Release: Emmett Reistroffer Announces Campaign for South Dakota House District 35

Emmett Reistroffer Announces Campaign for South Dakota House District 35

RAPID CITY, SD — Local business and public policy professional Emmett Reistroffer today announced his campaign for the South Dakota House of Representatives, District 35, running in the Republican Primary on June 2nd.

Reistroffer promises straightforward, no-bull leadership that puts the people of District 35 first, prioritizing real taxpayer relief, public safety and long-term reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility and bring accountability and transparency to Pierre.

District 35 is full of brave men and women who’ve served our country and hardworking families just trying to make ends meet. I’m running for them,said Reistroffer.

A Vision for South Dakota’s Future

Reistroffer’s platform is built on freedom, accountability, and innovation, including:

  • Free People: Protect freedoms and family values
  • Free Markets: Support sustainable, long-term economic growth without government handouts
  • Safer Neighborhoods: Fix our broken justice system and back first responders
  • Smaller Government: Cut red tape and wasteful spending, enact long-term reforms
  • Transparency & Accountability: Demand transparency and accountability across every level of government, in every department, agency and office—if taxpayers fund it— taxpayers deserve to see it
  • Educating Future Leaders: Equip the next generation with knowledge, work skills and ethics to be successful in an evolving world
  • Support Military & Veterans: Honor our heroes and fight for them with urgency
  • Ethical Government: Expose corruption and stop it before it starts
  • Responsible Innovation: Embrace technology to serve, not replace, people

Putting Taxpayers First

Reistroffer is proposing a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) to cap government growth, require voter approval for new taxes, and mandate automatic refunds when revenues exceed limits.

“No more slush funds or luxury perks for politicians,” said Reistroffer. “Politicians always talk about cutting waste and spending, but it’s just talk, no action. I want to impose caps by law, like speeding limits for spending, that will trigger automatic refunds to taxpayers before the politicians can spend our hard-earned money on whatever they want. If the state collects more money than it should, give it back, period.”

He’s preparing draft legislation and a visual model showing how much could have been returned in the past decade, and how much could be returned in future scenarios – under a TABOR framework.

Reistroffer also points to the costly new prison project as proof of failed leadership:

“We didn’t have a choice but to build it, but let’s be honest, it’s the price of ignoring a broken system for decades. I welcome Governor Rhoden’s new task force, but I won’t forget Governor Daugaard’s task force in 2014, because we know how well that worked out.”

 About Emmett Reistroffer

A (mostly) lifelong South Dakotan, Reistroffer built his career in public policy, entrepreneurship, leading organizations and community advocacy by always focusing on getting results.

He helped build Genesis Farms, South Dakota’s largest state-licensed medical cannabis company, employing nearly 150 people in Box Elder and across the state. A conservative and pragmatic leader, Reistroffer has supported responsible regulations for his industry by being a voice of reason during legislative and rule-making debates – and he isn’t just another “pro-pot” activist, he opposed previous legalization ballot measures because he believed they were poorly written. Emmett has gone on record multiple times in support of law enforcement to stop illegal marijuana sellers in various communities across the state.

He’s active in the community through the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Rushmore Masonic Lodge #220, and Young Republicans — and regularly joins police ride-alongs to stay informed of street-level issues.

You can find out more at www.EmmettforSD.org

Gov. Rhoden Rescinds 151 Old Executive Orders

Gov. Rhoden Rescinds 151 Old Executive Orders

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2025-08, which cleans up 151 old executive orders that are no longer necessary to remain on the books.

“Our nation was founded on the principle that power comes from the consent of the governed,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Executive orders should be used carefully and with purpose. By reviewing and updating existing orders and cutting red tape, we’re ensuring government remains efficient and true to the vision of our Founding Fathers. Our state is freest when the government gets out of the way, and I am keeping that commitment by rescinding old, obsolete executive orders.”

Many past executive orders, by virtue of their own terms, fail to expire on a certain date and remain in effect until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by the governor.

Governor Rhoden rescinded executive orders that were:

  • No longer essential to the organization or operation of the executive branch;
  • Permanently codified and no longer require the sanctions of an executive order; or
  • Used to establish task forces, committees, councils, commissions, or other groups or entities that are no longer active.

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Attorney General Jackley Praises President Trump’s Nomination Of DCI Director Dan Satterlee as next SD U.S Marshal

Attorney General Jackley Praises President Trump’s Nomination Of DCI Director Dan Satterlee as next SD U.S Marshal

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley praises President Trump’s nomination of Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Director Dan Satterlee as South Dakota’s next U.S. Marshal.

“Dan is a strong law enforcement officer, and he was my choice as DCI director when I became Attorney General in 2023,” said Attorney General Jackley. “He has been an excellent leader for DCI, and he will do the same as U.S. Marshal. I look forward to continuing our working relationship in his new position.”

Attorney General Jackley recommended Director Satterlee for the position and was supported by South Dakota Senators Thune and Rounds. President Trump then accepted that nomination.

“President Trump, Senate Leader Thune, and Senator Rounds are strong advocates of law enforcement and public safety, and this nomination reaffirms that,” said Attorney General Jackley.

Director Satterlee’s nomination has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. If approved there, the nomination would go to the full Senate.

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Release: Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members

Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the membership of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for the new prison.

“Securing a new prison was a major win for our state. Pairing our new facility with strong programming will lead to the best outcomes for inmates and result in safer communities for generations to come. This task force will prioritize reducing recidivism and getting offenders back to work,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.

This task force was established through Executive Order 2025-07 following the passage and signing of SB 2, which provides for a new prison in Sioux Falls. Both SB 2 and EO 2025-07 were signed at the conclusion of the special session on September 23.

The Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will assess the programming needs of the inmate population, understand options for faith-based and Native American-focused programs, study best practices for re-entry models, and make recommendations on how to best use the expanded space of the new facility.

“I am a strong believer in bringing voices from broad perspectives to the table. The task force’s diverse membership will ensure sound programming for our inmate population,” continued Governor Rhoden.

The members of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force are:

  • Mayor of Sioux Falls Paul TenHaken;
  • Judge Pat Pardy, Third Judicial Circuit;
  • Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-District 11;
  • Senator Tamara Grove, R-District 26;
  • Senator Joy Hohn, R-District 9;
  • Senator Paul Miskimins, R-District 20;
  • Senator Ernie Otten, R-District 6;
  • Senator Sue Peterson, R-District 13;
  • Senator Jamie Smith, D-District 15;
  • Representative John Hughes, R-District 13;
  • Representative Greg Jamison, R-District 12;
  • Representative Chris Kassin, R-District 17;
  • Representative Brian Mulder, R-District 11;
  • Representative Tim Reisch, R-District 8;
  • Representative Tesa Schwans, R-District 9;
  • Representative Eric Emery, D-District 26A;
  • Representative Kadyn Wittman, D-District 15;
  • Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Danial Haggar;
  • Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller;
  • Southeast Tech President Cory Clasemann;
  • Minnehaha County Jail Warden Mike Mattson;
  • State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn;
  • Sioux Falls City Council member Rich Merkouris;
  • Founder of I.Am.Legacy Erik Brings White;
  • CEO of Great Plains Tribal Leader’s Health Board Jerilyn Church;
  • Executive Director of SD Council of Mental Health Centers Terry Dosch;
  • Sioux Falls School Board Member Dawn Marie Johnson;
  • Secretary of Labor and Regulation Marcia Hultman; and
  • Department of Corrections Deputy Secretary Brent Fluke.

The task force will begin its work later this month.

Thune: Schumer Shutdown Day Six

Thune: Schumer Shutdown Day Six

“[F]or the sake of the American people, I hope at least a few more Democrats will join us to pass this clean, nonpartisan CR and let the Senate get back to work.”

Click here to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Governor’s office is hiring for staff position up to 90k

Looking for a government job? Get your resume out, as Governor Larry Rhoden’s administration is apparently hiring someone to manage traffic in the office with an eye towards the legislative session:

Agency: Governor’s Office
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $65,000-$90,000 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: Z
Closing Date: 10/15/25

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Governor’s Office. For more information on the Governor’s Office, please visit https://www.sd.gov/cs.

Governor Rhoden’s office is seeking a Director of Operations to join a dynamic team, with the overall goal of advancing the Governor’s mission is to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.

The ideal applicant will be a motivated self-starter who can manage multiple projects and process at once; a leader with the ability to help a cross-functional team meet deadlines; Trustworthy with the ability to handle confidential information with discretion; An excellent communicator with strategic thinking skills to solve problems.

Key/Responsibilities:

Day-to-day responsibilities will include advancing the Governor’s conservative principles to by leading processes for the Governor and team. This includes the following aspects:

    • Preparation for the Governor, Lt. Governor, and team for events and meetings requires a quarterback to bring the necessary information together and effectively communicate with all groups involved. This position is a leader of processes through a cross-functional team of internal and external stakeholders to ensure effectiveness and impact.
    • Legislative Session brings a season of challenges and opportunities for the Governor. This person is the lynch pin in several process that keep the Governor, Lt. Governor, and senior leadership team informed and prepared for each day.
    • The Governor is responsible for appointing members to hundreds of boards, commissions, and councils. This position is responsible for tracking of all the expiring board appointments and coordinating with all of the executive branch agencies for recommendations. Then, see the process through after the appointment is made, including some Senate confirmed positions.
    • This position assists the policy team with needed research and should have the ability to fill in gaps with communication and research in this function of the office, especially during the fast-paced season of Legislative Session. This includes some lobbying on behalf of the Executive Branch.
    • Given the dynamic nature of a Governor’s Office, there are other duties as assigned including events, special projects, and assisting with other needs of the team.

This individual will report to Governor Rhoden’s Chief of Staff but will also interact with members of the Governor’s senior team on a frequent basis. Travel will be less than 25% and a mix of in-state and out-of-state. 

Read the job listing and apply here.

Any applicants must be home grown, as the listing notes that they will not sponsor work visas.

Justin McNeal announcing political campaign at Mt. Rushmore, a place that you’re not supposed to do that.

From my inbox:

The (Republican or Independent or whatever) Justin McNeal for something campaign is pre-announcing that they’re going to be making a campaign announcement at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.

Except there’s a bit of a problem with that, because the National Park Service does not permit partisan political campaigning to be conducted in parks.

We’ll see how this goes.