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I missed this part entirely in the freedumb caucus press release, but an observant soul noted to me – they’re complaining about accounting practices which arose from their own bill.  From the Freedumb Caucus screed sent out yesterday:

..parts of the Governor’s address the caucus called “deeply misleading” and “fiscally irresponsible” in regard to its characterization of the state’s financial position.

Governor Rhoden acknowledged in his own remarks that last year’s $63 million surplus was “largely driven by one-time unclaimed property revenues” and admitted that “without those unclaimed property dollars, we’d have actually been a bit short on our revenue at the end of the fiscal year.” Yet the address framed this precarious position, and potential shortfall, as fiscal strength.

South Dakota Freedom Caucus said that narrative is repeated in 2026 with another $61 million in unclaimed-property funds and again in 2027 with $58 million. Without these temporary cash grabs, all of those years would have posted negative balances.

“Let’s be clear about what unclaimed property actually is,” said Representative Tina Mulally, Treasurer of the South Dakota Freedom Caucus. “This is money that belongs to South Dakota citizens and across our nation — not the government. When Pierre balances its books by taking property that was never returned to its rightful owners, that’s not fiscal conservatism. That’s the government helping itself to the people’s money.”

The problem with this?  The Governor’s Budget is accounting for unclaimed property the way the law requires, based on Senate Bill 155, a bill that Taffy Howard brought and passed in the 2025 session.  https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/25909.  Who were the sponsors of the measure?  Senators Howard (prime), John “California” Carley, Crabtree, Otten, Perry, Peterson (Sue), and Voita and Representatives  Kassin (prime), Baxter, Gosch, Jensen (Phil), Jorgenson, May, Moore, Muckey, and Sjaarda

SB155 was the bill that created the Unclaimed Property trust fund. It spells out how much unclaimed property is supposed to be included in the ongoing budget. It passed unanimously.

So, public Freedumb caucus leaders Phil Jensen and California Carley, along with Heather Baxter were sponsors of the bill that demanded the change in accounting that the group just sent out a press release complaining about?  And every single one of them – including Tina Mulally – VOTED for it?

No wonder the legislature is so dysfunctional. These guys are tripping over themselves to send out a press release to complain about a bill that many of them sponsored. And all of them certainly voted for.

In checking my junk e-mail folder, the State’s Freedumb Caucus sent out a press release yesterday attacking Governor Larry Rhoden over the budget he presented because .. well, apparently because they feel impotent in the face of a proposal, despite it being a long-standing practice in South Dakota for the Governor to propose a budget as a starting point:

.. parts of the Governor’s address the caucus called “deeply misleading” and “fiscally irresponsible” in regard to its characterization of the state’s financial position.

and..

The Freedom Caucus also raised what it describes as ongoing concerns about executive spending occurring without direct legislative approval. The Caucus points to more than $35 million in March 2025 GOED-approved loans, grants, and bonds, as well as Governor Rhoden’s recent request for unrestricted access to the remaining $65 million previously designated for housing loans.

and..

“South Dakotans deserve to know where their tax dollars are going — and who’s making those decisions,” said Representative Phil Jensen, Chair of the South Dakota Freedom Caucus. “When the executive branch can move tens of millions of dollars without a vote of the people’s representatives, that’s not limited government. That’s a slush fund.”

and..

Senator John Carley, Vice Chair of the South Dakota Freedom Caucus, signaled that reforms are This session, we will be pushing for rules changes that restore the legislature’s constitutional authority over appropriations. The power of the purse belongs to the people’s elected representatives — not to executive boards operating in the shadows.

I’m not sure why they sent this press release out at all, other than to throw rocks and be malcontents.

Of course the freedumb caucus doesn’t have any proposals of their own. They just want to whine about the Governor having one.  On a collective basis, I’m not sure we have a more useless group of legislators in Pierre.

Moving on.

Tyler Tordsen Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House of Representatives, District 14

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Tyler Tordsen announced his candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 14, seeking a return to the legislature to continue his record of effective, people-focused leadership.

Tordsen, a lifelong South Dakotan and President & CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, previously represented District 14 in the House from 2023–2024. During his first term, he emerged as one of the Legislature’s most productive new lawmakers — leading ten bills that were signed into law, ranging from workforce freedom and regulatory reform to strengthening tribal relations, improving public safety, supporting veterans and helping vulnerable South Dakotans.

“My focus has always been on effective, people-first leadership,” Tordsen said. “During my time in Pierre, I focused on doing the work — researching the issues, building relationships, and delivering real results,”

“South Dakotans deserve leaders who prioritize people over politics. I’m running again because of the overwhelming support and encouragement from many friends, family, and residents of District 14. I also firmly believe our state, our families, and our shared future deserve strong, steady, optimistic leadership that listens to the people and isn’t afraid to get things done.”

While serving in the Legislature, Tordsen sat on the House Education Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Select Committee on Legislative Relationships with Ellsworth Air Force Base. He was appointed as a commissioner to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, selected as a 2023 NCSL Youth Homelessness Fellow, named one of ALEC’s “50 Under 50” up-and-coming conservative leaders, and honored as a “Legislative Champion” by the Foundation for Government Accountability.

Tordsen brings broad experience in public service, economic development, and government affairs. Before joining the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, he spent eight years working for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds as Southeast Regional Director and State Director of Tribal Affairs. He is an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe and holds degrees from the University of South Dakota and Air University.

His campaign will focus on strong families, strong communities, and a strong South Dakota economy, emphasizing:

• People First: Keeping government closest to the people through limited government, respecting the perspectives of all South Dakotans, and promoting a more efficient, effective, and responsive state government.
• Healthy Families & Safe Communities:Supporting education, public safety, access to healthcare, and community resources while respecting the role of nonprofits, faith-based groups, and local organizations.
• A Vibrant Economy: Promoting low taxes, reasonable regulations, and opportunities that help businesses start, grow, and thrive — keeping South Dakota the land of opportunity and the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
• Conservative, Common-Sense Leadership: A 100% pro-life record, A-rating from the NRA, and a proven track record of effective, authentic conservative results.

“There’s no question that South Dakota remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family, but we can’t take that for granted.” Tordsen said. “As your representative, I will continue listening and working to keep our communities strong, our economy vibrant, and our people my number one priority – always. I know South Dakota’s best days are ahead of us yet.”

Tordsen and his wife, Erika, live in Sioux Falls with their three children.

For more information on Tordsen’s record of service and priorities, visit www.TylerTordsen.com.

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Sydney Davis Announces Campaign for Re-election to the South Dakota Senate

Burbank, SD — Senator Sydney Davis announced today that she is running for reelection to the South Dakota Senate in District 17.

Davis is a nurse anesthetist, a fourth generation cattle producer, and a mom of three. She has built a reputation in Pierre for being steady, conservative, and focused on solutions that support families and communities. She has worked to improve access to health care, support local schools, strengthen the workforce, and make sure tax dollars are used wisely.

“Raising our children here gives me a clear sense of what is at stake,” Davis said. “I want them to have every opportunity to build a strong future in this state, and that motivates me every day.”

During her service, Sydney has focused on ideas that makes a real difference at home. She helped cut red tape so clinics and rural health care providers can take better care of patients, supported student teachers and school safety, and worked on policies that help grow the state’s workforce, build affordable housing, and support the families who keep our communities strong. She also worked on bills that protect kids and help families in tough situations.

A key part of her approach is bringing forward solutions that start in District 17. These efforts often begin with the people she serves. Davis listens, works with community members, and helps turn their ideas into solutions that improve everyday life.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving the great people of District 17. I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me, and I will keep working hard every day to earn it,” Davis said. “I have spent my life working in health care, raising cattle with my family, and being part of this community. It gives me a real understanding of the values and challenges we face. I believe in showing up, working hard, and doing what is right for our communities, and I bring that dedication with me to Pierre.”

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Representative Kent Roe Announces Reelection Campaign for District 4 House

HAYTI, S.D. – Today, Representative Kent Roe announced his reelection campaign to continue serving District 4 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Roe said his decision reflects his passion for the district and its people as well as his commitment to building on the important work of his first term.

“It’s been an honor to represent District 4, and our work is far from finished,” said Roe. “My focus is on supporting our agricultural economy, investing in education and public safety, and making sure our small towns have every opportunity to succeed.”

A businessman, Roe serves on the House Taxation and Transportation Committees. He has developed a reputation for a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving, grounded in common-sense conservative values.

Roe’s reelection campaign will emphasize five key priorities:

• Fighting for family farms and ranches;
• Supporting small businesses;
• Strengthening local schools and empowering parents;
• Backing law enforcement and keeping communities safe; and
• Creating lasting opportunities for the next

As a fourth-generation farm kid from rural Hamlin County, Roe remains active in numerous community and professional roles, including the Sioux Rural Water Board, the Professional Appraiser Association of South Dakota, Dakota Mainstem, and New Hope Lutheran Church. He also participates in the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, the Appraisal Institute, and Gideons International.

As a father of two and grandfather to several, Roe is committed to ensuring future generations can build their lives and families right here at home.

District 4 includes Hamlin, Deuel, and Grant Counties, as well as portions of Clark, Codington, and Roberts Counties.

Absentee voting begins April 17, 2026, and the Republican Primary Election will be held on June 2, 2026.

For more information about Roe’s service and priorities, please visit KentRoeForHouse.com or connect with his campaign on Facebook and X.

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Come enjoy refreshments, connect with neighbors, and hear from your District 17 legislators as they preview the upcoming session and discuss priorities for the year ahead.

Today (Thursday) at 4:30 PM in North Sioux City, Meet with District 17 Legislators Senator Sydney Davis, & Representatives Chris Kassin & Bill Shorma for a legislative update at 215 Suncoast Dr, North Sioux City, SD.

You can find out more, and RSVP here (via Facebook)

I guess we’ve seen everything now, as the committee that was just registered today for the pillow guy, Mike Lindell, for Minnesota Governor notes that his campaign is going to be chaired from Elkton South Dakota by SD Canvassing election goofball and Minnesota transplant Rick Weible and his son:

I’m guessing he’s having trouble finding anyone goofy enough in Minnesota to take that one on.

Seriously, he can keep those guys. Everyone, get the boards and nails, so we can close the Minnesota border gates!

From Facebook, State Representative Drew Peterson discusses the Governor’s Budget Proposal, and what it means for education, and South Dakota:

1

When the ag economy slows—like grain farms in eastern and central South Dakota—the state economy feels it too, and this year is no exception.

The Governor’s proposed budget includes no increases for healthcare, state workers, or K-12 education after a small 1.25% increase last year. I’ll be talking with schools about how to manage this shortfall, but I’m hopeful we can find a way to support both schools and state employees before the budget is finalized in March.

On a positive note, tech schools saw good news with proposed funding for a new manufacturing facility at Southeast Tech.
Rural ambulance and EMS funding remains in crisis, with reimbursements far below costs—and no new proposals in the Governor’s budget. I’ll keep working on solutions that don’t raise property taxes.

You can review the full proposal here: bfm.sd.gov/budget/Budgets.html

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader has an article today where the Superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District is disappointed in Governor Rhoden’s proposal of 0% for education this year:

Sioux Falls School District Superintendent Jamie Nold told the Argus Leader shortly after Rhoden’s address that the way to be strong, to be safe and to be free, as Rhoden referenced throughout his address, is through education.

and..

Nold said there are many one-time expenditures in Rhoden’s budget that could go toward teacher salaries and education funding. He added he hoped people would favor investing in youth rather than investing in one-time projects.

He also criticized Rhoden’s proposal to increase the amount saved for reserves, or the rainy day fund, from 10% of the overall budget to 12.5%, and said those dollars could be used for education funding.

and..

Nold reiterated that he and other public education supporters would like to be part of legislative conversations, to help people see the work they’re doing and to invite elected officials to visit the schools.

Read the entire story here.

This is not likely to be a positive year for education aside from the tough funding year; especially considering those who want to strip public schools of funding to send them to private entities such as religious schools via a voucher program.

Stay tuned.

I noticed that the local shopper paper has a big full-page full-color election ad on the pack page.  (…because everyone looks for voter information in the shopper?)   The ad is part of a campaign to dissolve Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District, with the proponents claiming that it’s a reorganization plan in the text of the ad.

Yet, in the header of the ad, it does offer the caveat that it’s a plan to dissolve the ORR School District.

When taken against the fact sheet provided by the District, the advertising is a bit contradictory.

The pro-side notes that the consequences of not passing it is that they’ll lose sports programs and staff.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if they pass that and dissolve the school district, aren’t they going to lose that anyway?  According to the fact sheet on the election put out by the district:

What does a vote FOR the reorganization plan mean? A vote FOR the plan is a vote to CLOSE and DISSOLVE the ORR School District. If passed, this decision is FINAL, and the District will be formally closed under SD Law.

What does a vote AGAINST the reorganization plan mean? A vote AGAINST the plan is a vote to keep the ORR District OPEN.

• • The number of ORR staff who will be terminated upon dissolution = 42 employees.
  • The number of ORR students who will need to enroll in other districts upon dissolution = 193 students.

I think that kind of lays it out there.

With 2 weeks left in the election, there’s not a lot of time left for the opposing sides to make their case on whether to keep the schools open, or to shut them down, fire all the teachers, and bus their kids elsewhere.