Dakota by falsehoods prosecuted by the out-of-state hucksters who funded Initiated Measure 22, I’d point out this morning that more measures have been filed which respond to what voters thought they were really going to get, as well as to prevent future messes:
Senate Bill 59 has been making it’s way through the process already, and actually sets an effective date for measures to take effect, allowing legislators and state government the opportunity to prepare for passage, with an opportunity to put rules and regulations into place:
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS ENGROSSED NO. SB 59 – 1/20/2017
Introduced by: Senators White, Bolin, Cronin, Curd, Haverly, Jensen (Phil), Langer, Netherton, Partridge, Peters, Rusch, Soholt, Solano, Tidemann, and Wiik and Representatives Stevens, Chase, Glanzer, Johns, Kettwig, Lake, Mickelson, Peterson (Kent), Reed, and Steinhauer
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to delay the effective date for initiated measures and referred laws.
Senate Bill 77 has been filed to make sure that any measure filed which has a fiscal impact has circulators actually TELL people that it does:
SENATE BILL NO. 77 Introduced by: Senators Otten (Ernie), Nelson, Rusch, Russell, and Stalzer and Representatives Haggar, Haugaard, Otten (Herman), and Tieszen
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to provide for a fiscal note for any initiated measure or initiated amendment to the Constitution that would have a fiscal impact on the state.
House Bill 1073 addresses the concerns about lobbyist “gifts” to legislators:
HOUSE BILL NO. 1073 Introduced by: Representatives Mickelson, Bartels, Bartling, Beal, Chase, Clark, Dennert, Haggar, Hawley, Heinemann, Howard, Jensen (Kevin), Johns, Kettwig, Latterell, Lust, McPherson, Otten (Herman), Peterson (Kent), Peterson (Sue), Qualm, Reed, Rhoden, Steinhauer, Stevens, Tieszen, Tulson, and Willadsen and Senators Otten (Ernie), Curd, Ewing, Greenfield (Brock), Heinert, Langer, Maher, Nelson, Netherton, Novstrup, Soholt, and Sutton
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to revise and repeal certain provisions regarding gifts from registered lobbyists to public officials.
House Bill 1074 addresses funding coming from out of state, although, while I don’t disagree with it, I question the constitutionality of the measure if challenged:
HOUSE BILL NO. 1074 Introduced by: Representatives Gosch, Brunner, Clark, Dennert, Greenfield (Lana), Howard, Jensen (Kevin), Kettwig, Lake, Latterell, Marty, Mickelson, Otten (Herman), Pischke, Qualm, and Rasmussen and Senators Youngberg, Cronin, and Jensen (Phil)
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to provide for limits on certain out-of-state contributions to ballot question committees.
And House Bill 1076 addresses the need for a stronger review system if inconsistencies are determined, such as with the Gear-Up or EB5 contracts – which is what people THOUGHT they were getting with IM22, but as we know, that measure didn’t address them at all:
HOUSE BILL NO. 1076 Introduced by: Representatives Soli, Bartling, Hawley, Mickelson, Peterson (Kent), Qualm, and Wismer and Senators Greenfield (Brock), Frerichs, Heinert, and Sutton
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to create a State Government Accountability Board.
Thoughts?
While there’s lots of rumors swirling in Pierre lately (Some more than others), there’s one that is more recently bubbling to the top of the tidepool that political observers should find interesting. Namely, that the Chairmanship of the South Dakota State Republican Party might be a contested race at the next Republican State Central Committee meeting, scheduled to be held on February 11th.
Long-time Gubernatorial Cabinet and Staff member and current Republican Party Chairwoman Pam Roberts of the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area, who in recent days gave indication that she would be running again is possibly facing a challenge from businessman and former Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dan Lederman of Dakota Dunes.
Previously, Lederman had also served as Union County GOP Chair, as well as County Commissioner and State House member. Lederman had served in the Legislature for many years, but resigned during his last Senate term to spend more time with his family, but vowing to continue his involvement with politics.
And running for the GOP Chairmanship just may be how he intends to do it.
Often, the GOP State party chair has been a slated position, serving at the request of the sitting Governor and often based on who they could find to do it. And it has been that way for many years.
However, officially, the position is actually selected at a vote of the Republican State Central Committee. And, it is possible they could choose to act independently of the Governor’s preference.
If the race comes to fruition, I suspect the race would serve as a contrast of styles and illustrate differences between party leaders and the rank and file on what the current mood of the party is.
As noted, Roberts has been close to party leaders, and Governors in particular, going back to Governor Janklow. In April of this last year, Governor Dennis Daugaard expressed his continuing trust in her by appointing Pam to the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Whereas at times, Dan has been more of a maverick and has gone his own way. Dan has been active in working with candidates directly, including through his work with the RJC, and independently forming a political action committee, Rushmore PAC, which has supported conservative candidates logistically, and financially independent of the State GOP on both the state and federal levels.
What do you think? Clearly, there’s two good and qualified candidates, and we’d be well served by either one. It all depends on mood of the state Central Committee on February 11th.
Stay tuned.
House Passes Noem-Backed Bill to Improve Rural Call Quality and Reliability
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R.460, the bipartisan Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act, which Rep. Noem helped introduce earlier this month. Persistent phone call completion problems in rural communities are creating major inconveniences for families, hurting businesses and threatening public safety. H.R.460 would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish basic quality standards for providers that transmit voice calls to help ensure businesses, families, and emergency responders can count on phone calls being completed.
“While most Americans can rely on their phone service to keep in touch, do their work or respond to emergencies, many in rural South Dakota continue to have these critical calls dropped,” said Rep. Noem. “Especially in this day in age, dependable phone service shouldn’t be a question. I’m hopeful that with these provisions in place, the ability to get a phone call through in rural South Dakota will be much more reliable.”
H.R.460 would direct the FCC to require intermediate providers that transmit voice calls to register with the agency and establish quality standards for transmitting voice calls. These reforms would ensure small businesses, families, and emergency responders in rural America can once again rely upon their telephone calls being completed. The legislation is supported by the South Dakota Telecommunications Association, among others.
Sen. John Thune has introduced the legislation in the Senate.
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Thune Outlines Commerce Committee Tech Agenda for 115th Congress
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, discussed the committee’s tech agenda for the 115th Congress during a speech at the State of the Net internet policy conference
Sen. Thune’s prepared remarks are below:
“It’s hard to believe, but the Internet as we know it is already in its third decade. While it is no longer novel, this essential technology continues to transform the world around us, often in unexpected ways.
“For instance, back in the 1990s when folks were getting acquainted with America Online and the World Wide Web, how many people envisioned the Internet being built into farm combines and tractors? Today, however, wireless connectivity in precision farm equipment is making agriculture more and more efficient.
“By the way, for you non-farmers in the room, I think many of you would be surprised to see how high-tech the cabin of a modern tractor is. They often resemble the cockpit of an airliner, with numerous screens, computers, and controls. And semi-autonomous driving technology has been common for a decade.
“We are also seeing some really remarkable developments in health care, which is now more accessible than ever before due to telemedicine and remote monitoring services powered by the Internet.
“These are huge changes that are making our world better and more prosperous, and they’re only made possible because of advancements in how data is shared and transmitted online. And the evidence is literally all around us.
“By now, we are used to having at least a couple of online devices near us at all times – from computers, to phones, and even our TVs. Increasingly, however, we are seeing common, everyday objects being connected online – a literal ‘Internet of Things’ that will soon be ubiquitous. Things like thermostats and refrigerators, along with those precision ag machines and health sensors I mentioned earlier. These IoT devices unobtrusively gather data and communicate with users, and with other devices, to solve a variety of consumer needs.
“The Internet of Things will also bring significant economic benefits and drive growth in every sector of our economy. There are currently about 16 billion Internet-connected devices worldwide, and by 2020 some believe that number will be between 50 and 200 billion devices. According to McKinsey, this explosion of growth has the potential to create an economic impact of up to $6.2 trillion annually by 2025. And, as much as consumers will see IoT devices proliferate, most of the real benefit and growth from this trend will be seen in industrial, commercial, and civic applications.
“IoT is just one example of how communications and information technologies like the Internet have become a fundamental part of our economy. There isn’t a job creator in America who doesn’t have their own story to tell about how and when they realized the Internet had become a critical part of their business. But while the connected digital economy is creating massive economic and societal opportunities, our nation’s laws are not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“Over the last several years, Netflix and Amazon have completely disrupted the video world. The iPhone just celebrated its tenth anniversary since redefining personal computing and connectivity. Yet most of the government policies dealing with video, wireless, and Internet platforms were written for a world where none of these things even existed.
“It is a testament to the ingenuity of American businesses and entrepreneurs that they have been able to adapt and succeed with laws that are increasingly out-of-date. While I don’t doubt that they can and will continue to work around the growing shortcomings of our nation’s laws, American companies and consumers deserve better from our government.
“First, we need to modernize our communications laws to facilitate the growth of the Internet itself. And second, we need to update government policies to better reflect the innovations made possible by the Internet and other digital technologies. As chairman of the Senate committee most focused on helping businesses find opportunities for growing worker rolls and paychecks, the vast majority of our top agenda items fit into one of those two buckets.
“The Internet is the platform for learning, engaging, and creating in the digital world. The more robust and secure our networks are, the more prosperous our country will be. That means we need to both invest in America’s digital future and make sure the laws governing the Internet are well-crafted.
“One way government can help investment in our digital infrastructure is by finding ways to make it cheaper and easier to build mobile and fixed broadband networks. At the Commerce Committee, I introduced legislation called the MOBILE NOW Act to ensure that huge swaths of wireless spectrum are made available for commercial use by the year 2020. By then, we expect to see the next generation of ultra-high speed mobile services known as ‘5G,’ which will need more spectrum than is available today. MOBILE NOW would also cut through much of the bureaucratic red tape that makes it difficult to build wireless infrastructure on federal property. And the bill would facilitate inclusion of broadband-ready conduit in federally-supported highway projects, reducing the time and cost of building out Internet service.
“I expect the Commerce Committee to pass MOBILE NOW later this week, but this legislation is just the start of what Congress can do to promote network buildout. Even after Senate passage, I intend for the Commerce Committee to continue developing legislative proposals to spur broadband deployment, to make more spectrum available for the public, and to improve connectivity throughout rural America. And with Congress possibly working on broader infrastructure legislation this year, these kinds of ideas should be part of the discussion.
“Good Internet infrastructure policies and investments matter very little, however, if government bureaucrats have the ability to overregulate the digital world. And when it comes to regulating the Internet, one need look no further than the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In a world that was turning away from legacy telecom services and instead toward dynamic Internet applications, the FCC found its role in the world gradually diminishing. This is an inevitable and good byproduct of a more competitive world brought about by technological innovation and successful, light-touch polices.
“Yet over the last several years the FCC pursued an aggressively activist and partisan agenda that put government edicts ahead of real consumer desires in setting a course for the Internet. Speaking about new economic opportunities on the Internet, the last FCC chairman declared that – and I quote – ‘government is where we will work this out.’ I don’t know about you, but I think the marketplace should be the center of the debate over how our digital networks will function, not the FCC. And I believe consumers and job creators should be the ones deciding about new technologies, not the government.
“For instance, some Internet providers are offering service plans that allow you to stream video, music, or other content for free. These innovative offers are a sign of dynamic and aggressive competition in the marketplace. Yet two weeks ago, the outgoing FCC issued a report raising, what they called, “serious concerns” that such practices ‘likely…harm consumers.’ They seem to think being able to do more online for less money is bad for consumers. Meanwhile, consumers themselves seem to strongly disagree, because these free data offerings are quite popular.
“One of the important takeaways from November’s historic election is that the American people are tired of government bureaucrats trying to micromanage their lives. One way for us to address this concern in the digital space is to both modernize how the FCC operates and to reform what the FCC is allowed to do. We need a modern regulator that focuses more on fixing fundamental problems in the marketplace and focuses less on dictating the direction of technological innovation and progress.
“The last time Congress passed meaningful laws affecting the FCC was in the mid-1990s when the Internet was just in its infancy. It is clearly time for FCC reform. We have had many conversations about improving the agency, and this year presents a real opportunity to turn those conversations into solutions. Given the broad interest in promoting continued growth of the Internet, I’m confident we can attract the bipartisan support needed to move legislation modernizing the FCC across the Senate floor.
“Another area where I would like to achieve bipartisan agreement is on legislation to protect the Open Internet. We need clear and reasonable rules for the digital road that Internet companies, broadband providers, and end users can easily understand. Complex and ambiguous regulations that shift with the political winds aren’t in anyone’s best interest. For people to get the maximum benefit possible from the Internet, they need certainty about what the rules are, and most importantly, what the rules will be in the coming years. And the only way to achieve this is for Congress to pass bipartisan legislation.
“I have worked with my colleagues over the last two years to find a legislative solution, and while we haven’t gotten there yet, I remain committed to the cause. Who knows, the reality of a Republican FCC may help inspire some of my Democrat colleagues to embrace the idea that a bipartisan, legislative solution is the best possible outcome.
“For those who have heard me speak about these issues since I became chairman of the Commerce Committee two years ago, hopefully some of this sounds familiar. The committee was incredibly productive last year, with 60 measures enacted into law. We also made real progress on Internet-focused legislation, including committee approval of MOBILE NOW and the first FCC reauthorization bill in a quarter century. We’ll build on that foundation this Congress.
“To reiterate, my goals for the current Congress include: enacting MOBILE NOW; moving additional legislation on broadband deployment and spectrum policy; including broadband in any larger infrastructure package; finding a long-term, legislative solution to protecting the open Internet; and working with my colleagues in the Senate and the House on overdue updates to modernize the FCC and our communications laws.
“In all of this, I want to take advantage of the good ideas of our committee members and the stakeholders represented here today. If anyone has watched the two confirmation hearings we’ve held so far this month – for Elaine Chao to be Secretary of Transportation and Wilbur Ross to be Secretary of Commerce – you’ll no doubt appreciate that spectrum, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and broadband deployment, particularly in rural areas, were consistent themes from senators on both sides of the aisle. In other words, there will be no shortage of ideas to incorporate as we move forward on the goals I’ve outlined.
“It’s also important to underscore that – as this group knows well – there is not a bright line between Internet policy and the other key parts of our economy. The same is true for the Commerce Committee’s agenda.
“For example, self-driving vehicles will be one of our most significant areas of oversight in the new Congress. I use the term self-driving vehicle instead of autonomous vehicle because, as my colleague Sen. Gary Peters from Michigan recently explained, you still have to tell the vehicle where to take you. The term ‘autonomous’ makes it sound as if the vehicle doesn’t really need you anymore.
“Since 1946, more than 30,000 people have died every single year on the roadways of the United States. Over these 70 years, we’ve certainly saved lives by introducing seatbelts, air bags, and smarter designs. All of these important safety advancements, however, pale in comparison to the potential safety benefits of self-driving vehicles. It won’t come all at once, but self-driving technology has the potential to give road safety a record that competes with that of modern commercial airlines.
“Some have argued that self-driving cars, or at least certain functions, should be disconnected from the Internet to minimize the risk of malicious hacking. But there are some obvious benefits to cars that can communicate with each other or with the infrastructure – or can simply download the latest information about traffic conditions or updates to the vehicle’s operating software. So, conversations about the speed and security of our Internet connections will be intertwined with discussions about the safety of our roadways.
“At the Commerce Committee, we don’t guide new technologies; instead, technology guides us to the policies that are needed. At the end of the day, it will be American innovators and entrepreneurs who will determine what the digital future holds, not us. The best that government can do is try to facilitate their success while making sure we are not accidentally standing in their way.
“If youth is all about endless possibility, then adulthood is all about manifesting that potential into reality. As the Internet matures in its twenties, I am excited to watch how it and other emerging technologies will continue to change our world in the coming years. And as a leader in the Congress, I am eager to do my small part in ensuring that all Americans benefit from these amazing advances.”
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LAWMAKERS ADDRESS UNCONSTITUTIONAL MEASURE, SET STAGE FOR REPLACEMENT
Pierre, SD – January 23, 2017 – Today, South Dakota House State Affairs Committee members took action to repeal Initiated Measure 22 and replace it with a real, South Dakota solution. The Committee voted to send HB 1069 to the House Floor, which repeals the misleading Initiated Measure that went into effect last November and was ruled unconstitutional by a South Dakota Judge shortly after.
“We need to send a message to outside groups spending millions of dollars in our state to change our laws and our Constitution,” said House Majority Leader Lee Qualm. “South Dakotans deserve an apology from the proponents of this measure. They knew IM 22 was unconstitutional when they submitted it, yet they spent more than $1,700,000 dollars on deceptive ads to mislead voters,” added Leader Qualm.
Initiated Measure 22 supporters spent $1.73 million dollars to pass the measure. Of that, 98% came from outside South Dakota and 61% came from dark money groups that are not required to disclose their donors. One donor alone, Represent.us donated 57% of the money used in this campaign. Since the November elections, these same people have spent tens of thousands of dollars attacking elected officials in slanderous ads across South Dakota.
“South Dakota has a long history of good government and pragmatic stewardship,” said Speaker of the House Mark Mickelson. “We’ve become an inexpensive target for outside groups to test their agendas and introduce policies because of our low population and less expensive media market,” added Speaker Mickelson.
In 2016, seven measures were initiated and placed on South Dakota’s ballot. Three of them (IM 21, 22 and 23) would have changed South Dakota statute, while four (Constitutional Amendments S, T, U, and V) would re-write the state’s Constitution. 91% of the funding to support these measures came from out-of-state.
During the joint committee hearing, opponents of the effort to repeal and replace IM22 admitted that it would not have prevented or applied to the EB-5 or GEAR UP incidents in South Dakota.
Rounds Statement on Heather Wilson’s Nomination to Serve as Air Force Secretary
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the nomination of Dr. Heather Wilson, president of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T), to be secretary of the Air Force:
“I congratulate Dr. Wilson for being nominated to lead the Air Force,” said Rounds. “While I am selfishly disappointed she won’t be continuing to serve SDSM&T, our state’s loss is our country’s gain. Her experience as president of SDSM&T, U.S. Congresswoman and Air Force officer make her uniquely qualified for this important leadership position. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Wilson in this new role.”
The Senate Armed Services Committee has jurisdiction over Dr. Wilson’s confirmation. If confirmed, Wilson will be just the third female and first Air Force Academy graduate to serve as Secretary of the Air Force. Since 2013, Wilson has served as president of SDSM&T, a leading science and engineering school in the U.S. located in Rapid City. She represented New Mexico’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1998 – 2009.
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Noem Applauds Nomination of Heather Wilson for Air Force Secretary
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today applauded President Trump’s nomination of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology President Heather Wilson for Secretary of the Air Force.
“Time and again, Heather Wilson has answered her country’s call and inspired those around her to always aim higher,” said Noem. “I am confident her diversified experience, continually forward-looking vision, and bold leadership will enable our Air Force and the service men and women within it to fly, fight, win.”
A graduate of the Air Force Academy and a Rhodes Scholar, Heather Wilson served in the Air Force until 1989. Under President George H.W. Bush, Wilson served on the National Security Council. In 1998, Wilson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Mexico, and served there until 2009. In 2013, she became President of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where, among other things, she has worked to solve B1-B Bombers maintenance issues at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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Thune Statement on Heather Wilson’s Nomination to Serve as Secretary of the Air Force
“As an Air Force veteran, former member of Congress, and now leader of one of the nation’s top science and engineering schools, Heather Wilson is uniquely qualified to help lead America’s airmen …”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the White House announced that President Trump will nominate South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) President Heather Wilson to serve as the next secretary of the Air Force:
“As an Air Force veteran, former member of Congress, and now leader of one of the nation’s top science and engineering schools, Heather Wilson is uniquely qualified to help lead America’s airmen, and I look forward to supporting her nomination,” said Thune. “Our military requires strong and bold leadership, particularly in the early stages of a new administration, and Heather is exactly what the Air Force needs.”
Wilson served in the Air Force from 1982-1989 and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998 and served until 2009. In 2013, Wilson became president of SDSM&T, which is just miles away from Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Wilson was instrumental in applying cutting-edge technologies that were developed at SDSM&T to solve B1-B Bombers maintenance issues at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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