Category: Uncategorized

Address to Joint Legislative Session
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
September 23, 2025

Lt. Governor Venhuizen, Speaker Hansen, Supreme Court justices, Constitutional officers, members of the House and Senate, and my fellow South Dakotans:

I want to welcome you all to the Capitol today. Thank you for making the time to be here. It’s customary for a Governor to give remarks at the beginning of a Special Session. But I promise not to take too much of your time. We have important work to get to, and I don’t want to hold it up.

We’re here today to complete something that is several years in the making.

Truth be told, I’m actually impressed with the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. It has stood for 144 years. That is no small feat. It’s probably a lot longer than anyone expected.

But our state is a lot different than it was 144 years ago. For starters, we weren’t even a state yet. We were still a territory. And as our state has grown, so has the number of criminals in need of rehabilitation.

And while there may be some that say, “lock em up and throw away the key,” we all realize that nearly all of them are going to be released back into society. Unless an offender is serving a life sentence, we will see them again in a South Dakota community.

If the primary goal of government is to keep people safe, we can and must do better. That means making long-term investments in public safety. And it means placing an emphasis on reducing recidivism and getting offenders back to work. That’s why I will be launching a new Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force following the passage of this legislation.

8 months ago, when I stood in front of you for the first time as Governor, I told you that the Penitentiary in Sioux Falls was “gothic.” That reality hasn’t changed in the last 8 months. Everyone realizes the Penitentiary needs to be replaced. But our situation has certainly changed.

After the proposal for a new penitentiary failed in this Chamber, we listened and put all options back on the table. I worked with legislative leadership to form a task force to look at this opportunity with fresh eyes, take public input, and build support. We put equal numbers of proponents and opponents on that task force. We included members from both chambers and both parties. And we brought in relevant folks from the fields of law enforcement, criminal justice, and behavioral health.

I challenged the task force to answer three questions:

1)              Do we need a new prison?

2)             How big should it be?

3)              And where should it be located?

I knew that we needed to build support on the answers to all three questions. But I never dreamed that we would have unanimous agreement from the task force on the answers to all three of those questions.

I’ve served on many task forces or summer studies. I’ve even chaired a few of them. Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t have to tell you that it’s rare to reach unanimous agreement on such high-profile issues. Especially when it comes to making key recommendations on big issues or large projects.

This will be the largest single public safety investment in the history of South Dakota. And the task force reached agreement on how to move forward. So today, I want to thank each and every member of that task force for taking leadership to get us to this point.

First, the man behind me – Lt. Governor Venhuizen. Tony, you took what seemed like an impossible task and helped get us to this point. You built agreement, then helped coordinate the design for the facility – Thank you.

To the Senators on the task force – President Pro Tem Karr, Majority Leader Mehlhaff, Senator Otten, Senator Lapka, Senator Kolbeck, Senator Hohn, and Senator Smith: Some of you supported the initial plan – some of you didn’t. But each of you played a role to get us here as well. Senators Karr and Mehlhaff in particular have been fantastic advocates of the task force’s plan. Senators, thank you for taking leadership and offering to be the chamber that runs this bill first.

And to the House members on the task force – Speaker Hansen, Majority Leader Odenbach, Speaker Pro Tem Lems, Representative Reisch, Representative Jamison, Representative Mulder, Representative Kolbeck, and Representative Healy: Again, some of you supported the initial plan – some of you didn’t. But your service on the Task Force represents some of the best we can expect from South Dakotans. You rolled up your sleeves and got to work to get the people/s business done. Thank you for hammering out an agreement.

And we have many of the non-legislator members of the task force here, as well: Attorney General Marty Jackley, Yankton Police Chief Jason Foote, Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar, Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead, Judge Jane Pfeifle, and Tiffany Wolfgang, who brought a perspective on behavioral health to the task force. Thank each of you for your unique contributions and expertise. You took the call and stepped up in public service when asked. Thank you. And to the Minnehaha County representatives, in particular – thank you for helping us build a Sioux Falls-focused solution.

The task force delivered unanimous agreement on all three questions presented to it. Their process was a true example of the benefits of open and civil discourse. They came from different sides of an issue. They took 8 hours of public comment from dozens of South Dakotans. They met four times in various parts of the state. And they built consensus when it seemed impossible. They proved that open and civil discourse doesn’t just make for good process – it makes for good policy.

Now, we have a good plan. This plan fills our need of 1,500 beds at the relevant security levels. It will be built to a 100-year construction standard, meaning we won’t have to do this again for a long time. It triples the programming and vocational training space that we have at the current state penitentiary. It has increased space for faith-based rehabilitation. And while this plan for the new Sioux Falls site cuts costs – it does not cut corners on security.

This plan has the support of South Dakota’s major law enforcement associations. They know that a new facility will help them keep our communities safe. Because this proposed plan meets the $650 million budget set by the task force, we don’t have to borrow money to pay for this investment.

I also want to recognize a few folks who are not here today.

To Former Governor Kristi Noem: thank you for having the wisdom and foresight to save for this project. This wasn’t a problem that you created. It wasn’t even a problem new to your Administration. But you were the first to chart a course to get this done. We would not be where we are today without your leadership. Thank you.

The same thanks goes to the former legislators who saved money so that we can pay cash to invest in public safety. That includes many of you in this chamber today. Those folks voted to save money in the past to protect taxpayers in the future. By paying cash up front, we’ll save hundreds of millions of dollars in the long-run. Because of those actions, we don’t have to raise taxes or cut services to invest in the public safety of the great people of South Dakota.

I’m also grateful for the contractors. They are swallowing additional risk to guarantee that South Dakota taxpayers won’t pay more than $650 million for this facility. By doing so, they put the biggest outstanding question to rest.

Throughout this process, there have been a lot of questions on this public safety investment. I was committed to making sure we got to this day without any questions left lingering. And it seems to me that we’ve answered them all. But I want to make one last commitment to you. When I stood up here 8 months ago, I told you that I wouldn’t be tough to find. And I’ll keep that promise.

Today, if any legislator has a question for me, or for my staff, my door will be open. Come on down to the 2nd floor, and let’s talk. Or if you’d prefer, we can just as easily come up here. If you still have any questions, let’s get them answered.

I promised not to talk long – and I’ve talked long enough. Thank you for prioritizing the safety of our correctional officers – and inmates, as well. Thank you for making an investment in public safety. This project will build the foundation for a century of true offender rehabilitation to take place.

South Dakota is a true example of fiscal responsibility, and an example to the rest of the country of what it means to be strong, safe, and free.

God bless you. And may God continue to bless the great state of South Dakota.

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In the last minute fight against the prison, one of the more bizarre attempts was the show put on by the goofball Mattress-guy Chris Larson and Steve Haugaard..

You know it was going to be laughable when 3 minutes into the video in the South Dakota political equivalent of I wish I knew how to quit you, the mattress guy can’t help himself and as he gazes into Steve’s eyes declares “you should have been Governor instead of Kristi Noem, okay?”

Yeah. Not sure there’s anyone out there except the mattress guy who is saying that.

The Dakota Scout has a story this evening describing detailing a night-before attack that 2% gubernatorial wannabe Rep. Jon Hansen is making against Governor Larry Rhoden’s prison reset that will be heard in special session tomorrow as everyone comes to Pierre to try to move forward on one of the largest building projects in South Dakota state government history:

South Dakota’s Speaker of the House says he will not support a proposal for a new prison after discovering the Department of Corrections is paying a gender dysphoria consultant to assess if state inmates are transgender.

But Gov. Larry Rhoden says while he agrees with his potential rival in the 2026 GOP primary race, his hands are tied until the federal courts make a ruling on a Trump-order ban on correctional inmates transitioning to genders not aligned with their legal sex while in custody.

and..

“The State has never paid for transgender surgeries, and I don’t think we should ever spend a dime on these types of treatments,” he (Governor Rhoden) said, also referencing aggressive outreach his office has been conducting with lawmakers ahead of the special session. “We have been talking directly to candidate Hansen for more than than two weeks and are answering his questions, and I appreciate Hansen’s support for my position.”

Read the entire story here at Dakota Scout.

So, Hansen has known for weeks that the state is stuck paying for this kind of consultant until a ruling by federal courts.. yet waits until the day before the special session in a very public self-serving “October Surprise” in an attempt to drop a figurative nuclear bomb on the prison reset project that everyone – including himself – have been working on for months?  Sorry, but it’s just underlining why he has no business being in elective office.

Because instead of looking towards how to best serve the citizens of South Dakota, or, acting in a palms-up manner, he intentionally uses something he’s known for weeks to launch a fairly slimy sneak attack where everyone had been working together in good faith.

At least, everyone but Hansen.

The state’s corrections system had been stuck paying for something they didn’t want to until a court makes a decision? Well, welcome to governing where sometimes the best you can do is to pick the least worst of bad options, until you can find a better solution.  Which according to what I read was what the state was doing.

The big question is how far Hansen thinks we need to kick the can down the road, so we can cost taxpayers even more?  Because if that’s what happens, he should be proud of what he has accomplished. Because he can take the blame for every cent more of taxpayer funds that the project will cost.

Gov. Rhoden Supports Reconsideration of Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to support the EPA’s Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards. You can find the letter here.

“Thank you for your leadership on the Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden. “Your action will restore consumer choice and give the American people, including my neighbors here in South Dakota, the opportunity to purchase the best vehicle for their individual needs, regardless of its energy source.”

According to the EPA, the 2009 Endangerment Finding has been used to justify over one trillion dollars in regulations on the American people, including former President Biden’s electric vehicle mandate. If finalized, Administrator Zeldin’s proposal would repeal all resulting greenhouse gas emission regulations for motor vehicles and engines, reinstating consumer choice.

“Americans are already burdened with red tape and should not be subject to higher costs as a result of flawed regulations,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden. “This action will help keep prices down so that we can keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”

South Dakota has the second fewest regulations of any state in America and stands as an example that limited regulation and cutting red tape can unleash economic prosperity.

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In case you’re tracking candidate events, Marty Jackley’s campaign for Congress is having an event after the special session tomorrow in Pierre, with a number of statewide officials hosting including Brock Greenfield, Rich Sattgast, & Josh Haeder, as well as former officials Roger Tellinghuisen, Shantel Krebs, & Steve Barnett.

(From Facebook)

Official Statement from Representative Peri Pourier
September 22, 2025

A Strategic Shift in Party Affiliation — and an Unwavering Commitment to Community

I have formally changed my voter registration from Democrat to Republican. My name will now appear with an (R) designation. I recognize this decision may spark questions, assumptions, and criticism. Change is always difficult, but when change comes it is always necessary. Here is some broader context for your consideration – Remember context changes everything.

I represent communities where hardship is not theoretical — it is lived daily, passed down through generations. Our elders and our children endure conditions that defy the promises of the Constitution. Basic rights and protections that many Americans take for granted remain out of reach in Indian Country. Addiction, violence, and unresolved tragedies persist. Families grieve the loss of children to suicide, homicide, and disappearance. Public safety and the rule of law — foundations of a functioning society — are breaking down, and with them, any pathway toward sustainable prosperity.

Meanwhile, the national political landscape has shifted dramatically. Federal policy is changing course, and local, state, and tribal governments are facing the consequences. Leaders who fail to adapt will leave their communities vulnerable. I refuse to be passive. I will not wait for permission to protect our children, our elders, and our homelands. I will be present where decisions are made — to ensure our voices are not just heard but prioritized.

The core tenets of the Republican Party — decentralized government, self-determination, economic prosperity, lower energy costs, and robust public safety — align with the principle of tribal sovereignty. By contrast, well-intentioned Democratic reforms have too often undermined sovereignty. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 forced a one-size-fits-all model of governance that disregarded traditional systems and tied federal funding to this imposed framework. What was presented as empowerment ultimately diminished nationhood and reinforced federal control – depilating any hope of self-sufficiency. The long-term consequences of such federal policy failures are still felt on the Pine Ridge Reservation today.

I have spent my career advocating for change, and I remain steadfast in that mission. But to meet the urgency of this moment, adaptation is not optional — it is imperative.

This is not about partisan loyalty. It is about loyalty to the people. My decision reflects a strategic recalibration — one that strengthens my ability to advocate for our communities and deliver meaningful results. I will not explain away poverty and violence with rhetoric. I remain committed to confronting these issues directly — not someday, not when it becomes politically convenient, but now.

With resolve and respect,

Rep. Peri Pourier
South Dakota State House of Representatives
District 27

From Facebook:

And there is an official announcement as well…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

South Dakota State Representative Heather Baxter Announces Candidacy for South Dakota Secretary of State

Heather Baxter, a Christian conservative republican legislator and avid advocate of election reform, proudly announces her candidacy for South Dakota Secretary of State. Running on a platform of returning elections to the people, Baxter is committed to restoring truth, transparency, and trust in South Dakota’s electoral process, aligning her vision with President Trump’s platform on election integrity.

“Our elections must reflect the will of the people,” Baxter stated. “As Secretary of State, I will bring fresh leadership to the fight for accessibility, accountability, and security to ensure every South Dakotan’s voice is heard and every vote is counted publicly and accurately.”

Baxter’s platform focuses on restoring public trust and faith in the electoral process by making elections secure again through implementing President Donald J. Trump’s election initiatives detailed in his Executive Order on Securing American Elections. Further, she promises improved customer service, promoting civic engagement, and DOGE initiatives for all Secretary of State areas of responsibility.  She pledges to implement common-sense reforms that cut burdensome processes and fees while making all office services clear and accessible for all.

Heather Baxter invites South Dakotans to join her campaign to restore our Republic by ensuring elections truly belong to the people. Together, we can Make Elections Secure Again.

For more information about Heather Baxter’s campaign or to get involved, visit

Website: www.baxterforsos.com

Well.. I guess we know who’s running now on the wackadoodle ticket now that Leah Anderson has dropped out of the race…

South Dakota Democrats have filed their FEC Report for September 2025. And in case you were wondering, they had individual donors, at the same time the SDGOP did not.

SDDP Sept 2025 FEC by Pat Powers

Democrats added $33,915.67 to the $58,603.68 cash they had on hand from last month, against expenditures of $39,713.11. Leaving them only $5k down for their big state dinner expenses and salaries.   I believe this was the month with all the expenses from the event

But unlike the SDGOP, what they did report are active donors – about 39 pages of them.  A feat their former member who is in charge of the Republican party seems unable to inspire. Unfortunately, our 32-year former Democrat Jim Eschenbaum was not one of the good ones. (Maybe we can trade him in, and hope we can do better with a different Democrat?)

Well, we’ll see how the October reports look.  Stay tuned.

Some new PAC that no one can find identifying information for is suddenly announcing a Charlie Kirk remembrance via text blast today in the Aberdeen area.

Hm. That’s sudden and I haven’t seen a lot of churches announce services via text blast. Who else uses that text blast method almost weekly? 

And what’s this service all about?    Well, I was sent the program from a source. And it appears that the reflection is coming from Toby Doeden, and no other elected officials or politicians seems to be participating?  Imagine that.

Maybe it’s just cynical me, but why do I think there the church photographer will be there to document Doeden at the podium/pulpit (again)?  What was that quote I used last time?

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.“

– Matthew 6:5

From Coast to Coast
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
September 19, 2025

BIG Update

This week, the application opened for states to apply for assistance from the Rural Health Transformation Fund. These dollars are the largest single investment in rural health care in history. It provides $50 billion for workforce development, incentives for innovative care and technology, and ensures sustainable health care access for rural South Dakotans.

BIG Idea

All Americans depend on strong ocean shipping supply chains to buy and sell the products that fuel their lives—from groceries to energy sources to clothes and Christmas presents. I know how vital this shipping method is, especially for South Dakotans who export their crops. I’m leading the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Reauthorization Act to improve and strengthen our supply chain and down on China’s anticompetitive business trade practices.

The FMC Reauthorization Act passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it pass the House soon, so American imports and exports compete on a level playing field.

 Click here or the image above to watch Johnson’s remarks

BIG News

The Constitution grants Congress legislative authority to oversee Washington, D.C. After years of violent crime, the House voted to strengthen law enforcement measures in the nation’s capital. Currently, under Washington, D.C. laws, a juvenile is defined as anyone under the age of 25. This means a 24-year-old accused of carjacking could be tried as a juvenile. I voted to change the juvenile age to 18.

I also supported legislation to restore the ability of D.C. police officers to protect their communities. Current D.C. Council regulations require officers to meet 14 different factors before allowing the vehicular pursuit of a fleeing suspect in a motor vehicle. The bill I supported would put that decision back in the hands of law enforcement. It’s time D.C. lets officers do their jobs.

Soft-on-crime policies protect repeat criminal offenders. I’m working to make our communities safer for everyone.

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