Category: Uncategorized

A Secure America Starts at the Border
By Sen. John Thune

For the third year in a row, attempted illegal border crossings set a new record. In total, 8 million illegal immigrants have crossed into the United States since President Biden took office – one-fifth being “gotaways” that were seen by Customs and Border Protection, but evaded apprehension. Presumably, more made it through without any detection at all. The border crisis has gotten worse and worse for three years, and it’s long past time for a serious course correction from the Biden administration.

The kind of unchecked illegal immigration we’re seeing represents a serious security threat. The Department of Homeland Security recently warned that, “Terrorists and criminal actors may exploit the elevated flow [of migration] and increasingly complex security environment to enter the United States.” The Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border has serious implications for our national security and public safety in our country.

By all indications, bad actors are in fact taking advantage of the chaos at the southern border. The Border Patrol chief recently said his agency is arresting an average of more than 47 people per day with “serious criminal histories.” In the last 12 months, 169 individuals on the terrorist watch list were caught trying to illegally enter the country. This is just the individuals who are being caught. How many of the individuals that Border Patrol fails to apprehend threaten security or safety?

The current crisis is, unfortunately, the predictable result of decisions made early on in the Biden administration. Before the president took office, his team was warned of the possibility of a migrant surge. Nevertheless, the president immediately went about dismantling his predecessor’s immigration policies and weakened our border security. He then ended pandemic-era policies that enabled expedited deportation. While the president has finally, half-heartedly acknowledged this crisis, the policy changes he has put in place are far too little and far too late. And now, the White House’s request for additional funding that would provide more resources to sanctuary cities gives Americans little confidence that the administration is actually interested in solving the crisis at the southern border.

The reality is that the solution to the border crisis is not solely a matter of money, it’s a matter of policy. Senate Republicans recently put forward a set of proposals to stem the flow of illegal immigrants. The plan would require border wall construction to proceed. It would close loopholes in our asylum system that are often abused. And it would prevent the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies from sending illegal immigrants into the United States with court dates years into the future. It’s time we fix this problem, and Republicans are offering solutions. The question is whether our Democrat colleagues will join us in finally addressing this crisis.

Recent events should serve as a wake-up call that it’s time to protect our national security and secure the southern border. Lax enforcement and policies like catch-and-release only encourage more people to attempt to enter the United States illegally. A porous border invites the threat of terrorists and criminals. My Senate Republican colleagues and I will continue to advance these kinds of serious solutions to the border crisis.

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Thank You is Never Enough: Honoring Our Veterans
By: Governor Kristi Noem
November 10, 2023

As we celebrate Veterans Day, it is important for all of us to take a step back and remember the reason for the holiday.

Throughout our nation’s history, brave men and women have stepped up to serve the United States of America. While they each likely felt an individual calling to do so, there is something that connects them all. Every veteran in American history has had a belief in a purpose greater than any one person.

When our nation was created, it was founded upon the ideal that each and every one of us has God-given rights that cannot be taken away. Our Democratic form of government secures those rights. And every man and woman who has ever served in the United States military fought to protect our rights, our Freedoms, and our self-governance.

Those who serve make great sacrifices. They sacrifice time with their families. And many of them sacrifice their physical and mental wellbeing. They do this because they know that their cause is one worth fighting for – America is worth fighting for.

We live in a time where some people are turning their backs on the traditional American values that made us the nation we are today. But those who serve have never turned their backs on America.

I am proud to be from a state that still respects the ideal upon which our nation was founded. South Dakotans have held true to our values. We love America. We fight for what is right. And we never forget the people who have sacrificed so that we can enjoy our Freedoms.

We have thousands of active-duty military members and veterans living in South Dakota. The members of the South Dakota National Guard have received numerous national awards for their strength and readiness. There is no one that I trust more to keep our state and our nation safe than our National Guard. I thank them for their continued service.

On Veterans Day, we remember those who fought. We pay our respect to our veterans. It is important that we do this. We can never ask people to continue to serve their nation without also showing them that they will receive the respect and honor they deserve for doing so.

I encourage everyone to continue to thank veterans for their service. Don’t just do it in honor of Veterans Day – thank our veterans every day of the year. Those who served this nation could never receive enough thanks for what they have done.

I will always do all that I can to make South Dakota the best state in America to live, work, and retire as a veteran. I hope that our veterans know how much we appreciate them and all they have done for us.

To all of the veterans who have served the United States of America, thank you. God bless you.

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Making Medicaid Expansion a pathway forward
By Rep. Tony Venhuizen and Sen. Casey Crabtree

During the 2023 legislative session, we introduced House Joint Resolution 5004, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the State of South Dakota to consider a work requirement for those who enroll in Medicaid expansion. This proposal passed the State House overwhelmingly, but fell a little short in the Senate due to good-faith committee questions about it.

We have accepted input from some of the opponents and believe those concerns have now been addressed, and will be re-introducing this proposal in 2024.

This proposal asks a basic philosophical question: Is Medicaid expansion meant to be a hand up for people facing tough times, or should it be a way of life? We believe that Medicaid, like all social programs, should be a hand up for people who need it. But it should also be a pathway forward to something better.

South Dakota voters passed Medicaid expansion in 2022, and the governor and state legislators honored that decision. Medicaid expansion was implemented and went into effect on July 1, 2023, and it is available for eligible recipients today. 

One provision of the Medicaid expansion ballot measure, though, causes a problem. The amendment contained language that said that the state cannot impose any requirements on those who receive Medicaid expansion that are not also imposed on other Medicaid recipients.

Why is that a problem?

Because the traditional Medicaid program applies to children, the elderly, the disabled, and in some cases, pregnant women. We don’t apply a work requirement to these recipients, because it wouldn’t make any sense.

Medicaid expansion, though, applies to able-bodied, working-age adults – adults who are aged 18 to 65 and who are not disabled. It makes perfect sense to consider a work requirement for this population.

We want to be clear about what our proposal does, and what it does not do.

Our proposed amendment says that the State may consider a work requirement for these Medicaid expansion recipients, if it is allowed by the federal government.

It does not establish a work requirement for Medicaid expansion. It does not require South Dakota to adopt one in the future. It simply says that we can consider it. And it doesn’t address the program’s specific parameters, such as exemptions for parents of young children or those pursuing further education. Those would be decisions to be made at the time that a requirement is actually considered.

Currently, the Biden administration does not allow states to impose a work requirement in Medicaid expansion. The Trump administration did allow it, and during that time 13 states adopted a work requirement and 9 others were working toward it. When President Biden came into office, those requirements were abolished and no new ones are allowed.

We know, though, that President Biden will not be in office forever, and that at some point a future administration will allow a work requirement again. In addition to prior Republican administrations, even the administration of President Bill Clinton was open to work requirements in federal social programs. 

When a work requirement is once again allowed, South Dakota should not put ourselves in a position where we cannot even consider it, when every other state has that option. That just doesn’t make sense.

Finally, we want to emphasize that this proposed amendment honors the will of the voters. The voters in 2022 passed Medicaid expansion, and we have implemented it. Our proposal would also go before the voters. We are giving the voters the opportunity to refine their earlier decision with a more specific question. We know they want Medicaid expansion, but would they like to consider a work requirement, or not? If they say “yes,” that will be the will of the voters as well.

South Dakotans are hard-working people, and we believe in the value of work. Medicaid expansion, like all social programs, should be a pathway forward for those who receive it. This proposal is an important step in that direction, and we look forward to the discussion in Pierre in January.

Keeping America Safe
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
November 9, 2023

BIG Update

Nearly 55,000 veterans call South Dakota home. These veterans are our friends, family, and neighbors. They served to protect us and our country to help ensure freedom continues to ring. I’ve had the privilege to meet and thank many veterans through programs like the Honor Flight and the Vietnam War Commemoration. The Honor Flight Network is an organization that brings veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the war memorials created to honor their service and sacrifice. And the Vietnam War Commemoration is an organization I partner with to give Vietnam-era veterans a long-overdue welcome home. Over the past few years, I’ve had the honor to meet and thank nearly 900 Vietnam-era veterans for their service and hear their unique stories.

Each veteran’s story paints a picture of the brave sacrifice they made. I’m grateful for their service.

BIG Idea

Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphere understands how the border crisis affects South Dakota. Although our state isn’t near the southern border, illegal immigration has cost South Dakota taxpayers $56.9 million in 2023.

I’ve been an advocate for securing the southern border for years. The Biden Administration’s open border has created crises for governors, mayors, and law enforcement across America. Sheriff Lamphere and I talked about solutions, like HR 2 that passed the House with my support. It includes the strongest border policies ever seen in Congress. Now it’s time for the Senate to take action.

BIG News

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has started using public airports to house illegal immigrants. This is unsafe and is an improper use of our transportation and commerce hubs.

Individuals on the terrorist watch list have come across our southern border, along with illicit drugs and an increase of violent crime. Our airports are supposed to be safe and secure – but housing undocumented migrants does the opposite.

This week, I urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to block the continuation of this unsettling use of our public airports.

This is just another attempted band-aid on the Biden Administration’s failed border policies. Allowing unfettered entry into the U.S. through the southern border is a choice, and the Biden Administration continues to make the wrong one. We must address the root issue and put strong border security measures in place.

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South Dakotans Voice Their Support for Carbon Capture Projects 

Despite some tough headlines and a complex and unpredictable regulatory process, support for carbon capture projects continues to grow throughout South Dakota. Local residents are showing elected officials at all levels there is support for carbon capture projects and that people want the review process to continue.

Summit Carbon Solutions is working with cities, counties, and states to update and revise plans for their important project. This means more work to navigate the thorough permitting process to keep things focused on getting the projects done. As this work continues, public support is strong and growing.

More than 3,100 South Dakotans have directly shown their support for carbon capture, transportation, and storage projects, specifically Summit Carbon Solutions. Over 1,000 messages have been sent to County Commissioners, State Legislators, Governor Noem, and the South Dakota Congressional Delegation in support.

Landowners, small business owners, ethanol plants, and farmers are working together to back these important economic development projects. These folks have collectively raised their voices to show elected officials there is strong support for CCS projects that will allow for a strong and stable future for our corn growers, for the ethanol industry, and for South Dakota communities.

Midwest Ag Future believes that by bringing voices together, we can support the right vision for a brighter future by showing the incredible support for carbon capture, transportation, and storage projects.

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Four Finalists Chosen in the Black Hills State University President’s Search

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents announced four finalists who are in the running to become the next president of Black Hills State University. The Chair of the presidential search process, Regent Jeff Partridge, expressed his satisfaction with the quality of candidates who applied and confirmed that the finalists will visit the university campus in Spearfish from November 13-14. During their visit, they will meet with constituents and regents to further discuss their candidacy.

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are as follows:

• Dr. Matt Cecil is originally from South Dakota. He currently serves as the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Previously, he has worked as a dean, interim provost, and senior vice president for academic affairs at Minnesota State University (MSU)-Mankato. Dr. Cecil has also been a faculty member at Wichita State University and South Dakota State University. He holds a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in history from MSU-Mankato.
  
  
• Dr. Frederich Chilson is the current Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), located in Lewiston, Idaho where he previously served as dean. Additionally, Dr. Chilson was a faculty member, and department chair at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana and also worked as a faculty member at Eastern New Mexico University and Adams State University. He spent time in the private sector early in his career. Dr. Chilson holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in learning technology from New Mexico State University, as well as a master’s degree in human resource development from Idaho State University.
  
  
• Steve Elliott currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wayne State College (WSC) in Wayne, Nebraska. He has been part of the WSC community since 2003 and has held various positions, including faculty member, department chair, and dean, before accepting a vice president role in 2016. Elliott holds a master of fine arts degree (the highest degree in that field) from the University of Maryland and served in the US Marine Corps.
  
  
• Dr. Angie Fincannon is the current Dean of the College of Business at Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a diverse background, serving as a collegiate-level volleyball coach, faculty member, dean, assistant provost, and athletic director at Taylor University. Later, she held the position of vice chancellor for advancement at Indiana University Purdue University – Fort Wayne. Dr. Fincannon has an Ed. D. in educational administration and a master’s degree in education and administration from Ball State University.

During their visit to the campus, the candidates will have the opportunity to meet with faculty members, students, administrative and professional staff, civil service employees, representatives of the BHSU Foundation, university alums, and the Spearfish community. On Tuesday, the Board of Regents will hold private meetings with each finalist and with the campus representatives of the search committee.

The cover letters and professional resumes for each finalist are available online at bhsu.edu/president/presidential-search/candidates.

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Attorney General Jackley Remembers Rachel Cyriacks Ten Years After Disappearance, Seeks Public’s Help 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is remembering Rachel Cyriacks (pronounced Seer- icks) on the 10^th anniversary of her disappearance and is again asking for the public’s help in locating the Woonsocket woman.

“Ten years is too long for Rachel’s family to wonder what happened to her,” said Attorney General Jackley. “It is time to bring her home, and we ask anyone who has any information to come forward now.”

Cyriacks disappeared on Nov. 13, 2013 and was last known to be traveling to Huron. Her husband, Brad, told investigators that she picked him up in the Huron area. Rachel has not been heard from again. The investigation thus far indicates that her husband, Brad, was the last person to see Rachel.

In December of 2013, the family gray and black 1995 Silverado pickup truck was found on a bee farm near Huron. Rachel’s green, pink and white quilt, which was located in her home, also vanished at the time of her disappearance, according to authorities.

Attorney General Jackley said the State Division of Criminal Investigation and local law enforcement have investigated all information and tips related to Rachel’s disappearance.

“Throughout the years, we have received numerous tips and we have checked all of them,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The case remains active.”

People with information about Rachel are asked to call the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation at 605-773-3331 or local law enforcement. Information will remain confidential.

The Missing Person poster for Rachel Cyriacks is attached.

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Thune Discusses the Importance of American Leadership on the Global Stage

“We need to build and maintain relationships with allies, support free nations, and stand against hostile actions by hostile countries.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of American leadership on the global stage. Thune noted that America must maintain and use its strength and influence to contain evil actors like Iran, Russia, and China in order to advance peace and freedom around the globe.

Rounds, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Address Health Care Workforce Shortages, Prioritize Merit-Based Immigration

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced legislation to address health care workforce shortages by recapturing previously authorized Green Cards that simply went unused. The senators’ bill also establishes merit-based immigration policies.

“Legal immigration is a critical part of our workforce,” said Rounds. “As the health care worker shortage continues to impact South Dakota and other rural states, we are in need of qualified, hard-working nurses and physicians to fill positions in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. I’m pleased to join Senator Cramer on this legislation that would increase our ability to provide timely, quality health care to South Dakotans.”

“In rural states like North Dakota, highly skilled immigrant doctors and nurses play a critical role in our healthcare workforce, sometimes providing the only specialty care available in the area,” said Cramer. “Our open borders and per-country caps are nonsensical and chaotic. It’s long-past time our immigration policies reflected a skills-based approach, welcoming hard-working immigrants who help fill the labor and service gaps in the U.S.”

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would make a limited number of Green Cards available to qualified immigrant nurses and physicians to address critical health care workforce shortages. The bill would also allow the “recapture” of Green Cards already authorized by Congress but unused in previous years, allotting up to 25,000 immigrant visas for nurses and up to 15,000 immigrant visas for physicians. This bill does not authorize any new visas.

This legislation would require employers to attest that immigrants from overseas who receive these visas will not displace an American worker. Additionally, it would necessitate eligible immigrant medical professionals to meet licensing requirements, pay filing fees and clear rigorous national security and criminal history background checks before they can receive recaptured Green Cards.

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act is supported by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, Sanford Health and Avera Health.

“The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) fully supports any effort to strengthen the healthcare workforce as staffing shortages continue to be the number one problem for our members across the continuum of care, from hospitals to nursing homes,” said Tammy Hatting, Chief Operating Officer of SDAHO. “We need to streamline and expedite the hiring and placement of qualified immigrants in our healthcare facilities, and we are thankful to our South Dakota Senator, Mike Rounds, for cosponsoring this very important bill.”

“Sanford Health is grateful for the support from Senator Rounds as a sponsor of the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act,” said Corey Brown, System Vice President, Government Affairs of Sanford Health. “Workforce is a critical challenge in healthcare, especially in rural areas. Recapturing unused VISAs is a commonsense measure that allows us to employ internationally educated nurses and physicians who are an integral and important part of our workforce.”

“Maintaining a highly skilled workforce is vital to providing care across our rural footprint, which covers 72 thousand square miles” said Kim Jensen, Chief Human Resources Officer of Avera Health. “Often there are not enough nurses and physicians available to recruit to fill our workforce needs. The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would help fill critical positions and offer meaningful work experiences for those who want to practice in the United States.”

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The Brookings Register ‘localized’ the SD News Watch story as they took it to print, and posted it on their website, noticing the local Rick Weible group as it proclaims ‘Save Brookings’ head peddles election denial.

‘Save Brookings’ would be the book burning group that Rick set up to try to foster banning literature in the home of the state’s largest university.. a community which is about 20 or so miles to the west of his own home of Elkton.

You can read the entire story here.