Category: Uncategorized

DANG! Is that District 12 House Race shaping up to be a donnybrook, or what? And incumbent State Representative Greg Jamison has yet to drop his name into the fishbowl for this Sioux Falls Legislative version of the Hunger Games.

I’m not sure the primary will get any bigger but I anticipate there will be one heck of a battle for the 2 seats.

Early on, I would give the advantage to Jamison, for pure name ID and being well known in the community. And Amber Arlint is said to be attracting a lot of attention in her race, and has an ability to raise some serious coin.  But, there’s a lot of air between now and June 7, so a lot can happen as the races shape up.

Stay tuned.

Thune: The Free World Stands With Ukraine
“The U.S. and other free nations must match the resolve of the Ukrainian people and respond with swift and severe consequences for Putin and his cronies.”

Click here or on the picture above to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the global consequences of Vladimir Putin’s unjustified war against Ukraine. Thune noted that while this is Ukraine’s fight, the United States and allies must provide weapons and humanitarian assistance as well as impose swift and severe sanctions against Russia.

Thune, Young, Blackburn, Moran Introduce Legislation to Modernize Consumers’ Ability to Receive and Access Personal Electronic Documents

Senators’ legislation would streamline how consumers consent to receiving electronic documents such as bank statements, account information, and contracts

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over technology and consumer protection, today introduced the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Modernization Act. This legislation would streamline how consumers consent to receiving electronic documents such as bank statements, account information, and contracts.

“Computers, smart phones, and other devices are more reliable and accessible than ever before,” said Thune. “As technology continues to advance and transform, so too should the laws that govern it. This legislation makes necessary updates to E-SIGN that reflect those advancements in technology, while, at the same time, retaining important protections for consumers that are currently in place.”

“It’s time we bring our banking systems to the 21st century by allowing more people to access their bank information from a computer or other electronic device,” said Young. “Our E-SIGN Modernization Act will help Hoosiers easily access their finances electronically as they look for critical documents and bank statements.”

“In the 21st century, electronic records, signatures, and contracts make business possible,” said Blackburn. “The work to update digital commerce guidelines is nearly two decades overdue, but this overhaul will provide Tennessee businesses even more opportunities to thrive.”

“Given the major advancements in technology and consumer accessibility that have occurred in the past two decades since the E-SIGN Act was first enacted, it’s time to modernize this law,” said Moran. “This legislation is a timely update to expand consumer access to online and mobile financial services in line with modern practices.”

“Now more than ever, consumers want choices that allow them to manage their financial lives using digital banking channels,” said Rob Nichols, CEO and president of the American Bankers Association. “Senators Thune, Young, Blackburn, and Moran’s introduction of the E-SIGN Modernization Act is an important step toward ensuring Americans have access to more financial options.”

“ICBA and the nation’s community banks strongly support the E-SIGN Modernization Act and thank Sens. Thune, Young, Blackburn, and Moran for introducing this common-sense legislation,” said Rebeca Romero, CEO and president of the Independent Community Bankers of America. “The current policy requiring consumers to ‘reasonably demonstrate’ that they can access information electronically before receiving digital documents is outdated and needlessly impedes important transactions, including home purchases. Under the bill, no further steps are necessary after consumers consent to receiving records and disclosures electronically, which will facilitate transactions to benefit consumers and the economy.”

“Thank you to Senators Thune, Young, Blackburn, and Moran for introducing the E-Sign Modernization Act,” said Jim Nussle, CEO and president of the Credit Union National Association. “This commonsense measure will enhance consumer access to online services and allow credit unions and other financial service providers to expand the means through which they can support consumers’ financial well-being.”

E-SIGN became law in 2000, and it validates the use of electronic signatures and electronic documents in transactions involved in interstate or foreign commerce. E-SIGN currently requires consumers to reasonably demonstrate that they can access documents electronically before they can receive them electronically, which is an outdated requirement that is no longer necessary given advancements in technology since E-SIGN became law. The E-SIGN Modernization Act would remove this requirement, so once a consumer is provided with disclosure information and consents to receiving documents electronically, he or she can obtain them through those means.

Revisiting the mystery disappearance of Senate Bill 175, I was having a e-mail exchange with a legislator last night, trying to figure out where this bill went, and was given this interesting tidbit:

The House ne’er-do-wells are apparently holding the Gun Range Bill (SB 175) hostage, as a tool to hold in ransom during the final midnight hours when we’re setting the budget.  That’s what most of us are thinking.  The bill has not yet been placed on the House Approps calendar although it was read in the House way back on the 23rd.

Interesting.

But even more interesting is that *if by magic,* the Shooting Sports Complex SB 175 has been added to the schedule, and will be heard tomorrow between 3-5 PM in room 362.

Make sure you show up, and don’t be afraid to make your voice heard to House Appropriations Members:

Yesterday was not Taffy Howard’s day.  In the Senate State Affairs committee, her signature piece of legislation for 2022 wasn’t just defeated. It was savaged.

House Bill 1329, which would have required “a forensic audit of election results after each presidential general election” came out of Howard’s attendance at the looney “pillow guy” election paranoia forum this last year in Sioux Falls.

(If you recall the interview Howard and Julie Frye-Mueller did with alt-right website “Tru-News” back in September, where they called themselves the dynamic duo.)

You can watch the video for yourself by clicking here.

Howard claimed in committee that there were “anomalies” in South Dakota, but even with their ‘dynamic’ sponsorship on HB 1329, the measure unanimously went down in flames, with Senator Lee Schoenbeck pointing out that these wild eyed claims are what is causing the uncertainty, not because of any actual problems with the seniors who are behind the counter helping in our counties on election day.

This bill going down in flames is further noteworthy because it marks the third of the three bills sponsored by Taffy Howard this year which were all defeated.

Howard’s first bill, House Bill 1262, to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s vaccination status or possession of an immunity passport and to declare an emergency, was withdrawn by Howard on February 16th,

Her second bill, House Bill 1330, to limit the increase of assessed value of property for the purpose of taxation, and to limit the property tax due on property failed in committee on February 15th.

House Bill 1329 narrowly made it through the House of Representatives on a vote of 36-31, but as noted, failed unanimously in Senate State Affairs.

The failure of this measure means that Howard was skunked, and failed on all of her bills for 2022, passing ZERO bills. Unfortunately, this is more than just a trend for Howard. Because she failed on all of her legislation last year (2021) as well. Again, Zero.

In 2020.. same thing. Three Bills. Two withdrawn. One defeated. Zero.

2019.. of 5 bills, 1 passed.

2018.. of 2 Bills, 1 passed.

2017.. of 2 bills, 1 passed.

Literally, across the 6 years of her legislative career, Howard has gone from a 50% average grade, to a 20% grade, to zeros three years running. And more than a few of these measures have simply been withdrawn.

I have to say, if you can’t pass any legislation, you probably shouldn’t ask voters for a promotion to higher office, especially when you’re spending an inordinate amount of time listening to conspiracy theorists on facebook over those on main street.

TONY VENHUIZEN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT 13

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Tony Venhuizen announced today that he will be a candidate for State House of Representatives from District 13 in this year’s election.

Venhuizen, 39, is a lifelong Republican. He is an attorney and a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s six state universities. Venhuizen served as chief of staff to Governor Kristi Noem and Governor Dennis Daugaard.

“I’m excited to serve our state and the people of District 13 in the State House,” said Venhuizen. “I know the issues, I know the process, and I know how to get things done in Pierre.”

Venhuizen will focus on creating new opportunities for business, protecting the state’s strong financial position, and improving schools and colleges so that young people are prepared to be responsible and productive citizens.

“South Dakota is a great place to raise a family and to do business, and I want to make it even better,” said Venhuizen. “At the same time, we need to protect and preserve the values that have made South Dakota great, and I will always be pro-life, pro-family, and protective of our liberties.”

Venhuizen grew up in Armour, and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from South Dakota State University, and a law degree from the University of South Dakota. He and his wife, Sara, live in Sioux Falls, where he works in trust and estate law and she works as an electrical engineer. Their three children – Henry, Elizabeth, and Madeleine – are students at Robert Frost Elementary School, and the family attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visit www.tonyforsd.com to learn more.

Here’s an interesting one. Senate Bill 175 seems to be hanging out there in the nether regions at the moment.

The Bill, An act to make an appropriation to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks for building a shooting range in western South Dakota and to declare an emergency had originally been sent to House Ag & Natural Resources Committee. BUT, the next day, found itself instead moved by Speaker Gosch to be referred from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources over to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Which is all well and good. But the House Appropriations Committee has posted all of their agendas for this week.. for 3/1, 3/2, and 3/3.  But here’s the $64,000 question. Where is Senate Bill 175? Because it’s not on any agenda.  According to the legislative calendar, bills must be reported out of committee by 3/3, yet Senate Bill 175 is not to be found on any of the committee agendas posted as of this afternoon, despite the fact that this measure is supported by the Shooting Sports association and the National Rifle Association. 

Given the fact that SB 175 has not appeared on an agenda yet, I’m a bit surprised.

I mean, is House Appropriations really going to try to sandbag a measure supported by the NRA? Especially when that committee includes gubernatorial hopeful Steve Haugaard, and congressional Hopeful Taffy Howard?

Might be a good time to ask the members to look under a cabinet, or to see if something was misplaced. Because the days are getting short, and they might want to make sure that bill has a fair hearing in the next few days.

NEWS RELEASE

Brent Hoffman announces candidacy for State Senate (District 9)

Brent Hoffman, of northwestern Sioux Falls, formerly of Hartford, announced he is seeking election to the South Dakota Senate to represent District 9. “It would be a great honor to serve the citizens of District 9 in the State Senate, and if so entrusted, I’ll listen closely, work hard and represent them with integrity and consistency.” Hoffman, a Republican, has a long record of public service, including elective office.

His service began with a distinguished career in the military (enlisted and officer), as he was decorated 12 times in a career that ended at the Pentagon, where he survived the terrorist attack on 9/11. Over the years, he has volunteered as a Big Brother, Volunteer Income Tax Assistant and Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. He has served on the local school board and in several community clubs, including the American Legion, Lions and Cosmopolitan. In the church, he has served as greeter, deacon, elder and preacher. He also enters the Republican primary with impressive conservative credentials, as noted by honors from Concerned Women for America, the Family Policy Institute and Peacemaker’s Institute, among others. He’s also a lifetime member of the NRA and has served as a firearms instructor.

In addition, he’s no stranger to politics and has run many successful campaigns, supporting other Republicans at the local, state and national level while leading economic development initiatives and defeating tax increases. In his first run for office, he finished first among 10 candidates for the city council, winning by the largest margin in city history. He then visited each of the 28 precincts every year in office, wrote a monthly newspaper column and earned praise for his responsiveness to citizen questions and concerns. As a strategy, Hoffman says, “I simply listen closely, work hard and trust the results to God. I also prefer to run a positive, issue-centric campaign, and I strive to treat my opponents with respect, regardless of whether they respond in kind.”

On the issues, Hoffman says he’ll focus on core conservative issues and stand as an unabashed champion for life, liberty and small government. “I’ll also work hard to improve transparency and check spending. As a representative for the people, I always try to remember the words of famed economist Milton Friedman: Nobody spends somebody else’s money as carefully as he spends his own. “I’d like to think I’m an exception to that rule,” Hoffman remarked.

Mr. Hoffman is a widower who lost his wife to cancer. He proudly raised his kids alone and has been known to brag about them. His son, Silas (21), is a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. His daughter, Lydia (19), is a freshman at the University of Nebraska. Hoffman has worked as a contractor and also a teacher. He holds five degrees, including an an M.B.A. from the University of South Dakota. He’s also a published author and wrote Life After in honor of his late wife.

The newly-redrawn District 9 includes much of western Sioux Falls, including Ellis and Webster Grove, as well as Wall Lake, Hartford and most of the largely rural areas in between. The primary, expected to have multiple candidates, will be held on June 7th.

Democrats’ Inflation Tax is Hurting Family Budgets
By Sen. John Thune

In January, U.S. inflation hit 7.5 percent – the highest inflation since February 1982. Inflation has now been above 5 percent for the past eight months. There are people raising families today who have never experienced this kind of inflation in their entire lifetimes. The average American household spent an estimated $3,500 more last year as a result of inflation. That’s a lot of money for most families in South Dakota, and many of them are hurting.

Everywhere they turn, families are facing higher prices. Whether it’s ground beef for the chili, bunk beds for the kids’ room, or a new car to accommodate a new addition to the family, higher prices are the order of the day. The price of chicken is up 10 percent, pork is up 14 percent, eggs are up 13 percent, fruit is up 8 percent, and whole milk is up 8 percent, just to name a few. Even the prices for household and family essentials are up. Furniture and bedding are up 17 percent, major appliances are up almost 10 percent, tires are up 14 percent, and used cars and trucks are up 40 percent. Then there’s energy prices. Gas prices are up 40 percent, and electricity is up nearly 11 percent.

Inflation is having its biggest impact on those least able to afford it. A recent study found that lower-income households, on average, faced an even greater spending increase in 2021 when compared to higher-income households as a result of inflation. It’s no wonder 69 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s handling of inflation.

When President Biden took office last January, inflation was at 1.4 percent – well within the Federal Reserve’s target inflation rate of 2 percent. And it might have stayed there, had Democrats not decided that they needed to pass a massive, partisan $1.9-trillion spending spree under the guise of COVID relief known as the American Rescue Plan – mere weeks after Congress had already passed a major COVID bill.

The definition of inflation is too many dollars chasing too few goods and services. And that’s exactly the situation Democrats helped create with their American Rescue Plan. They sent too many federal dollars into the economy – and the economy overheated as a result. Despite the fact that it was Democrats’ massive March spending spree that helped plunge our economy into this inflation crisis, there are still many Democrats who want to double down on the strategy that helped get us into this mess in the first place. Passing another massive spending spree, which many Democrats want to do, would undoubtedly make this inflation disaster even worse.

Our country’s inflation crisis is creating real economic consequences for South Dakota families. Unfortunately, President Biden and congressional Democrats are so focused on passing their radical agenda full of heavy-handed, government-knows-best policies that they cannot be bothered to address issues that are affecting nearly every American family. However, I remain hopeful that the shocking inflation numbers that were released in February will resonate with Democrats and help redirect their attention to issues that are draining Americans’ pocketbooks.

It’s time for Democrats to recognize that families, small businesses, and our broader economy cannot afford any more reckless government spending.

Kindness Goes A Long Way
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
February 25, 2022

This week, I presented the Strength of South Dakota Award to the Fred Assam Elementary School Student Council, students, and staff in Sioux Fall, South Dakota. The Strength of South Dakota Award was created to celebrate and honor South Dakotans that display unusual perseverance, compassion, and innovation, and are beloved by their community.

The Fred Assam Elementary Student Council challenged all students to “penny wars” during the month of January as a service project to support the Midwest Honor Flight. The Honor Flight is a program that flies World War II, Korea, and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials and meet with their elected officials. The trip serves as a way to thank and honor veterans for their sacrifice and service to our nation.

The student council started the fundraiser with the goal of raising enough money to support three veterans’ trips to our nation’s capital. By the end of the month, the school had raised enough money to send six local veterans to Washington, D.C. The Midwest Honor Flight estimates the cost of one veteran’s trip to be worth $753. The Fred Assam students raised over $3,500 for their local veterans. 

Now that is kindness. The Fred Assam elementary students’ actions serve as a reminder to all of us of how a little bit of effort by a few people can positively impact the lives of those around you.

On Thursday, I had the honor of meeting these students and presenting the student council, staff, and students the Strength of South Dakota Award. We were joined by local veterans and members of the public. The show of support for these students and our veterans was phenomenal. I am proud to represent such bright, generous, and thoughtful students. I know our futures and our world are in good hands with them.

If you or a veteran you know would like to join the Midwest Honor Flight, you can learn more about the program and apply here: https://www.midwesthonorflight.org/veterans.html

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