Category: Uncategorized

Johnson Votes to Lower Health Insurance Premiums by 11%

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, which makes targeted reforms to health care costs.

“Obamacare made health care unaffordable for the American family. Many families are paying more for their health insurance than they pay for their mortgage or rent,” said Johnson. “The program has become riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse, which only drives prices higher for those trying to do right. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act will fix a broken system and provide more options for people who are struggling to make ends meet.”

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:

• Lowers premium costs through cost-sharing reduction payments.
  • Appropriates cost-sharing reduction payments to stabilize the broken system and individual market.
  • Lowers premium costs by 11 percent and reduces out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.
• Brings pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) transparency and removes hidden costs of prescription drugs.
  • Requires PBMs to provide employers with clear, detailed reporting on prescription drug spending, including rebates, pricing, and formulary decisions.
  • Provides employers and employees with the transparency they deserve to help lower premium costs and improve access to prescription medications.
• Allows small business owners and independent workers to form association health plans.
  • Expands access to Association Health Plans (AHPs) by allowing small employers and self-employed workers to band together across industries to access more options for more affordable, higher quality plans.
  • Strengthens bargaining power for small business owners and independent workers by giving them access to group rates, more provider networks, and alternatives to costly small-group or individual marketplace plans.
• Provides more choices for employees to customize their health care plans.
• Protects small businesses from costly regulatory overreach.

Background:

• In 2025, the average family paid $27,000 in health insurance premiums. These premiums are increasing 26% in 2026.
• Big insurance is making record profits. Their profits are 600% higher than when Obamacare became law.

Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Obamacare:

• A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed significant risk of fraud exists with the premium tax credit.
• In the course of GAO’s investigation, 100% of fake applicants were approved in late 2024.
• 18 out of 20 fake applicants are still receiving subsidized coverage for 2025.
• CMS approved coverage with no documents or with fake ones, including fake citizenship papers.
• One Social Security Number was used on applications totaling over 125 insurance policies—the equivalent of 71 years of subsidized coverage.
• In 2024, 66,000 Social Security Numbers had more than one year’s worth of subsidized coverage in a single year.
• In 2024, health insurers received $94 million in taxpayer-funded subsidies for deceased individuals.

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Rounds Secures South Dakota Wins in Final NDAA

Bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This is the 11th NDAA that Rounds has helped author as a member of SASC and the 65th consecutive NDAA passed by the full Senate.

“The NDAA is an important piece of legislation passed annually to authorize funding for national security programs, as well as support for our servicemembers and their families,” said Rounds. “This year’s NDAA authorizes funding for construction projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base and funding for a facility for the Watertown Army National Guard. It also authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for troops and has a total topline of $900.6 billion in defense spending. This keeps our military ahead of the curve, making certain they never enter a fair fight and always have the advantage over our adversaries.

“The NDAA is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together. I’m grateful to have worked on this legislation from beginning to end for the 11th year in a row. I look forward to President Trump signing the NDAA into law.”

In March, Rounds was named as the 6th most effective member of the United States Senate on defense and national security issues for the 118th Congress. Read a list of his provisions in this year’s NDAA below.

Rounds’ South Dakota Victories:

• Fully authorizes the B-21 Raider program, including over $2.59 billion for procurement and $862 million in advanced procurement.
• Authorizes $378 million in military construction projects to support the B-21 Raider housed at Ellsworth.
  • $63 million for B-21 Flight Simulator 2.
  • $71 million for B-21 Alert Facility.
  • $75 million for B-21 Environmental Protection Shelters.
  • $88 million for B-21 South Environmental Protection Shelters.
  • $81 million for B-21 West Alert Apron & Environmental Protection Shelters.
• Authorizes $28 million for Watertown Army National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop.
• Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to find ways to partner with communities, universities, and industry to establish Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF). This has been a major priority for many South Dakota universities and defense companies seeking to establish or deepen their relationship with DOD.
• Updates the State Partnership Program so that the number of states a partner has is factored into decision-making for additional, new partners. This will directly benefit the South Dakota National Guard.
• Modifies the Defense Community Infrastructure Program in order to make South Dakota schools more competitive in receiving grants.
• Requires the DOD to give military families clear, timely information about relocation resources when they receive orders to relocate.

Rounds’ Major National Defense Victories:

• Authorizes $10 million for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing for hypersonic weapons.
• Authorizes $5 million for Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
• Requires Cyber Command to develop a roadmap and brief Congress on their industry collaboration for developing A.I.-enabled cyber capabilities. The roadmap will include: new collaborative R&D opportunities with industry, strategies for industry engagement, how to implement objectives and milestones, how to transition technology from development to operation, infrastructure requirements and assessment of organizational structures.
• Creates an Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee. This establishes an Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee in the DOD to analyze AI trajectories and develop DOD adoption strategies with Deputy Secretary of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as co-chairs.
• Protects the dual-hat leadership arrangement between U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.
• Provides authority to the Department of Defense and military to conduct military operations in defense of critical infrastructure.
• Requires a bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap, to include training packages and other measures, to make sure our bomber crews are as well-trained and equipped as possible.
• As part of the major acquisition reforms, enables the military to acquire technology-supported consumption-based purchases and contracts (e.g. using Uber rather than buying a car; using cloud services, etc.).
• Modifies the reporting requirements of the Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy now that the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy had been established.
• Establishes a Chaplain Corps and Chief of Chaplains for the Central Intelligence Agency.
• Establishes criminal penalties for “gate-crashing” intelligence community (IC) facilities and establishes criminal penalties for individuals trying to unlawfully enter IC facilities.
• Requires the Department to provide a report and briefing to Congress on cyber and network security policies regarding full content inspection, to include A.I. capabilities to be included in the program.
• Requires budget coordination of the Cyber Mission Force to increase mutual support between U.S. Cyber Command and cyber elements of the reserve component.
• Implements significant DOD cyber personnel related reforms to include establishing a Cyber Excepted Workforce (CEW) Interchange Agreement and increased flexibility regarding the pay and benefits for cyber personnel.

Rounds-Supported Victories:

• Authorizes funding to support a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members
• $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing
• $50 million in Impact Aid assistance
• $147.7 billion for tech innovation, including hypersonics, AI, quantum computing and new space-based capabilities.
• Prohibits men in women’s sports at all military academies.
• Requires all military promotions to be based entirely on merit and demonstrated performance rather than race, ethnicity or sex.
• Permanently repeals all existing DEI offices, programs, training, activities and authorities in the Department of Defense.
• Provides conservative wins by cutting programs that hamper/don’t increase lethality:
  • • $40.5 million from eliminating DEI activities
    • $1.6 billion in cuts to climate change-related spending
  • $6.8 billion from reductions in unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy
  • $5.5 billion in cuts to consulting and service contracts
• Supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America initiative by updating our homeland missile defense policy and funding air and missile defense development and testing.
• Authorizes full funding of our modernization of the nuclear triad, which includes the B-21 Raider, and is the foundation of our deterrence.
• Requires the Navy to implement a strategy to address cost and schedule problems with our ship and submarine industrial base, to include the use of A.I. to optimize maintenance and supply chains.
• Requires the DOD to establish an AI Task Force to develop an A.I. sandbox environment to support A.I. experimentation, training and model development for users of all technical levels.

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Thune Applauds Passage of Annual Defense Policy Bill, Ellsworth Air Force Base Priorities

“[T]his bill strengthens the important role that South Dakota plays in keeping our nation safe by continuing to prepare Ellsworth Air Force Base for the arrival of the B-21 Raider and authorizing a new facility for the South Dakota Army National Guard in Watertown.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes significant provisions for Ellsworth Air Force Base, the forthcoming B-21 bomber mission, and the South Dakota Army National Guard in Watertown. The legislation also makes the most significant transformation of defense acquisition in decades to restock munitions, ensure warfighters have access to the best technology available, and advance the Golden Dome for America missile defense system to protect the United States. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“This year’s NDAA builds on the historic investments that Republicans delivered in the One Big Beautiful Bill to support our service members and ensure our country has the fighting force necessary to deter our adversaries and promote peace and stability,” said Thune.

“In addition to authorizing a well-deserved pay raise for our service members, this bill strengthens the important role that South Dakota plays in keeping our nation safe by continuing to prepare Ellsworth Air Force Base for the arrival of the B-21 Raider and authorizing a new facility for the South Dakota Army National Guard in Watertown,” Thune continued. “I’m pleased the Senate gave this important legislation the time and attention it deserves this year, and I’m glad we were able to get it across the finish line.”

The NDAA includes key priorities that will benefit South Dakota:

• Fully authorizes the B-21 Raider program, including over $3.4 billion for procurement;
• Authorizes $378 million in military construction projects to support the future B-21 Raider mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base;
• Authorizes $28 million for a South Dakota Army National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Watertown;
• Requires a “bomber roadmap” detailing bomber force structure, modernization, and transition plan for fielding the B-21;
• Modifies the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to better address quality of life needs of military families;
• Supports munitions production, leveraging South Dakota industries; and
• Authorizes robust munitions production for the B-1 and B-21.

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If you’re in Sioux Falls later this afternoon, don’t forget the Christine Erickson fundraiser at 4:30 at Gib’s Sports Bar!

Mary J. Fitzgerald Launches Re-Election Campaign for District 31 House of Representatives

Saint Onge — Representative Mary J. Fitzgerald (R) announced today that she is running for re-election to the South Dakota House of Representatives, vowing to continue delivering results and standing up for the South Dakota values that matter most.

“Serving this community is an honor I never take for granted,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m committed to protecting our freedoms, supporting our families, and ensuring government works efficiently for the people of South Dakota.”

Known for her accessibility and no-nonsense approach, Fitzgerald has built a reputation for results-driven leadership. She has passed multiple pieces of legislation focused on public safety, government transparency, and protecting constitutional rights. Her work includes strengthening penalties for violent offenders, ensuring convictions for sexual assault cannot be erased, protecting Second Amendment rights for law-abiding gun owners, increasing transparency in public meetings, fixing inconsistencies in DUI laws, and safeguarding volunteers of nonprofit organizations.

Growing up on a South Dakota farm, Fitzgerald learned the value of hard work and the importance of community. She has been a consistent advocate for agriculture and rural communities, championing limited, accountable government and responsible budgeting. She has also supported strategic investments in infrastructure to keep communities and the economy strong. Reducing property taxes and cutting government spending remain top priorities in her next term. People are asking for help and Rep Fitzgerald hears their call and takes that responsibility seriously.

A firm supporter of education, Fitzgerald said: “Education is the greatest investment we can make in the future of our communities. When we give our youth the tools and opportunities to succeed, we create stronger economies and brighter futures.”

Fitzgerald previously served two years on House and Joint Appropriations and currently serves on House Judiciary and House Local Government. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration and lives in Saint Onge with her husband, John H. Fitzgerald, a 4th Circuit Court Judge. They have three grown children, all graduates of BHSU and the USD School of Law, and six grandchildren, all living in western South Dakota.

Fitzgerald is a former Vice-Chair of the South Dakota State Republican Party, former Lawrence County GOP Chair, and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Rep. Mary Fitzgerald can be reached at 605.641.2045 or mary.fitzgerald@sdlegislature.gov. Fitzgerald is asking for your support on June 2nd in the Republican primary election. Voters can learn more by visiting her Facebook page or her website at Fitz4House.com.

Not sure anyone could have predicted this outcome. But the vote on whether or not to dissolve the Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District, which would bus school children out of the area currently stands at a tie vote – 363 votes for and 363 votes against.   According to a story at KELOland.com:

The unofficial election results are in for the Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District and there’s still not a complete answer on the future of the school district. With 363 votes for dissolving the district and 363 votes against dissolving the district and 5 provisional ballots cast, leaving the fate of the district unknown.

and..

According to a fact sheet from the ORR school district, if the district dissolves, there would be 42 employees who will be fired and 193 students that will have to go elsewhere for schooling. The sheet added that the board has canceled their current construction contract for $19 million that would have built a new school. The sheet also stated that no capital outlay certificates will be issued and no tax increase related to the construction is planned.

Read the entire story here.

(Maybe it’s a good time to re-watch Casey Phillips’ documentary about tie votes in elections; Win, Lose or Draw Straws.)

As we move into economic conditions that place us in danger of recession, it seems counter-productive for 3 small communities to ship their kids – nearly 200 of them – to larger towns for schooling, and to fire 42 employees.  For these communities that don’t consist of much, there’s a real danger that they’re soon going to consist of a lot less.

If they succeed in killing the local schools… well, if that happens, at least if Abby Bischoff ever decides she wants to fire back up her “Abandoned South Dakota” website and calendars, she’ll have plenty of new subjects to photograph.

Thune on a Year of Results: Safer Streets, More Money in Americans’ Pockets, New Opportunities

“[W]e’ve had an incredibly productive session of this Congress as well, in terms of the things that we’ve accomplished to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

12/16  — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:

After Toby Doeden got on the computer last night, and started tweeting like Darth Vader how Jon Hansen would be joining him…

\While I don’t know Jon well personally, our teams, along with many of our surrogates, have nothing but the greatest respect for each other.

Together, they have been in constant communication about the best way to integrate these two teams together.

All well intended members of the grassroots movement, including Jon, know that joining forces is the right thing to do.

Read that here.

.. but after posting a couple pictures of a fundraiser to show how many people didn’t show up, the Hansen for Governor campaign took to Facebook to refute the claim about them bending the knee:

Voters deserve more than people obsessed with money or power. They deserve more than people who pretend to be something that they are not in an attempt to manipulate the voters of South Dakota. They deserve more than those that preach unity on the right but do more to sow division amongst fellow conservatives.

and..

I am not backing down–we are not in talks to integrate our campaign with anyone else–and anybody who claims otherwise is not being honest with you.

If you’re inclined, you can read the whole thing here.

Glad they can provide entertainment in the form of a slappy fight on social media over which one of them gets to come in last.

Derby Announces State House 2026 Re-Election Bid

Rep. Mike Derby today announces he is seeking re-election for State Representative in Legislative District 34 in Rapid City. “Once again, I ask the people of Rapid City for their vote and support,” Derby said. “Since District 34 is where I grew up, having attended Meadowbrook Grade School, West Junior High and Stevens High School, it has been a humbling experience to represent District 34 in the South Dakota Legislature.”

Derby will be the Lead Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Appropriations (JCA), Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Member of the Revenue Projection Subcommittee for the 2026 General Session. “Co-Chairing the JCA is an honor,” Derby said. “During the 2025 Session, we balanced the State Budget for the 136th year in a row by including $70 million in cuts to Executive Branch agencies.” Derby has also served on the Select Committee on Legislative Relationships with Ellsworth Air Force Base. He is currently on the Visit Rapid City Board of Directors, the State of South Dakota and Rapid City America 250 Committee, and just finished his 26th year as a volunteer for SD Junior Achievement.

Derby’s reliable presence in Pierre utilizes his experience as a Rapid City business owner and community leader. Elevate Rapid City recently named him as a Pro-Business Champion. Derby said, “Continuity of leadership for West River and Rapid City is critical. We have a seat at the table and an effective voice when important decisions are made. My ultimate goal is to be a tireless advocate for our next generation and leave South Dakota a better place for our children and grandchildren.”

Rep. Derby can be reached at 605-381-0992 or mike.derby@sdlegislature.gov. Follow Rep. Derby at mikederbyforsdhouse.com and Facebook at Mike Derby for SD House District 34.

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As of October, 23 states—driving about a third of U.S. GDP—face high recession risk, or are already in recession. https://t.co/w65HFMaKKF via @visualcap

— South Dakota War College (@SoDakCampaigns) December 16, 2025

According to Mark Zandi, the Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics:

Nearly one-third of national GDP is produced in states that are either in recession or at high risk of entering one. These regions, spread across every part of the country, are showing signs of strain. Another third of states are treading water, while the rest are still growing, though their momentum is fading.

This is an update to an assessment I posted over a month ago, and is based on looking at a wide range of data. To determine whether a state is in or close to recession, I apply the definition of recession used by the business cycle dating committee of the National Bureau of Economic Research, namely, a broad-based, persistent decline in economic activity. Admittedly, the government shutdown and the loss of economic data from the federal government is complicating this assessment.

Read the entire economic forecast here.

And South Dakota is towards the top of that list. Of the 50 states, according to the story and the chart provided, the author notes that South Dakota has the 7th weakest economy in the NATION.

Why is this worth paying attention to? After spiking things like the ethanol pipeline related projects, the NIMBY crowd is refocusing on new projects to kill which would contribute to community economic activity. Such as data centers.

Interestingly, North Dakota – who will end up with the GEVO plant we lost – appears to be recession proof. Nebraska, a key location for carbon capture pipelines, primarily through Tallgrass Energy’s Trailblazer Pipeline, which transports captured CO2 from ethanol plants in Nebraska and Iowa to underground storage in Wyoming, they have green-light economies as well.   But right between them in South Dakota? We’re not looking so good.

Any political candidate who isn’t focused on re-firing the economic engine that South Dakota used to be may find themselves paying for it at the ballot box.   The next election isn’t about Not-In-My-Backyard politics as much as it’s going to be about reinvigorating the land of opportunity in what is already planned to be a hard economy for South Dakota.