Category: Uncategorized

With many races already decided in the primary elections with fall elections quickly approaching, it is that time where legislators turn to more noble pursuits.. 

Oh, who are we kidding? It’s time for our elected officials to start campaigning for caucus leadership. From reports of checks being written and calls being made, here’s the state of how the 2025 leadership races look, which will likely be decided shortly after the election possibly on the eve before the Governor’s budget address.

House of Representatives:

Speaker of the House – Mike Stevens v. Jon Hansen
Speaker Pro Temp – Taylor Rehfeldt v Karla Lems
Majority Leader – Will Mortenson v. Scott Odenbach
Assistant Leader – Drew Peterson v. Greg Jamison v. Marty Overweg

The House races seem to be driven by the forces of stability holding the caucus together these past 2 years versus the crew that wants to go back to the bad old days that we had under house leaders such as Spencer Gosch, or Steve Haugaard.  Remember the years where women were commanded that they can’t go sleeveless, and special session votes were held as secret?  Those were not the good old days.  

Senate:

President Pro Temp – Dave Wheeler v. Steve Kolbeck v. Chris Karr
Majority Leader – Casey Crabtree v Jim Mehlhaff
Assistant Majority Leader – Helene Duhamel or Sydney Davis v. possibly Taffy Howard*

The race for the leader of the State Senate is a toss up at the moment between Wheeler, Kolbeck & Karr each working to find a pathway forwards with the votes they have to work with. And that may be decided by who wins on November 5, and who can build a coalition with the Democrats that end up in the Senate.  The contest for Majority Leader is surprising, considering Crabtree’s strong leadership over the past 2 years, but given the stack of wild cards thrown in the Senate with the number of new people coming in – who knows how that is going to go. 

Same thing for the race for Assistant Majority Leader. It’s an election day contest. #1 will be whether Helene Duhamel is successful in her re-election effort against Independent candidate & transplanted Texan Karen McNeal. Another strong contender is District 17’s Sydney Davis. These two candidates – both of whom are solid legislators and lovely people – would likely not run against each other as much as find middle ground.   *There are rumors that Taffy Howard is going out and meeting Senators, possibly in a bid for a leadership seat. Buuut… There are also rumors that she’s making personal visits begging for cash because her coffers have dried up after the primary.  We’ll see what shakes out when Pre-General reports are filed.  

With those names floating around in the ether in Leadership discussions the most sure bet is that once we have the election, then things are going to get really crazy.

Stay tuned.

I don’t think I’d seen this figure before, but WOW. How to eliminate 1/3 of South Dakota State Budget at the hands of a very poorly written ballot measure:

According to a memo to be presented to the Joint Committee on Appropriations on July 30, 2024, the LRC estimates that IM-28 could negatively impact South Dakota’s state budget by up to $646.2 million for the 2025 Fiscal Year. This amount represents 46.5 percent of the state’s sales tax revenue and 100 percent of tobacco tax revenues.

Read that here.

Calling it’s passage catastrophic would be an understatement.

Imagine how much our property taxes would go up. Imagine what new taxes would be put upon South Dakotans, were it to pass.

Ever wanted to see a South Dakota with nearly everything funded by state government shut down?  That would be one way to find out.

The “Save Reggie saga” from the Republican National Convention seems to have gotten a whole lot sillier this afternoon, with the complaining delegate claiming that it was a Hatfield-McCoy-type feud which culminated in an angry phone grudge toss, when reality seems to be more like annoying influencers trying to get video of themselves at the expense of the crowd at large.

But the best bit of information is – despite what reads like a dime store novel – is that they can’t actually find a victim who was iBonked by an iPhone:

Lauschke claimed Larry Rhoden had a more boisterous reaction at the Fort Pierre rodeo center on May 2. Lauschke said he witnessed the lieutenant governor having what he described as “an absolute fit” after failing to claim a delegate spot, and that he was directly confronted by Larry Rhoden after the regional election.

and.

Lauschke claimed he was laying on the ground as the state’s delegates were congregating around Rhoden to capture video of Howard, who had asked Lauschke to film her taking part in the roll call using her cell phone. Lauschke explained he was attempting to capture a “dramatic,” low-angle shot of Howard and the group.

That’s when Reggie Rhoden allegedly pushed past two female delegates to insert himself in front of the group and stand next to his father before the studio cameras went live for the vote, Lauschke claimed. In the process, Lauschke said Reggie Rhoden allegedly instructed him to stand up before “wrestling” the phone out of his hand and tossing it toward the Maryland group, which hit a delegate in the legs. Lauschke said his right wrist was “hurt a little bit” as a result.

and..

Lauschke said. “I made slot No. 3 for the entire state, and Larry got nothing … and I think that is part of the anger that Reggie Rhoden, his son, had, part of that anger just discharged at that moment.”

and..

The state’s Republican Party Executive Director Adam Wood told the Argus Leader none of the Maryland delegates reported being hit by a phone and that he had learned about the alleged incident when this paper contacted him on Sept. 19.

Read the entire story here.

What the iHell did I just read? Because the tales of revenge and violently thrown iPhones given to the media by the alleged victim seems completely and utterly ridiculous.  How about an alternative guess of what may have transpired that seems closer to reality…

Man with iPhone lays on the ground in front of Republican Delegation in the middle of the Republican convention to get video for self-important person who wants to mug for the camera. Party employee notices older person laying on the ground in front of delegation moments before the national convention camera comes over for the live spot for national TV, and goes you can’t lay on the ground in the middle of the convention, and hauls him up and out of the way, while guy drops phone.  Man who laid on ground in middle of crowded group of thousands of people doesn’t get video, phone is scattered to wind in crush of crowd, and he throws fit.

Because that seems like a much more plausible story than the tale of delegate jealousy and revenge that’s being spun.  And you can’t help but notice as reported in the story that “none of the Maryland delegates reported being hit by a phone.” Despite the drama ridden tale that they’re trying to sell for sympathy.

If we should take anything away from the story, it’s that if you lay down in a crowd of 2500 people, someone is going to tell you to stand up, and may help get your fool rear-end out of the way.

And you might drop your phone if you’re trying to film the whole thing.

Thune: Families Falling Behind in Biden-Harris Economy

 “President Biden has talked a lot about building an economy from the bottom up and the middle out. But it’s lower- and middle-income Americans who have suffered the most in the Biden-Harris economy.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the burden Americans are facing as a result of the Biden-Harris administration’s reckless spending. Thune noted that American families have to spend over $13,000 more per year to maintain the same standard of living they had when President Biden and Vice President Harris took office.

Congressman Dusty Johnson through his “Dusty PAC” Committee has started running radio ads regarding his opposition to Amendment G.

You can give it a listen here:

This is especially noteworthy, as it fully expresses his opposition against placing abortion in the state constitution. But, at the same time recognizing that there may be alternative means to oppose the amendment than sending a check to some of the traditional players.

The ad is running statewide on KELO and KOTA AM radio.

Gov. Noem and Colleagues Demand that Sen. Schumer Protect Jewish Americans

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and 25 fellow Republican governors demanded that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pass legislation to protect and show support for Jewish-American communities. You can read the letter here.

““We are less than one month away from the first anniversary of October 7, when Hamas terrorists brutally murdered, raped, tortured, and kidnapped Israeli and American citizens,” wrote Governor Noem and her colleagues. “Meanwhile, we have all watched the horrific rise of overt antisemitism on display in our own nation. As students across the country return to college campuses, we must send a unified and clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated in America.”

There are still more than 60 hostages presumed alive but held captive in Gaza. Earlier this month, Israeli Defense Forces recovered the bodies of six hostages in a tunnel Gaza, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

“Seven Americans are still held hostage by Hamas – we should never forget about them,” said Governor Noem.

Earlier this year, Governor Noem signed a historic bill to combat antisemitism, HB 1076. The bill requires the consideration of the definition of antisemitism when investigating unfair or discriminatory practices. It defines antisemitism and makes it easier to prove when discriminatory conduct is motivated by antisemitism.  Governor Noem singed this bill during a signing ceremony in March and was joined by many prominent leaders in the Jewish-American community.

“Republican governors across the nation have unanimously supported the adoption of the IHRA working definition at the state level, and now we call upon the U.S. Senate to show support for our nation’s Jewish population at this time of growing attacks against their religion. Our nation was founded on freedom of religion, and this legislation reaffirms our commitment that people can live, learn, and prosper safely. There is no place for hate in our great nation.”

Governor Noem was joined in signing the letter by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

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IM28 Requires Cuts to Schools and Nursing Homes
by House Majority Leader Will Mortenson (R-Fort Pierre)
and Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree (R-Madison)
September 25, 2024

In November, South Dakotans will decide whether to adopt a measure that would have a massive impact on the state budget and all who rely on it. Initiated Measure 28 (IM28) would repeal taxes on tobacco, food, toothpaste, and everything else that humans consume. It would reduce state funding by at least $176 Million with no replacement revenue, meaning it would require the state to cut at least $176 Million.

Balancing the budget is something we take seriously in South Dakota – our constitution requires it. IM28 does not include any plan to pay for itself; it simply eliminates revenue. Less revenue coming in must be accounted for somewhere, that is simple math and common sense. In South Dakota, we don’t use one-time money for ongoing expenses. Our budget must be truly balanced, with no gimmicks.

And we aren’t going to raise taxes. We need to honor the will of the voters. If the voters approve IM28, it would be bizarre to say that the will of the voters is to raise another tax. If the people had wanted to switch one tax for another one, they would have proposed that. Instead, IM28 contains a large revenue reduction with no replacement.

So – if IM28 passes, we will need to reduce state spending by at least $176 Million. Before going to vote, South Dakotans deserve to know what those cuts will mean. The state budget is comprised of four main buckets: Education, Medicaid, Public Safety, and Everything Else. Education accounts for approximately 45% of the general fund budget. Medicaid, which funds nursing homes, hospitals, and other care providers, is about 35%. Public Safety, which includes prisons, courts, and law enforcement, makes up 15% or so. Everything Else is about 5% of the state budget.

Category	Approximate Expense
Education	45% ($1.05 Billion)
Medicaid	35% ($800 Million)
Public Safety	15% ($350 Million)
Everything Else	5% ($150 Million)

Each 1% of the state budget costs about $25 Million. Based on the size of the reduction proposed in IM28, we would need to cut at least 7% across-the-board. We are hopeful to have 2% or 3% growth in revenues this year, which would reduce the cuts to about 5%. So, if IM28 passes and the state has strong revenue growth, the minimum cut that South Dakotans should expect for schools and nursing homes would be about 5%. If revenues weaken, of course, the cuts could be larger.

We believe this is among the most irresponsible measures ever put before the voters. Every South Dakotan who runs a household, business, or organization knows that you don’t just cut revenue with no plan. That is a recipe for disaster. Yet, that is what has been proposed in IM28. The Democratic Party recently endorsed cutting schools and nursing homes through this plan, showing their party bosses stand for deficits and irresponsible budgeting. IM28 would be flat-out harmful to South Dakota. We strongly urge a ‘No’ vote.

However, if IM28 passes, we will respect the will of the voters. If they decide to cut revenues and expenses by passing IM28, we will honor their decision. We will not allow South Dakota to fall into deficits and debt. And we will not raise taxes. If IM28 passes, we will take our direction from the voters: reduce revenues and cut spending on schools, nursing homes, public safety, and everything else.

What is it with the far right wrapping their arms around controversial people who are accused of racism recently?  First, we have Toby Doeden having an event with Mark Robinson as the keynote speaker, and now we have D9 legislative candidate Joy Hohn emceeing an event bringing Steve King to South Dakota as their advocate against co2 pipelines:

The event will feature Congressman Steve King (Ret.) of Iowa, a property rights advocate who has been across Iowa and elsewhere to “defend the rights of landowners.”

and..

South Dakota Senate Candidate Joy Hohn of District 9 will emcee the event. “Citizens’ rights are under immediate threat with the passage of SB201 (RL21). Despite our relentless efforts—testifying in Pierre, meeting with officials, issuing press releases, and collecting tens of thousands of signatures—our voices have been ignored, and backroom deals have been struck,” said Hohn.

Read the entire story here.

With regards to King serving as their advocate, what about the other part that caused him to be stripped of his committee seats in Congress, and not be “Congressman from Iowa” anymore?

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) faces a potential censure motion from congressional Democrats and splintering support among Republicans after using racist language in a New York Times interview, questioning when the terms “white nationalist, white supremacist and western civilization” became “offensive.”

The statements drew denunciations from across the political divide, including from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. King later issued a statement rejecting the labels of “white nationalism and white supremacy” and calling himself a “nationalist.”

and..

Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina released an op-ed in the Washington Post, blasting King and the Republican Party’s lackluster response.

“When people with opinions similar to King’s open their mouths, they damage not only the Republican Party and the conservative brand but also our nation as a whole,” said Scott. “Some in our party wonder why Republicans are constantly accused of racism — it is because of our silence when things like this are said.”

Read that story here.

Ugh. Well, I’m sure that will just be a feather in their cap.

You know, I think it has been a while since we’ve seen the phrase “Atty General Marty Jackley joining District 30 Republican Senate candidate..”

Possibly because the last one spent her time on paranoia claiming that schools were going to transgender your kids, and delivering not so helpful advice on vaccines and breast-feeding.

Strengthen Parental Rights Through Parental Consent
by Linda Schauer, Concerned Women of America

It’s no secret that we are living in the digital age, with more at the tips of our fingers than ever before. This has had both positive and negative impacts on our society and, more importantly, our children. While children have been able to learn, create, and stay in touch with friends online, there have also been some serious concerns about their safety in the unregulated digital world.

These safety concerns have started to be raised all across the United States with parents calling on lawmakers to find a solution. Parents here in South Dakota are no different and understand the importance of finding a solution to this growing issue now.

Across the country, 95% of teens use or have access to smartphones. This has led to our nation’s youth being only a few clicks away from being exposed to graphic and non-age-appropriate material. The access to this type of material can cause children both mental and physical harm. Currently, app store owners do not hold any of the responsibility for the content that our children, and they are actively threatening lawmakers with lawsuits to kill any legislation that would require them to care about protecting children who use their devices.

Companies like Apple and Google create the devices these teens use and then regulate the app stores through which our children access online platforms. It’s only common sense that, if they are the promoters and gatekeepers for our children to get online, they take the necessary steps to help protect our children from inappropriate content. That is why Concerned Women for America of South Dakota believes it is time to enact legislation that will require age verification at the app store level.

The development would require app stores to receive parental approval prior to allowing any apps to be downloaded or purchased by children under 16 years old. Along with these precautions, parents should receive a comprehensive summary of what services will be provided so they can fully understand what their children are downloading on devices and are able to make well-informed decisions. Time after time, we have seen these app store companies deflect blame while failing to protect children. It is time we put parents in the driver’s seat and give them the tools they need to monitor and approve what their children can do online more easily.

Requiring parental consent on these platforms is already widely supported by parents on both sides of the political spectrum. A Pew Research Center poll found that 81% of U.S. adults support social media companies requiring parental consent for minors. Additionally, earlier this year the Bipartisan Policy Center, established by former South Dakota U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle, held an open dialogue discussion on social media and our youth in Sioux Falls. The bipartisan panel, which featured Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken (Republican), former Florida U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings (Democrat), and others, concluded that we need to take action to protect kids’ mental health from social media.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the fate of our children is on the line. We must act now. App stores are uniquely positioned to most effectively implement age verification and stop our nation’s youth from harmful and non-age-appropriate content. Adding these age verification requirements is a commonsense solution that will move the ball forward in this regard. South Dakota parents should support legislation that empowers us to do what we do best – protect our children.

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Linda Schauer is state director for Concerned Women for America of South Dakota.