Low Taxes and Low Spending
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

In the 2016 session legislators serving on the appropriations committee adopted a new budget process. With the goal of more thoroughly evaluating the state’s budget while improving timeliness, appropriators held budget hearings earlier and adhered to new deadlines.

Their new process worked. Under appropriators’ leadership, South Dakota has once again adopted a balanced budget that continues a tradition of low spending.

As a state government, we manage to get by with relatively little. For Fiscal Year 2016, South Dakota has the second lowest general fund spending in the nation at $1.4 billion. Wyoming, the least populous state, is spending $300 million more this fiscal year than we are. The six other states with the smallest populations are spending more as well. Rhode Island is spending $3.6 billion, Montana, $2.4 billion; Delaware, $3.9 billion; Vermont, $1.5 billion; North Dakota, $3 billion; and Alaska, $5.1 billion.

Even with the half-cent increase passed this legislative session, our 4.5 percent state sales tax is still quite low. Among the other states that have a sales tax but no income tax, South Dakota fares well. Florida has a 6 percent sales tax; Nevada, a 6.85 percent tax; Texas, 6.25 percent; and Washington, 6.5 percent. Only Wyoming’s 4 percent sales tax is lower than South Dakota’s– which probably has something to do with Wyoming’s oil revenues.

We’re not only a low-tax, low-spend state, we’re also a state that consistently balances its budget. It doesn’t cost money to exercise financial responsibility.

In a time when many other states are adopting rosy projections and employing budget gimmicks to justify overspending, South Dakota is acting responsibly. We don’t spend money we don’t have, we keep our budget structurally balanced and we seize opportunities to spend in the short-term where it can lead to savings. Perhaps that’s why last May, Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency upgraded South Dakota’s rating to AAA, the highest rating possible.  Moody’s followed suit, just last February, giving us their highest rating.

This is what South Dakotans expect of their government. They want good stewardship of their hard-earned dollars, minimal taxes and limited spending. Under these principles the state of South Dakota is keeping government small and allowing individuals to prosper.

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The Argus Leader is featuring South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley in an article this morning where Marty talks extensively about what looms on the horizon for him less than two years from now – an almost certain run for Governor:

Serving as the state’s top law enforcement official allows an attorney general to keep a high profile and foster a reputation for standing tall in the face of tragedy, highlighting why “AG” is sometimes presented as “aspiring governor.”

“It certainly prepares you from an executive experience standpoint of leading people, handling budgets and knowing all aspects of state government,” says Jackley, who has already started fundraising and says there’s a “likelihood” he will run for the top job in 2018.

“It’s like a job interview. People watch how you work, and they’ve always taken care of the attorney general in those governor races when he focused in on doing his job and serving the people.”

and…

He’s done all the right things to position himself to run,” says Watertown attorney and prominent state Republican Lee Schoenbeck, who has served four total terms in the state legislature. “The thing he may lack is that with Janklow, circumstances catapulted him to the office because law and order became a major issue of that era. I’m sure that Marty Jackley doesn’t wish on the state some catastrophe from which he can prove his leadership skills.”

Certainly not. But as he prepares for a 2018 race that will almost certainly include rising Republican force Mark Mickelson and perhaps even U.S. Representative Kristi Noem, Jackley is seizing upon government integrity and public trust as issues that can set him apart.

Go read the entire article here.

As we move through the beginning days of the active 2016 election cycle, it’s more and more apparent how the world is going to abruptly change in South Dakota politics once the dust settles in November.

Unlike his likely opponents, and not having to get through 2016, Marty has the ability to be off and running for Governor now, while Congresswoman Kristi Noem and State Representative Mark Mickelson have to get through another job interview this fall with the voters before they can even consider joining in the hunt for the brass ring in South Dakota politics.

It’s heady stuff, but I don’t think Marty is the type who is going to get too far ahead of himself, as there has always been a practical sense to his approach in the office. When those in the political scene are more often than not prone to go off wild-eyed and half-cocked with demands and pronouncements, Marty’s conduct in the office has always been grounded in practicality, procedure, and in deep recognition of what the law.

Contrary to what Annette Bosworth’s supporters may contend, Marty hasn’t really been one to go off on witch hunts, and has dealt with the matters in front of him based on fact.  And that grounded practicality is a good thing.

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The article today also highlights another HUGE problem that is evident in the Republican party; one that we’re going to have to ultimately come to grips with in June of 2018.

Today, talking about the Argus article on him, the discussion is about Marty. But there are two other heavyweights in the race. Given the field of potential contenders, how do you choose?  Seriously? Attorney General Marty Jackley, State Representative Mark Mickelson, and Congresswoman Kristi Noem are all outstanding candidates in their own right, and it’s easy to see any of them taking up residence in the Governor’s mansion.

All have their high points. All have areas of critique. And I’m sure they’ll all be starting to talk about it over the next 26 months – especially after November.  It will be up to us to assess those discussions, and pick which shining star in the GOP’s sky is our favorite.

Thune Provisions to Enhance Airport Security Added to Bipartisan FAA Legislation

“In addition to defeating ISIS abroad and controlling our borders, we must enact effective measures to secure our homeland. The security measures now included in the FAA bill are a strong step toward that goal.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today applauded the Senate’s adoption of his amendment to S. 2658, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016, which is currently pending in the Senate. Thune’s amendment, which includes a separate Thune-led and committee-approved bill, would take important steps toward protecting the traveling public and tightening the vetting process for airport workers who have access to secure areas. The amendment passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 85-10.

“Events around the world and security lapses at U.S. airports necessitate new protections for the traveling public,” said Thune. “Keeping Americans safe from future attacks is a top priority in this Senate. In addition to defeating ISIS abroad and controlling our borders, we must enact effective measures to secure our homeland. The security measures now included in the FAA bill are a strong step toward that goal.”

The Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over the nation’s transportation system, including security agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As chairman of the Commerce Committee, Thune is the lead sponsor and bill manager of S. 2658.

Highlights of the bipartisan Thune amendment to S. 2658:

Addressing the “inside threat” of terrorism – Many experts believe an ISIS attack on a Russian flight leaving Egypt had help from an aviation employee. The amendment includes S. 2361, the Airport Security Enhancement and Oversight Act, which enhances requirements and vetting for airport employees with access to secure areas. It also expands the use of random and physical inspections of airport employees in secure areas and requires a review of perimeter security. Click here for more information about provisions included in the amendment from S. 2361, which was previously approved by the Commerce Committee.

Safeguarding passengers in non-secure airport areas – The March 22 ISIS attack on the Brussels airport underscored how concentrations of passengers in areas of airports accessible without screening can be a target for terrorists. The amendment includes H.R. 2843, the TSA PreCheck Enhancement Act, which seeks to reduce crowds waiting for security screening by vetting more passengers before they arrive to get them through checkpoints quickly. Provisions require the TSA to seek private sector partners for marketing the program and processing applications for public enrollment while also ensuring that PreCheck screening lanes are open during high-volume travel times. Both the Commerce Committee and the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 2843.

Securing international flights bound for the U.S. – Some international airports abroad operating non-stop flights to U.S. airports lack the security equipment and expertise of U.S. and other state-of-the-art airports. Taking provisions from H.R. 4698, legislation previously approved by the House Homeland Security Committee, this amendment authorizes TSA to donate unneeded security equipment to foreign airports with direct flights to the U.S., permits increased cooperation between U.S. officials and partner nations to protect routes flown by Americans, and requires a new assessment of foreign cargo security programs.

Full text of the Thune amendment is available here.
For more information about S. 2658, visit www.commerce.senate.gov/faa. 

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Marsy’s Law for South Dakota Announces Kick-Off Event
for National Crime Victims’ Week

Marsy’s Law for South Dakota is sponsoring the lighting of the Falls of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 10-16.  A kick-off event will be held at the picnic shelter at Falls Park starting at 5:30pm on Sunday, April 10.  The shelter is located on the west side of the Falls at 131 E. Falls Park Drive. Food and beverages will be provided and the public is invited to attend.

The Falls will be lit a different color each night of the week to show support for different classes of crime victims.  The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, April 10	Purple for Domestic Violence Victims
Monday, April 11	Purple for Domestic Violence Victims
Tuesday, April 12	Teal for Sexual Assault Victims
Wednesday, April 13	Teal for Sexual Assault Victims
Thursday, April 14	Yellow for Property Crime Victims
Friday, April 15	Blue for Child Abuse Victims
Saturday, April 16	Blue for Child Abuse Victims

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual commemoration that promotes victims’ rights and services.  It was established by Ronald Reagan in 1982 and promoted annually by the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime in partnership with the National Center for Victims of Crime.  This year’s theme – Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope. – underscores the importance of establishing trust with victims.

Marsy’s Law for South Dakota is an organization composed of citizens and victim rights advocates in South Dakota who are leading the effort to pass Initiated Constitutional Amendment S in the November General Election.  Amendment S is a Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights that would guarantee equal rights to crime victims.

In addition to sponsoring the lighting of the Falls, Marsy’s Law for South Dakota will be releasing the first videos in a series featuring South Dakotans who support Marsy’s Law.  The videos primarily feature South Dakota crime victims and new videos will be released throughout the campaign until the November General Election.

“This is an important week for crime victims in South Dakota and we are working hard to give them the equal rights they deserve.” said Jason Glodt, State Director for Marsy’s Law for South Dakota.  “We also thank all of the other groups across the state that are organizing events for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.”

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Rounds Introduces Iran Cyber Sanctions Act

 WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced the Iran Cyber Sanctions Act, which would require the president to submit a report to Congress detailing significant activities conducted by Iranians to undermine U.S. cybersecurity.

“Some of the most serious threats facing the United States today are cyber-attacks,” said Rounds. “Iran and our other enemies currently use sophisticated technology to carry out cyber-attacks against U.S. businesses and our government. By reporting and sanctioning perpetrators, we can stop additional cyber-attacks before they happen and identify where future threats may come from.”

The bill would also require the president to add any individual included in his report to Congress to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals List. When someone is added to this list, his or her assets within a U.S. jurisdiction are blocked from being accessed and U.S. individuals are prevented from doing business with listed individuals. If the president chooses to exempt an individual from the Specially Designated Nationals List, he must explain to Congress why he or she was not included.

Rounds’ legislation would require the president’s report to Congress to include:

• The identity of individuals who have knowingly engaged in efforts to undermine U.S. cybersecurity.
• A description of the conduct engaged in by each person.
• An assessment of the extent to which Iran or another foreign government has provided material support for significant activities undermining cybersecurity.
• A strategy to counter efforts by Iranian individuals to conduct significant activities undermining cybersecurity.

On March 24, 2016, the U.S. Justice Department indicted 7 Iranian individuals, who were employed by two Iran-based computer companies, involved with a 2013 cyber-attack against the Bowman Avenue Dam in New York and a 2011 Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) campaign against the U.S. financial sector.

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Rounds Statement on Fiduciary Rule

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today issued the following statement after the Department of Labor (DOL) released its fiduciary rule.

“I oppose the fiduciary rule issued today, as it will have harmful consequences for American families saving for retirement,” said Rounds. “The rule will limit the availability of retirement investment advice for millions of people, especially low- and moderate-income Americans. The many regulations issued by the Obama administration consistently place undue financial burdens on already-overtaxed Americans, and the fiduciary rule is no different.”

In May 2015, Rounds, along with 35 senators, sent a letter to DOL Secretary Thomas Perez requesting the DOL revise its proposed fiduciary rule and extend the comment period.  In October 2015, DOL agreed to rework its proposed rule. Unfortunately, the rule issued today will leave many without critical access to quality retirement advice.

Rounds is a cosponsor of S. 2502, the Affordable Retirement Advice Protection Act, and S. 2505, the Strengthening Access to Valuable Education and Retirement Support Act, both of which aim to establish more workable fiduciary standards and prevent the DOL’s fiduciary rule from being implemented.

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 Thune Leads Hearing With Top TSA Official to Examine Transportation Security Concerns

“We need strong leadership and decisive action to address this terrorist threat.” 

Click here to watch Sen. Thune’s opening remarks.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today led an oversight hearing with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Peter Neffenger, during which the committee examined what steps are being taken to secure the nation’s surface and air transportation modes in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium.

Last week during a visit to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, Thune met with representatives from the airport, Federal Bureau of Investigation, TSA, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and Sioux Falls Police Department to discuss measures that are being implemented locally.

This morning a story is coming to light on the Democrats trying to use the EB5 issue that was such a winner for them in the last election, and repackaging it to use against Senator John Thune, and Congresswoman Kristi Noem.

Noem’s challenger, State Representative Paula Hawks, claims that Noem voted to extend EB-5 without first trying to reform the federal program. Hawks claims Noem broke her word.

The State Democratic Party is doubling down on Noem with an attack video that claims Noem broke her word on EB-5.

Noem’s Chief of Staff, Jordan Stoick, responded to the charges by saying that Noem supports EB-5 reforms.

“The nine-month extension of the program was included in a broader bill that Rep. Noem thought contained provisions that benefited South Dakota,” Stoick said, “including additional resources to take care of veterans and increase border security, a pay raise for our troops, funding for the Lewis & Clark water system and rural schools in South Dakota, and flexibility for the Indian Health Service to address the health care crisis facing tribal members in our state.

Read it here.

Sorry Dems, but I think Kristi gets to drop the mic on you there, especially with the demands today for improving IHS:

Optimists and skeptics sat down Tuesday with the new head of the Indian Health Service to hash out plans for improving care for Native Americans in Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

At a tense two-and-a-half-hour meeting, IHS Principal Deputy Director Mary Smith outlined plans for short and long-term changes at IHS hospitals and clinics in the Great Plains region.

The visit follows a federal investigation into IHS hospitals in South Dakota that found poor sanitation and improper record-keeping and lead to the closure of the emergency room in Rosebud.

Read that here.

So, Paula Hawks and the Democrats think this is the time to shackle IHS, and cut services?  Talk about tone deaf.

And next year when the new edition comes out, when you look up ‘ineffective partisan attack’ in “World Book Encyclopedia,” you’ll probably see a picture of unsuccessful Congressional Candidate Paula Hawks.

My wife just found a great picture in a pile of old photos from her youth.

During her senior year of high school in 1983, the Lincoln High Band made a trip to Washington DC, and right up front ready to greet them was an old familiar face for many South Dakotans…

  
United States Senator Jim Abdnor.

What do you do when members of your group go rogue, and begin an inquisition against those of us out there who might not be on the same page on climate change theories?

Treating climate change as an absolute, unassailable fact, instead of what it is—an unproven, controversial scientific theory—a group of state attorneys general have announced that they will be targeting any companies that challenge the catastrophic climate change religion.

Speaking at a press conference on March 29, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, “The bottom line is simple: Climate change is real.” He went on to say that if companies are committing fraud by “lying” about the dangers of climate change, they will “pursue them to the fullest extent of the law.”

The coalition of 17 inquisitors are calling themselves “AGs United for Clean Power.” The coalition consists of 15 state attorneys general (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington State), as well as the attorneys general of the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Sixteen of the seventeen members are Democrats, while the attorney general for the Virgin Islands, Claude Walker, is an independent.

The inquisitors are threatening legal action and huge fines against anyone who declines to believe in an unproven scientific theory.

and..

Fortunately, there are other state attorneys general who understand the importance of the rule of law as opposed to what they say is an “ambition to use the law to silence voices with which we disagree.” Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said they would not be joining this coalition:

Reasonable minds can disagree about the science behind global warming, and disagree they do. This scientific and political debate is healthy and should be encouraged. It should not be silenced with threats of criminal prosecution by those who believe that their position is the only correct one and that all dissenting voices must therefore be intimidated and coerced into silence. It is inappropriate for State Attorneys General to use the power of their office to attempt to silence core political speech on one of the major policy debates of our time.

Read it all here.

I had a note into South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley on this, as it represents a significant policy issue that the National Attorney Generals group that Marty serves as chairman of has yet to address.

Marty has always been a level head in maintaining, fighting for, and upholding the rights of South Dakotans in the face of burdensome laws and an overbearing federal government.  Our Attorney General has fought the EPA on their environmental activism.

In response to the issue, this evening, Attorney General Jackley provided that “The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office has been involved in joint AG discussions on this matter, but we have chosen not to participate in any litigation at this time based on the current facts and evidence,” said Jackley.

So, while other area states are going whole hog after the issue, as far as South Dakota is concerned, the current facts and evidence aren’t there to litigate against climate change disbelievers.