Category: Uncategorized

AFSCME Local 519 Endorses TenHaken for Mayor

The membership of Local 519 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has overwhelmingly voted to endorse Paul TenHaken for his re-election bid for Mayor of Sioux Falls.

During the Mayor’s tenure in office, he has prioritized the needs of the workers of the city of Sioux Falls, and the general membership of Local 519 believes that he will continue to put the needs of the hardworking public servants of the city at utmost priority.

Local 519 President Jason Ness said, “We have enjoyed a good working relationship with the Mayor’s office through many rounds of contract negotiations and we appreciate the Mayor’s desire to ensure that the employees of the city of Sioux Falls are paid appropriately and are treated with respect while they do the difficult work of keeping the city running.”

The labor movement is strong in Sioux Falls, and Local 519 looks forward to a continued healthy labor management relationship with Mayor TenHaken.

Gov. Noem Signs Dakota State University Cyber Research Bills into law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed legislation to expand the cyber research industry in South Dakota by enhancing programming and job opportunities at Dakota State University.

“Dakota State University is leading the nation in cyber research, and with the expansion of this program, we will revolutionize our economy,” said Governor Noem. “The project itself will bring hundreds of high-paying jobs to Sioux Falls, and cybersecurity companies will be looking to relocate their operations to Sioux Falls. We already have the strongest economy in America – this industry will make it even stronger.”

The Governor signed SB 54, which provides $30 million in investments from the state for this project. She also signed SB 130, which authorizes various associated aspects of the project.

Governor Noem has signed 236 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

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Yard Signs are starting to pop up in my neighborhood for the April Election, and a couple in particular caught my eye as good examples of what NOT to do if you’re designing campaign material. First up is Teresa Binkley for Brookings School Board:

All I can think is that someone must have a thing for owls, because that’s the most significant thing on the sign. Keep in mind you’re reading this after I’ve snapped a photo, blown it up, and enhanced the contrast.  Because if you’re driving by at 25 MPH, it’s actually very challenging to read.

It’s supposed to be advertising Binkley for School Board, but the last name is one of the smaller items on the sign, and is relegated to the upper right corner. What’s even more maddening is that they probably have $5-7 or more into the sign which spends more space advertising an owl than the race.  There was plenty of room for the name, and Binkley isn’t terrible contrasted for readability.

The candidates name is unfortunately JUST TOO DARN SMALL, and represents wasted money, and a wasted opportunity for the candidate.

And then there’s this utter mess of a sign:

It appears to be for a candidate named Bonnie, but I got in an accident trying to open the giant QR code on the sign as I drove by, as I stuck my phone out the window and tried to click on it to open the link.  Just kidding about the accident. But no one is going to click on a QR code as they’re driving by.

And even enhancing the contrast in the image, it’s more than challenging to see what the sign is. Literally, it’s like the designer’s computer decided to barf random graphics. There’s a lightbulb. An exclamation point. And I think that’s an arm. Is this sign supposed to communicate something?

If you stop, you might be able to make out that it’s “Bonny for Brookings,” but even that’s challenging to make out because there’s so little contrast between the 2 colors.

And we’re only given 1/2 of the information. There’s a Bonny. And she’s for Brookings… Brookings what?

There’s $7 or more down the drain for that sign. Each.  Ugh.

A good campaign sign really isn’t difficult to do. But when people decide to be “extra creative” it can quickly turn into a mess.

A good campaign sign communicates basic information on name and office. (The two most important things).  Latest trend is for people to emphasize their first name. You’ll see more women than men who do it.  If your name is distinctive – Like Dusty in Dusty Johnson – I think you can do it.  But I’d tread carefully with that. As in this case, I’m not sure anyone is going to readily identify one “Bonny” from any other Bonny or Bonnie in the community.

A good campaign sign communicates its message in a flash in readily visible and easily readable text which contrasts from the background color.   The goal is to communicate a message in 2 seconds or less as someone drives by at 25 mph in town, or 55 mph for a large sign on a highway.

As I opined in Bonny’s case, this sign is more likely to cause an accident than communicate an effective message that she’s running for anything.

Moving on..

Rounds, Kaine, Boozman and Hassan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Hiring of Military Spouses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced the Military Spouse Hiring Act, legislation which would amend the tax code to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Antonio Delgado (D-N.Y.-19).

“Our service members and their families are willing to sacrifice so much for our country,” said Rounds. “One of these sacrifices includes moving from one assignment to the next, which can make it difficult for military spouses to secure a job and for employers to hire them. We owe it to our service members and their families to remove obstacles hindering their financial well-being. Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses will help remove one barrier, giving our military families the opportunities they deserve.”

“Congress has a responsibility to take care of our service members, veterans, and their families,” said Kaine. “That means helping America’s talented military spouses, who consistently make enormous sacrifices for our safety and security, access a wide range of work opportunities. Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a commonsense step to help make that happen.”

“Military spouses make countless sacrifices as they support their husbands and wives, and our nation’s defense,” said Boozman. “We can help reduce the burdens they face in the process of finding gainful employment by expanding this tax credit so businesses have an extra incentive to hire these unsung heroes.”

“Military families make immeasurable sacrifices for our country as their loved ones work to keep us safe, secure, and free,” said Hassan. “Unfortunately, the unique set of challenges that military spouses face, from relocation to child care, makes it harder for many to find a job. This bipartisan legislation will work to strengthen employment opportunities for military spouses and support our military families. I look forward to working across the aisle to move this commonsense bill forward.”

Military spouses consistently experience unemployment rates substantially higher than the national rate, and two-thirds of employed active duty military spouses report underemployment. Frequent moves often stall military spouses’ upward career progression and force them to find new jobs.

This legislation would address the issue by expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program—which incentivizes employers to hire individuals who experience unique employment barriers—to include military spouses.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act is supported by: Air Force Association (AFA), Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Commissioned Officers Association of the US Public Health Service (COA), Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), Marine Corps League (MCL), Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA), Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), National Military Family Association (NMFA), National Restaurant Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), The Enlisted Association (TREA), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USA WOA), USCG Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), VetsFirst, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Work Opportunity Tax Credit Coalition.

“The military spouse unemployment rate has remained too high for too long. When military spouses can’t find work, it’s a problem for their family’s financial stability and wellbeing,” said Besa Pinchotti, Executive Director and CEO of the National Military Family Association. “The Military Spouse Hiring Act will encourage more employers to hire military spouses, investing in our military spouses, our military families, and our military as a whole.”

“Military spouses make tremendous sacrifices for our country yet continue to face significant burdens when it comes to employment opportunities. The continued high rate of unemployment and under employment among military spouses not only impacts the financial stability of military families, but also hurts military retention. More than a third of military families cite spouse employment challenges as a reason for leaving active duty,” said MOAA president and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret). “We appreciate Sens. Kaine, Boozman, Hassan, and Rounds’ efforts to incentivize the hiring of military spouses which will benefit this great community, the local economy, and employers alike.”

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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Amendment C: Protect Your Pocketbook
by Noah Greble*

Ben Franklin said it best, “in this world nothing can be said to certain, except death and taxes”. He was right: taxes here still remain as a fact of life. For these policies, we look to our state lawmakers, who have procedures in place to promote fiscal conservatism. Gloomily, one dangerous loophole proposes potential harm to South Dakota taxpayers. 

South Dakota is not Washington- we balance our budget and remain without income or inheritance tax, which serves as an excellent benefit for families. Regardless, there has been tax increases approved by our elected leaders over the years. In 2009, there was an increase of 0.5% in the tourism tax. In 2015, the gas tax was raised by 6 cents. South Dakota also collects tax on online retailers that do business in our state. Now, note this: in the legislature, all appropriations, budgeting, and taxing questions require at least a ⅔ majority vote, making it much harder to increase the burdens on citizens. Many groups who would want to spend massive amounts or raise taxes know of this rule, so they use the one loophole they have: ballot measures. 

To avoid a supermajority requirement, groups who want to achieve such objectives put these measures on the ballot, where they can be passed with as simple a majority as 50.1% percent of voters. Here’s a couple examples of failed measures from the recent past. 

• IM15 (2012): if passed, it would have raised sales tax by 1%, costing taxpayers an estimated $143,927,000 for just the following fiscal year alone. 
• IM25 (2018): this proposed a 20% increase on the wholesale tobacco tax and an increase in pack price, costing adults another $10,335,528 to exercise a liberty given to them. 

Despite having failed, those two alone would have cost hardworking South Dakotans over an estimated $150,000,000 in their first year implemented alone.  Remember, as simple as a 50.1% of voters could have made life that much harder for the average family, small business owner, single mom, or young adult working to help the household. Is this the South Dakota we want to live in, where there is a loophole to pain for taxpayers? Low taxes is one of the primary reasons that people are leaving fiscally crushing states behind and are coming to call South Dakota soon. The risk to these values in the status quo is high, but the solution is finally available.

Proposed on the ballot this June, is constitutional Amendment C. If passed, it will serve as a protection from ballot measures that could pose immense damage to the taxpayers of South Dakota. It states that all measures to raise taxes, fees, or appropriates over $10 Million or more over five fiscal years would require a 60% margin of voter approval. Again, the legislature requires 66%, Amendment C simply wants 60%. Protect your income, vote YES in June. 

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*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any group or organization

Take unified action against Big Tech
by William Beal, Moody County GOP

As a small business advocate, lifelong conservative, veteran, and informed citizen, I am alarmed by the concentrated power of Big Tech corporations. Using their corporate power to spy and collect our personal information they manipulate and censor us as we search, market our businesses, shop for goods, or voice our opinions on the internet.

Financially, Big Tech corporations have enjoyed a rapid rise to the top of their respective markets but have unapologetically destroyed small businesses and limited choices for American consumers in their ascent. These companies have monopolized consumer choice using aggressive tactics, such as controlling internet search results to suppress and throttle their competition in our digital marketplaces. Their meteoric rise throughout the “Digital Age” allows them to amass astronomical profits while American consumers and small businesses continue to struggle in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have grave concerns as to how their monopolistic practices are negatively affecting my colleagues and communities. The power these platforms wield affects me personally, even limiting my ability to voice my opinions on social and political issues.

Historically, the government has played a critical role in “leveling the playing field” before an industry concentration amasses even a fraction of the power that Big Tech now enjoys. In their rapid ascension, Big Tech has outgrown current mechanisms and regulations. Now, all too often, these corporations are using their economic power and control over our personal data to restrict competition in the marketplace and politically influence, or suppress our speech.

Our leaders in Congress finally realize the significant harm posed by Big Tech’s censorious actions, and that the damage is in danger of becoming irreversible. The American Innovation and Choice Online Act is now making its way through the halls of Capitol Hill, and we here in South Dakota are relying on our Senators Thune and Rounds, and Representative Johnson to be the voices and champions for the families, businesses, and economy of our great state.

A critical piece of legislation, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act will reinvigorate the FTC and give regulators the necessary tools to monitor and intervene in Big Tech’s exploitive practices. With rules, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms fit for the 21^st century, the FTC can effectively combat practices like unfair referencing of a platforms products, services, or lines of business. A practice that these companies actively use to maintain their power and influence.

The “Digital Age” has ushered in an era of opportunity for businesses small and large. In my three decades working with data and technology, I have seen the positive effects that digital marketplaces, data analytics, and innovative platforms have on small businesses and the benefits that their convenience affords consumers. But it has been far too easy for Big Tech corporations to use these advantages to the disadvantage of others.

It is time for Senators Thune, Rounds, Representative Johnson, the GOP and government leaders across the country to take unified action against Big Tech corporations and their monopolistic practices. As a lifelong advocate for conservative values, I whole-heartedly voice my support for The American Innovation and Choice Online Act and urge our lawmakers to take immediate action to end the pain these corporations are bringing to Main Street businesses, South Dakota families, and consumers across the country.

Had this note from someone ‘in the know’ involved in Pennington County Republican Politics:

I wanted to pass along is that when the subject of the SDWC post regarding the downplaying of Governor Noem as the “Guest Speaker” at the Lincoln Day Dinner came up, the chair (and his minions) reacted by saying that “no one reads SDWC anyway.”

BTW the new flyer (just produced today) has a photo of Kristi on it.

Also, just this morning an email was sent out to promote the LDD with the subject line “The Red Wave with Christi Noem.” 

Sounds like the post was extensively “not read.”

If only in their non-reading we could prod them into talking about their candidates on social media, instead of Lauren Boebert.

Hopefully by the time of the dinner, they’ll figure out how to spell the Governor’s name.

Roger DeGroot, former Brookings School Superintendent, Brookings School Board Member to run for District 7 State House

With more than 40 years of service in education, including serving as Superintendent for the Lennox and Brookings School Districts, Dr. Roger DeGroot of Brookings announced today that he will be a candidate for State Representative in the District 7 House race, representing the communities of Brookings and Aurora.

“When I was first asked about what I wanted to work on in Pierre if elected, my first responses were education and education, because it has been such a big part of my life and a focus in our community with South Dakota State University and the Brookings School District,” DeGroot said. “But as much as education is a concern, so is making sure that our kids have jobs to keep them in South Dakota, and they have a place to live by working on Workforce and Economic development.”

Dr. DeGroot retired in 2015 after serving 40 years in education, with the last 8 as the superintendent of the Brookings School District. Roger began his career as a teacher in 1975. He served as the superintendent of schools in Lennox and Brookings. During his career, he served as an educational leader and mentor. He not only built schools in the Lennox and Brookings School Districts, but he also provided avenues for young people in the profession to earn advanced degrees.

After retirement, Roger returned to education and served on the Brookings School Board, as well as mentoring student teachers through Dakota State and South Dakota State University.  In 2021, Roger was honored by his peers in the education community as recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the South Dakota School Superintendent Association.

Roger and his wife Diane have been Brookings residents for over a decade, and are the proud parents of 3 adult children.

The primary election will be on June 7^th.

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Hazel may not be a puppy anymore, but she’s still the goodest girl on this #NationalPuppyDay pic.twitter.com/b7KBiCwKt2

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) March 23, 2022

Gov. Noem Repeals Concealed Carry Fees, Signs Tax Reforms and “Open for Business” Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has signed tax reforms and “Open for Business” bills into law, including SB 212, which repeals all concealed carry fees for South Dakota residents.

“It will not cost you a penny to exercise your Second Amendment rights in South Dakota,” saidGovernor Noem. “We are guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of our people, including the freedom for South Dakotans to conduct business as they see fit. We are continuing to promote “Open for Business” policies, and our tax code will reflect that for as long as I am Governor.”

Governor Noem also signed the following 13 tax reforms and “Open for Business” bills:

• SB 31 makes an appropriation to the Department of Labor and Regulation for the modernization of the reemployment assistance enterprise system.
• SB 98 adds an exemption from the calculation of adjusted gross proceeds from gaming.
• SB 162 revises the discretionary formula for reduced taxation of new structures and residential property.
• SB 165 exempts gross receipts of certain coaches from certain gross receipts taxes.
• SB 188 allows for unlicensed businesses to store alcoholic beverages.
• HB 1014 makes an appropriation to fund tax refunds for elderly persons and persons with a disability.
• HB 1051 amends certain provisions relating to the small business credit initiative fund.
• HB 1102 reduces the exempt commercial policyholder aggregate premium requirement.
• HB 1173 includes a common paymaster as within the meaning of employing unit.
• HB 1271 provides for remote work for employees of money lending licensees and mortgage lender businesses.
• HB 1284 increases household income thresholds for a paraplegic tax reduction.
• HB 1322 provides for the direct sale of certain home-produced or home-processed foods and food products.
• HB 1325 revises the classification of agricultural land according to soil type.

Governor Noem has signed 212 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.