Category: Uncategorized

Mark Willadsen to run for District 9 State Senate seat.

Mark Willadsen announced his candidacy today for the South Dakota State Senate representing District 9.  Willadsen, a Republican, is a retired insurance agent, and has a long history of civic service in the Sioux Falls community, including 15 years in  the State House of Representatives.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Minnehaha County in the South Dakota Senate” Willadsen noted.

Over the years, Willadsen has been a leading voice in Pierre for legislation to improve the lives of South Dakotans. One of the signature pieces of legislation he authored in recent years (HB 1091, 2016) was to change South Dakota insurance laws so ride share services such as UBER and LYFT could come and operate in our state.  “This was a great example of business, insurers, regulators, and South Dakotans coming together to keep pace with the changing times and to open up more opportunities in a changing economy.”  Willadsen was also instrumental in passing legislation to expand the Dakota State University Applied Research Lab enabling South Dakota students to be at the forefront of this expanding industry, with good paying jobs right here in our state. (SB 130, 2022).  Willadsen said “My Legislative career has been about opening doors and fixing laws that don’t make sense.  I’m a big proponent in opening our state up for business, and making sure we keep pace with tomorrow’s economy.”

Willadsen is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls, past president of the Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club, Crime Stoppers of the Sioux Empire, and the Sioux Falls Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.  He is a past Chairman of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Tax Council.

Willadsen and his wife Suzanne of 47 years have 3 grown children and 12 grandchildren, all living in the Sioux Falls area.

Gov. Noem Signs Teacher Compensation and Literacy Bills into Law

Signs Other Education and Workforce Bills 

MITCHELL, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 127, which establishes a minimum teacher salary and revises the requirements pertaining to average teacher compensation, and HB 1022, which make an appropriation to the Department of Education to provide professional development in literacy to teachers.

“Our teachers are one of the most important factors to set our kids up for a lifetime of success,” said Governor Noem. “Together, we are making sure that they receive the pay that they deserve and that they are equipped to deliver the most proven model of literacy teaching to our kids.”

Governor Noem signed the bills at the Mitchell High School Library. A photo of the bill signing ceremony can be found here.

Governor Noem also signed the following eight education and workforce bills into law:

• SB 1 expands eligibility for the reduced tuition benefit for certain school district and Head Start employees at Board of Regents institutions to school counselors;
• SB 29 allows eligible members of the South Dakota National Guard attending an in-state private, nonprofit post-secondary institution to receive the state tuition benefit;
• SB 72 increases the annual limit of tax credits that an insurance company may claim through the partners in education tax credit program;
• SB 151 revises and repeals provisions related to the licensure of athletic trainers;
• HB 1178 prohibits the Board of Regents or any institution under its control from using state resources for obscene live conduct;
• HB 1187 creates a one-year career and technical education instructor educator permit;
• HB 1201 makes an appropriation for the teacher apprenticeship pathway program; and,
• HB 1233 amends requirements for a cosmetology apprenticeship.

Governor Noem has signed 171 bills into law this legislative session.

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Gov. Noem Signs Bill to Fund Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology into Law 

MADISON, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 45, which funds the establishment of a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology. You can find a photo of the bill signing here.

“South Dakota is continuing to be a leader in emerging technology,” said Governor Noem. “This center will combine numerous fields to make tremendous advancements in cybersecurity, agriculture, healthcare and more.”

Governor Noem signed the bill at the Dakota State University Madison Cyber Labs, also known as Mad Labs.

“With the establishment of The Center for Quantum Information Science & Technology, we are embarking on a new chapter in the story of human knowledge, one that will allow us to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s environment,” said President of Dakota State University Jose Marie Griffiths. “The Center is a venture into the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s known and exploring the uncharted territory of the quantum world. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators, and all who supported this effort.”

Governor Noem also signed SB 187, which establishes a cybersecurity services initiative for counties and municipalities.

Governor Noem has signed 161 bills into law this legislative session.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces State to Seek Death Penalty in Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff’s Death

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced that the state has filed its notice to seek the death penalty in the First Degree Murder case against Joseph Gene Hoek of Sioux Falls for the Feb. 2 death of Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok.

“This is a decision that is never taken lightly,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Based upon the aggravating circumstances of this case, we believe it is appropriate.”

Hoek has been charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Eluding.

During a court hearing Wednesday in Moody County Circuit Court, Attorney General Jackley provided written notice to the court on the state’s intention to seek the death penalty if a jury finds the defendant guilty of First Degree Murder. The Attorney General cited two of the statutory aggravating circumstances, where at least one is required to seek the death penalty.

• That Hoek committed First Degree Murder while Chief Deputy Prorok was engaged in the performance of his official duties; and,
• That Hoek committed First Degree Murder for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest of Hoek.

“If a jury finds the defendant guilty of First Degree Murder, it will be the state’s intention to offer evidence to the jury that will prove that one or both of these aggravating circumstances have been met,” said Attorney General Jackley.

The next court appearance is 11:00 a.m. June 20, 2024, at the Moody County Courthouse in Flandreau.  The defendant has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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Quite the dichotomy of candidates who have filed petitions this morning.

On one hand Jim Halverson, candidate for District 21 House who I wrote about last week, filed his paperwork this AM to run in a primary for that election.

On the other, Rick Weible, of whom much has been written about and I’m sure much more will be, also filed paperwork, except he’s taking on the Republican Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree in a race for District 8 State Senate.

So far today, you have a good candidate running in Jim Halverson. And you have one of the leaders of the election truther/vote counting machine paranoia movements in the state.

Petitions were also turned in today by Republican House Assistant Majority Leader Taylor Rehfeldt (D14) , and in D7, we have Weible’s fellow Brookings book banner Jeff Struwe also turning in petitions to run for the House.

This June Primary election, it looks like Republicans will be presented with choices; are we going to seek the light with those who present us with leadership and opportunity, or are we going with those who campaign on conspiracy theories and big government that tells us what we’re allowed to read and how we are supposed to raise our kids?

And those should be considered important choices.

Thune Leads Colleagues in Demanding the Biden Administration Increase Agricultural Exports  

 “A continued decline in U.S. agricultural exports is avoidable and unacceptable. The Biden administration must take immediate action to ensure this does not become a long-term trend.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.); John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, today led 19 of their colleagues in urging U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to increase U.S. agricultural exports and improve the competitiveness of U.S. products abroad.

“We expect trade to fluctuate in response to macroeconomic factors and market conditions,” wrote the senators. “However, the current sharp decline in U.S. agricultural exports is directly attributable to and exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. While the Biden administration continually refuses to pursue traditional free trade agreements, China, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others continue to ink trade pacts that diminish American export opportunities and global economic influence.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds, (R-S.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Full letter below:

Dear Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack:

We write to express deep concern with the continued erosion of critical markets for U.S. agricultural exports. For decades, the United States steadily increased market access for U.S. food and agricultural products. We accomplished this feat through negotiations of actual free trade agreements, removal of technical barriers to trade, and holding our trading partners accountable to their commitments, all of which have helped strengthen the agriculture economy at home and developed important strategic relationships abroad. Yet, in the last fiscal year (FY) alone, U.S. agricultural exports declined by more than $17 billion, and recent forecasts show a further decline by more than $8 billion in FY 2024. As a result, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to reach a record $30.5 billion in FY 2024. This decline is unsustainable, and we urge the Biden administration to immediately take action to improve the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products abroad and reverse this trend.

We expect trade to fluctuate in response to macroeconomic factors and market conditions. However, the current sharp decline in U.S. agricultural exports is directly attributable to and exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. While the Biden administration continually refuses to pursue traditional free trade agreements, China, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others continue to ink trade pacts that diminish American export opportunities and global economic influence.

International trade is critical to the continued success of U.S. agriculture. For the 2023 marketing year, nearly 70 million acres of major crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat were planted to meet the demands of our foreign customers. Additionally, more than 95 percent of U.S. cotton produced, nearly 80 percent of almonds produced, and more than 70 percent of nonfat milk powder produced were destined for the export market in 2023. And in a typical year, half of U.S.-produced rice and 20 percent of U.S.-produced potatoes are exported. Diminishing access to foreign agricultural markets for U.S. industries creates significant economic headwinds and jeopardizes the livelihoods of more than one million American workers, farmers, and ranchers, as well as millions more U.S. jobs throughout the export supply chain.

With our concerns in mind, please respond to the following questions within 14 days of your receipt of this letter.

• What specific actions does the Biden administration plan to take to increase U.S. agricultural exports in 2024?

• Does the Biden administration intend to pursue new or improved free trade agreements with any countries to obtain new market access for agricultural products in 2024?

We further ask the Biden administration to take steps to analyze and consider the relationship between U.S. competitiveness and market share in foreign agricultural markets with negotiated tariffs, tariff rate quotas, and other market access provisions. 

A continued decline in U.S. agricultural exports is avoidable and unacceptable. The Biden administration must take immediate action to ensure this does not become a long-term trend. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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Johnson Levels the Playing Field for Tribes

 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the GSA Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act. The General Services Administration’s (GSA) disposal process allows the federal government to sell unused, excess public buildings to states and local governments at or below market value if they are to be used for a specified public benefit. Johnson’s bill will allow tribal governments to participate in that process.

“There is a great need for public facilities for tribes, whether that is for schools, housing, or law enforcement needs,” said Johnson. “This bill will correct an oversight and allow tribal governments to have the same access to the disposal process as state and local governments, helping them save money and meet their facility needs.”

“The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is very thankful for the GSA Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act that will benefit Tribes with much needed surplus equipment that will immediately make an impact in tribal communities,” said Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Chairman Clyde J.R. Estes.

The GSA Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act is also supported by the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Identical legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and James Lankford (R-OK).

Background:

When the federal government determines they no longer need a public building, the General Services Administration (GSA) has a process to offer such property to states and local governments. Unfortunately, tribal governments are currently not included in this process.

The GSA’s disposal process requires the Public Buildings Service (PBS) to first offer excess property to other federal agencies. Should no federal agency identify a need, the property is deemed as “surplus” and becomes available for states and local governments to purchase below the fair market value if used for public benefit conveyance. Public benefit conveyance means that the property must serve a specified public benefit, such as use for law enforcement, emergency management, education, public airports, highways, etc.

Tribal governments are left out of this process. Should a tribe seek to acquire excess federal property, they would not be able to purchase said property until PBS makes it available for public sale.

Tribes across the country have outsized needs for schools, housing, and law enforcement facilities – the GSA Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act ensures these governments have a fair opportunity to obtain excess federal properties to meet these needs.

The GSA Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act would:

• Insert “Indian tribe” to sections of 40 U.S.C. 550 to ensure tribal governments are welcomed into the process along with local and state governments seeking to acquire surplus property for public benefit.
• Require the GSA administrator to submit an annual report to Congress on the outreach done to provide notice to tribes on availability of surplus federal real property.
• Require the GSA to establish a process to manage competing applications made by states, local governments, and tribal governments two years after the bill’s enactment.

Read full bill text here.

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Today the Lawrence County commission rejected a petition for an initiated measure at the county level that they viewed as potentially illegal under the law, and overreaching in that it attempted to supersede federal law; something they didn’t believe they had the authority to do.

Lawrence County Commissioner Eric Jennings moved to reject the petition on the grounds that, “this petition violates state and federal law and the proposed ordinances must be within the power of the county commission to adopt and these are not.”

“While there has been a lot of discussion today about voting tabulation machines, hand counting, and complying with state and federal voting laws, the issue that we’re dealing with is if the petition submitted violates federal or state law,” Jennings said.

Read the entire story here.

And that appears to be a potentially fatal flaw in many of the initiated county level measures being brought by election truthers and ballot counting machine conspiracists.

They are not going to get counties to move against federal laws, such as (HAVA) the Help America Vote Act  and they are really not going to be successful if somebody sues under the (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Act.

Rounds Issues Statement on “Product of USA” Voluntary Labeling Rule

Rounds has led the Congressional effort on closing the ‘Product of USA’ labeling loophole since 2019 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that their new rule will be going into effect, which defines that the “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” voluntary labels can only be applied to meat, poultry and egg products that are born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

“Integrity has been restored to the ‘Product of the USA’ label,” said Rounds. “For years, we’ve called on the USDA to take action to stop foreign beef from using the ‘Product of the USA’ voluntary label. Our work is finally paying off.

“This rule change is a victory for American consumers and producers. Now that this rule has been finalized, our consumers will no longer be misled by a ‘Product of the USA’ label that had previously been permitted for use on foreign products. Hardworking American producers will no longer be at a disadvantage in the marketplace, where their high quality product had previously been labeled the same as foreign beef.

“While we acknowledge the magnitude of this ruling, there is still more work to be done. We need to address meat packer concentration and Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef in order to restore transparency and fairness to the cattle market. The work must continue, and I remain committed to fighting for American ranchers and consumers.”

BACKGROUND:

Rounds led the congressional effort to close the “Product of USA” loophole:

• On October 30, 2019, Rounds first introduced legislation which would have made certain that the “Product of USA” label is only applied to beef and beef products exclusively derived from one or more animals born, raised and slaughtered in the United States.
• On October 30, 2019, Rounds sent a letter to then-Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue calling attention to the “Product of USA” loophole and requesting the establishment of beef labeling requirements.
• On February 3, 2021, Rounds met with Secretary Vilsack ahead of his confirmation vote to discuss the need to close the “Product of USA” labeling loophole. At the time, Vilsack agreed with Rounds that “consumers have the right to know where their meat comes from.”
• On June 25, 2021, Rounds hosted a roundtable discussion with South Dakota retailers and cattle producers on issues facing the beef industry, including the “Product of USA” label loophole.
• On July 1, 2021, Rounds issued a statement praising USDA’s decision to launch a full-scale review of the “Product of USA” label.
• On August 5, 2021, Rounds introduced the USA Beef Act which would limit the use of the “Product of USA” label only to beef products that are born, raised and slaughtered in the United States.
• On August 13, 2021, Rounds submitted a comment in opposition of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Center for Public Policy (NCBA) petition, which called for the elimination of the “Product of USA” label and the creation of a new “Processed in USA” label.
• On April 2, 2022, Rounds responded to a solicitation for comments from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding the “Product of USA” label in the Federal Register. In his comments, Rounds stated: “It is clear that consumers notice the “Product of USA” labeling claim, or producers would not utilize this voluntary label. Consumers want to know the true source of their food. It is long overdue to fix the “Product of USA” label to restore transparency and fairness for consumers in the marketplace.”
• On March 6, 2023, the USDA announced a new rule defining that the “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” labels can only be applied to meat, poultry and egg products that are born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

SUPPORTING QUOTES:

“I appreciate Senator Rounds’ work on this ruling,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “This ruling levels the playing field for U.S. producers because consumers will know where their beef comes from. The truth is consumers trust U.S. meat because of the safety and humane treatment standards our cattle producers follow. And because this label will be protected by the USDA, consumers can trust the labeling and U.S. cattle producers’ will once again have a competitive advantage over foreign beef.”

“In our 2019 petition for rulemaking to FSIS, USCA called out the practice of applying ‘Product of USA’ and ‘Made in the USA’ labeling claims on beef products that the food safety agency itself admitted could have come from other countries,” said Justin Tupper, President of United States Cattlemen’s Association. “USCA is thrilled that the proposed rule finally closes this loophole by accurately defining what these voluntary origin claims mean. If it says ‘Made in the USA,’ then it should be from cattle that have only known USA soil. Consumers have the right to know where their food comes from, full stop. We recognize the relentless work by our champions in Congress, including my home-state Senator Mike Rounds, who sponsored the U.S.A. Beef Act that would have prohibited beef from bearing the phrase ‘Product of USA’ unless it was exclusively derived from U.S. cattle. We could not have elevated this issue without the many voices speaking up in support of the change.”

“With American cattle herds at a 60-year low, it is regrettable for consumers and cattle producers that it has taken 8 years to stop the mislabeling of foreign beef,” said Brett Kenzy, President of R-CALF USA. “Public sentiment has rallied to force the USDA to stop the lie, now America needs Congress to compel the truth by enacting The American Beef Labeling Act.”

“The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) is very grateful for South Dakota Senator Michael Rounds efforts to re-establish Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in order that our producer members can once more take pride in showcasing their superior quality products and consumers can be reassured of purchasing wholesome nutrition for their families,” said Doris Lauing, Executive Director of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. “SDSGA members are appreciative of and supportive of the Senator’s leadership to obstruct the current fraudulent mislabeling of foreign imported meats with our prized USA label. Thank you, Senator Rounds, for addressing this deceptive practice by importers resulting in losses of millions of dollars to South Dakota beef producers.”

“The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) welcomes USDA FSIS’s rule that amends the voluntary Product of the USA label to only be allowed on meat that is born, raised, and slaughtered in the USA,” said Warren Symens, President of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association. “The prior rule allowed the voluntary label to be used on beef that was re-packaged in the USA, no matter where it had originated. We have long held the position that this was a violation of the consumer’s trust, and that the Product of the USA label needs to have the truth and integrity behind it that consumers expect from our nation’s beef producers. SDCA applauds this change to protect the positive relationship our nation’s beef producers have with its consumers and thanks Senator Rounds for his efforts.”

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Dakota Town Hall is out with another edition of their excellent podcast with Murdoc & Jake Schoenbeck. Guests this week include House Assistant Majority Leader Taylor Rehfeldt who talks about what she’s glad to have accomplished this session.

Check it out, and listen every week!  New Episodes are available every Friday.