The Weekly Windup
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
Weekly Windup – The holidays are quickly approaching, and I am putting my nose to the grindstone to accomplish as much as possible before year-end. As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, one of my priorities is to uplift South Dakota’s workforce. To that end, this week I introduced a new bill called the Worker’s Choice Act. This bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act to empower employees in a unionized workplace to independently negotiate their employment terms with their bosses.
Currently, in Right-to-Work states like South Dakota, an employee who opts-out of union participation is still subject to the collectively bargained employment terms negotiated by the union. This legislation is supported by several conservative workforce groups, including Heritage Action and Americans for Tax Reform.
Constituent Spotlight – This week, I was excited to speak with two of Simmons Middle School’s 8th grade classes via Skype about the ins and outs of Congress. When our scheduled call-time was unexpectedly interrupted by votes, we had to wing it and call them right off the House floor. Connecting with our state’s future leaders are some of my favorite conversations, and I am glad I was able to answer several of their questions about my daily work in Washington.
Working Together – I’ve said this over and over again, but producers have had a hard time with weather this year. The weather doesn’t discriminate between Republicans and Democrats – it hurts us all. That’s why I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in calling for a continued supply of propane to Midwest states. Farmers are facing limited propane supplies because frankly, our corn is wet. A strong supply of propane will ensure our fields stay dry and our livestock barns stay warm. As a result of the efforts, FERC fast-tracked approvals to get ship propane from Texas to the Midwest.
South Dakota Wins – Folks back home received good news this week. The Trump administration approved a major disaster declaration for several South Dakota counties following severe flooding and tornadoes in September. South Dakotans have been hit with more than their fair share of tough weather this year, and I appreciate Governor Noem and President Trump’s swift efforts to provide relief to the communities most affected.
Back Home – As I head back to South Dakota for a few in-state work days before Thanksgiving, I’ll be spending time with Harrisburg High School students. I’ll also spend an afternoon delivering meals to Meals on Wheels recipients in Sioux Falls – it’s important to give back to our fellow South Dakotans, especially during the holiday season. I hope you all are able to spend this Thanksgiving holiday with family, friends, and loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
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