Category: Uncategorized

Guest Column: “Attending West Point was the Greatest Adventure of My Life”
By Landon, Rep. Dusty Johnson’s Military and Veteran Services Representative
September 5, 2025

I was in fifth grade when the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened. From then on, I knew I wanted to serve my country, and I joined as soon as I could. In fact, the month I turned 17 is when I joined the Army National Guard with my parents’ permission.

I became an infantryman in the Iowa National Guard, and in 2011, saw combat in Afghanistan. As the end of my deployment drew near, I began to think about what would come next. I had already spent a year at South Dakota State University, and I wondered if I would go back there. But I felt it would be hard for me to go back to a “normal” school environment after my experiences in Afghanistan. I wanted more purpose and direction in my life.

Landon in uniform

I decided I wanted to serve my country full-time and was willing to accept the challenge and burden of leadership as an officer. I wanted to be around other driven, military-focused people like me, like those at a United States Service Academy. I decided to apply to the United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point.

After I applied, my commander nominated me, which is an option given to only about 100 enlisted service members for each academy. I also pursued additional nominations from my Congresswoman and Senators. Before I could complete the application process for these nominations, I was accepted by West Point for the Class of 2016.

Attending West Point was the greatest adventure of my life. I was pushed to my limits and grew in many ways. I met other determined and driven people like me and gained confidence as I accomplished things I didn’t know I could do.

After West Point, the challenges only increased. I became an Infantry Officer and successfully completed Ranger School. I led and trained a platoon of 46 soldiers and deployed with them to Afghanistan. Later, I became a Company Executive Officer, and finally a Ranger Instructor at the school I went to at the start of my officer career. Now, I am the Military and Veteran Services Representative for Congressman Dusty Johnson.

My experiences at the Academy and in the Army shaped who I am today. It is a path that is not for the weak or fainthearted, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Congressman Dusty Johnson’s office is accepting Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2030 at the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Military Academy at West Point. For anyone who thinks they’re up to the challenge, I encourage you to apply to attend a Service Academy.

Information and nomination applications can be found at https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations or you can call our office at 605-275-2868.

Landon and Johnson at the U.S. Capitol

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Tax Relief for Hardworking Americans
By Sen. John Thune

Next year, working families in every county in South Dakota will see tax relief thanks to the One Big, Beautiful Bill. And because Republicans worked to make the tax cuts enacted in 2017 permanent, hardworking South Dakota families can be sure that they won’t face a massive tax hike down the road, which means they can spend, invest, and save more of their hard-earned money with more certainty about the future.

In 2017, we lowered tax rates for every income level, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction, among other reforms. This year, Republicans made those reforms permanent. Lower tax rates mean big savings for working families. The higher standard deduction both simplifies the process and lowers your tax burden. Plus, we enacted a new $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, giving roughly 200,000 South Dakota seniors more breathing room next tax season.

This bill also eliminated taxes on tips and overtime pay. That will bring significant tax savings for millions of workers who earn tips. And folks like first responders, police officers, nurses, and other workers picking up extra shifts and earning overtime pay will now be able to keep more of their hard-earned money too.

South Dakota small business owners, farmers, and ranchers will also see tax relief because of this bill. They will benefit from lower tax rates and the 199A small business deduction, as well as from investment incentives that make it easier to invest in new equipment and free up cash to invest in their employees and operations. And this bill raises the death tax exemption threshold, which means a lot more family-owned businesses, farms, and ranches won’t have to worry about a big tax bill wiping out what they’ve spent their lives building when they pass their business down to the next generation.

We also included a number of provisions to the tax code that benefit South Dakota families. We further raised the child tax credit and created new investment accounts for children that come with an initial $1,000 from the government. The money that families invest in these accounts can be used down the road for children’s education, to buy their first home, or start a business – to get a running start on their American Dream.

Thanks to this bill, America’s tax code is now permanently oriented toward supporting working families, building up our nation’s economy, and creating jobs here at home. I’m proud that Republicans have delivered permanent tax relief, and I’m eager to see the results begin to play out in South Dakota and across America.

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The grandson of Governor George Mickelson was in the audience last night at the Davison County Lincoln Day dinner.

Unfortunately, he had a seat where he had to watch the Republican Party Chairman – Obama supporter and former 32-year Democrat – Jim Eschenbaum attack his grandfather’s dream.  A dream of jobs and prosperity for his state which has served it well in the 40 years since. But the Chairman of the party doesn’t like it, because he looks in the mirror and thinks he somehow knows better.

I don’t have film, but as it was related to me by two people I spoke with today, apparently Eschenbaum got in front of the crowd and declared that half of the legislature has an ED issue. And said it was ED as in Economic Development.  And as no one laughed, he continued attacking economic development.

He went after data centers, despite it being part of President Donald Trump’s plan for the US to be a leader in AI.  And ultimately, despite the Republican platform having an entire section on Economic Development and Jobs that explicitly states..

2.1. Economic Growth – We support the creation of new jobs, economic development, and job training which will encourage our youth and adults to stay in the great State of South Dakota.

… in front of the crowd at Mitchell, I’m told Eschenbaum declared that we need to remove economic development from the Republican Platform.  In fact, I’m told he referred to it as “crony capitalism.”

The former Democrat chairman of the SDGOP has unilaterally decided that he doesn’t want to follow the Republican platform, considers it crony capitalism, and wants to change things for his own ends?

Has he checked his job description?  It’s like Catholics saying the Borgia family should be back in charge of the church.

Anyone who runs a business in South Dakota really needs to take stock. Because this guy just doesn’t get it, and wallows in short-sightedness.

Oh. I’m also told that while he was on the stage, he mentioned that he thinks we’re moving towards a one-world global government.  Which leads me to believe that he’s wallowing in something else.

(And it should be a good reminder not to donate to these goofballs. )

Governor Rhoden Celebrates Record-Breaking Build Dakota Awards
Strengthens South Dakota’s Future Workforce

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden celebrated the awarding of 630 new Build Dakota Scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year, the highest number in the program’s history. These recipients make up Cohort 11, representing the 11th year of scholarship awards through the Build Dakota program. You can find the complete list of recipients here.

“Build Dakota is more than a scholarship program; it is a long-term investment in the future of South Dakota. These awards represent a strategic commitment to equip learners with the skills to thrive in high-demand industries while supporting the growth and competitiveness of our state’s economy,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are building stronger communities by connecting students with meaningful career paths and aligning them with workforce needs.”

Established in 2015, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund was created through an initial $50 million investment from both philanthropist T. Denny Sanford and the Daugaard Administration. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than 4,500 full-ride scholarships to students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields and establishing rewarding careers in healthcare, construction, law enforcement, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology. The program plays a vital role in addressing South Dakota’s workforce needs by equipping students with the technical skills essential to the state’s continued economic growth.

“This scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for so many students,” said Deni Martin, Program Director of the Build Dakota Scholarship. “For more than a decade, we’ve worked alongside the four technical colleges – and with countless industry partners – to offer millions of dollars in scholarships. It’s neat to zoom out and think of the big picture effect we’re having on the workforce. But it’s also important to remember that for each and every person on this list, the Build Dakota Scholarship is a life-changing path to an impactful career.”

The 2025–2026 cohort reflects the strength of South Dakota’s public-private partnerships. This year, 92 percent of recipients are co-sponsored by businesses and organizations across the state. To date, industry partners have committed more than $21 million by partnering on scholarships, demonstrating a shared and growing investment in building a skilled and sustainable workforce.

According to recent data from the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, 98 to 100 percent of graduates from the state’s four technical colleges are employed or continuing their education, and nearly 90 percent of those employed are working in South Dakota. Build Dakota recipients further that impact by committing to live and work in the state for at least three years, strengthening local industries and communities.

Approximately 6 percent of the 630 scholarships awarded were granted to out-of-state students, many from neighboring Midwest states, who have committed to live and work in South Dakota following graduation. This approach not only strengthens the state’s talent pipeline but also expands our long-term economic reach by attracting new residents who are eager to grow their careers and contribute to South Dakota’s economy.

Businesses, students, and community leaders can learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship program by visiting www.BuildDakotaScholarships.com. Details on eligibility, Cohort 12 (2026) programs, and how to become an industry partner are available online.

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Johnson Votes to Sanction Chinese Companies for Their Role in America’s Fentanyl Crisis

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act to hold China accountable for its role in the fentanyl crisis. The bill passed with a vote of 407-4. Johnson is a member of the Fentanyl Policy Working Group within the Select Committee on China.

“China is the number one producer of fentanyl—the deadliest drug—and its precursor chemicals, yet the Chinese government continues to allow the flow of fentanyl out of their country,” said Johnson. “We must do more to protect our kids and adults and make our communities safe. I’m grateful the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to penalize the Chinese entities and officials who are fueling the fentanyl crisis in America.”

Background:

• Companies in China produce nearly all fentanyl precursor ingredients.
• Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
• According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, 42% of pills tested for fentanyl contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl, considered a potentially lethal dose. Drug trafficking organizations typically distribute fentanyl by the kilogram, which has the potential to kill 500,000 people.

Click here for the Select Committee on China’s report on the Chinese Communist Party’s role in the fentanyl crisis.

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From Facebook, State Senator Kevin Jensen – as he wants to keep kicking the prison can down the road – claims he wasn’t seeking the Secretary of Corrections resignation…

“I was not asking for the Secretary’s resignation, I was pushing for a rational discussion on the actual needs of DOC.“

Well, except for when he was seeking Wasko’s resignation..

“I just sent the following to a group of legislators I trust. Collective letter from prison staff calling for resignation of sec Wasko. Policy changes undermined security and safety. Please vote no on all prison expansion until there is resolution.“

Yeah…

Thune Crisscrosses South Dakota During State Work Period

“We’re setting our country up for a stronger and more prosperous future. And I can’t wait to see the benefits for my state of South Dakota and for our entire country.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden Releases Draft Legislation for New Prison

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden released the draft legislation for a new prison, which will be acted on in the upcoming special session of the South Dakota Legislature. This legislation reflects the plan that was unanimously approved by the prison task force. You can find the draft legislation here. An outline of the legislation can be found here.

“We are one step closer to delivering a new prison to replace the 140-year-old State Penitentiary,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We have a good site, a good plan, the money to pay for it, and now the legislation to authorize it. I look forward to working with legislators to get this bill passed.”

This legislation was drafted with consultation from legislative leadership, members of the prison task force, and the Legislative Research Council.

Last week, Governor Rhoden announced a FAQ page to answer questions about the plan for the new prison. More information about the full plan will be released within a week.

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South Dakota Searchlight has a good article by Josh Haiar which if you haven’t read it is an ominous foreshadowing of how some of the people running for governor view bringing new industries and the jobs that come with them into South Dakota, as they promise a future lacking vision and aspiration:

“You’re using tax dollars to bring in companies that compete with current South Dakota businesses,” (Jon) Hansen said. “You’re using their tax dollars to fund their competition.”

He has pledged to put an end to what he describes as “corporate welfare.”

and..

(Toby) Doeden told South Dakota Searchlight he hopes to change the focus of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. He said the state should shift its focus away from job creation, pointing to South Dakota’s 1.9% unemployment rate.

and..

“We will grow the economy with new small businesses, new energy production, expanded dairy, and bringing high-tech jobs home to South Dakota. We will keep tax rates low by growing the tax base,” the statement said. “This is growth with a purpose — not growth for its own sake, but growth that creates opportunity for the next generation.”

..(Dusty) Johnson said during a recent public forum that he is “befuddled” by blanket opposition to economic development, including data centers and other large projects. He said South Dakota leaders need to be “visionary” and bring new industries to the state “or we are saying that our children will have diminished opportunities.” That, Johnson said, is “absolutely unacceptable.”

“It’s un-American and it’s not at all capitalist,” he said.

Read the entire story here.

Candidate Jon Hansen’s NIMBY campaign is being built on the back of the BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) movement and Candidate Toby Doeden’s self-funded campaign directly coming out against investment in job creation is so anti-leadership, it immediately puts him in the reject pile for being conceived as a viable leader for South Dakota.

They both lack ambition, and they lack basic leadership. They lack vision. They both disqualify themselves from consideration for the job of governor because of their short-sightedness and lunkhead pandering. 

I always counsel people thinking of running that candidates should be inspirational and aspirational. Those are huge leadership qualities. Why do I point this out? Elections are not about the past – elections are about the future.

If you want your future to be kids moving away because they have no opportunity, leading to schools shutting down, and towns dying, then keep on the Hansen/Doeden path. Just because someone born on a farm in 1950 South Dakota couldn’t dream about working in an AI data Center in rural South Dakota doesn’t mean their kids won’t.

Governors have to think big and always about tomorrow.  Bill Janklow brought Citibank to South Dakota (And starting under him, his COS Dave Knudson was the architect of SD’s Trust success), George Mickelson was the father and architect of today’s economic development prosperity, and why South Dakota is a good place to do business. When Janklow came back, he wired the schools for data. Mike Rounds took a deep hole in the ground and turned it into a word class research lab, created research centers at state universities to attract federal and private funding, and worked with the federal team to save Ellsworth.

While it’s in vogue to throw rocks at Governor Kristi Noem, she was far more visionary than people would care to remember.  Early on, Kristi launched an effort to bring high-speed, sustainable broadband to every home and business in South Dakota. Her Cybersecurity initiative with DSU to bring a new applied research lab in Sioux Falls was a huge investment in training graduates for jobs. I can cite a few more that people ignore, but those were HUGE.

With most all of these initiatives to benefit the state for the future, there was opposition – in some cases, strong opposition. But there was a vision for the state, and there was leadership to make their vision happen.

The best takeaway from the article was a statement from Nathan Sanderson of SD Retailers talking about South Dakota’s success in the dairy industry; “If the state didn’t get involved, that growth wouldn’t have happened. This isn’t about picking winners and losers — it’s about building partnerships to improve quality of life.”

Thinking big and thinking about tomorrow isn’t just an aside when running for Governor. It’s central to the job description. And we don’t need people who don’t get that.

Hot off the press, the Christine Erickson for Mayor committee has released their fundraiser invite for the big event with her brother, legendary NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri happening on September 15 in Sioux Falls.

Check it out, and make plans to attend this event for the person who is likely to be the next Mayor for South Dakota’s largest city in the election happening on June 2, 2026.