The March 2025 FEC Report for the South Dakota Republican Party has been filed.  While the new leadership group has not STILL filed anything indicating that they’re in charge, despite FEC Requirements, the old group is closing out their books.

And as members of past SDGOP Leadership have been warning for months, the SDGOP’s toxicity, and county parties not helping has not been good to their bottom line.

March 2025 SDGOP FEC Report by Pat Powers on Scribd

The SDGOP raised a whole $32.00 in the period between 2/1 – 2/28/2025.  That’s $32 as in dollars, not $32,000. They did also get back $53.68 in bank fees/interest, which helped to double their fundraising for the month. This comes against $8358.88 in expenditures, leaving the SDGOP $49,250.01 for the new group to play with.

The new crew did manage to get the SDGOP website under their control.  But, as noted, they can’t seem to get their filings done, as neither the FEC nor the SDSOS have updated contact information.

 

I saw an item from the kooky canvassers (a.k.a., the election goofballs) on facebook where for the last day they have been going absolutely apoplectic because it appears that McPherson County State’s Attorney, and son of former Republican State Rep. Charlie Hoffman, has been appointed to the State Board of Elections. While not on the SOS website yet, according to the State’s Board and Commissions website:

This was an excellent appointment, as Hoffman has experience with some of the battles that have taken place over the last year where the election hand-counting kooks have pressed to dump election machines, such as in this story from the Dakota Scout:

Hand-counting all of the June 4 primary ballots in McPherson County proved the process is a waste of time and money.

That was the take of McPherson County State’s Attorney Austin Hoffman after a secondary audit of ballots on Tuesday.

and..

The hand-counting resulted in four missed ballots (eight missed tallies) in the District 23 House Republican primary, Hoffman said.

“In my view, that’s not acceptable for an actual election,” he said.

Hoffman said concerns about vote tabulators have “no merit whatsoever.”

Read that here.

To say the election kooks hate him, might be an understatement, as evidenced from Rick Weible using “Pillow-guy Internet TV” to specifically call out Hoffman in the middle of a rant where he attacks then Governor Kristi Noem back in March of 2024:

“So I want to warn the rest of the country, you’d better be careful who your VP pick is going to be. I’m calling it out right now. And then also Representative Darreld(?), shame on you, Representative Rehfeldt, shame on you. Representative Reimer, the prime sponsor of this? You are disgusting. I want to make sure and call out every one of those, that they need to be primaried, immediately.”

and..

“And these two attorney’s – Sara Frankenstein, how dare you represent the laws..in South Dakota.. and not be there for the people? And then a special.. special one.. Austin Hoffman, how dare you go to your county commissioners and sit there and quote statutes that are actually repealed and try to use that as an excuse to dee-reel.. derail the petition process in your county and the decisions making of your county. I would implore those county commissioners to start an investigation to find out what other lies that he’s told them.”

Read that here.

And don’t think Austin sits there and just takes it – because he’s not afraid to point out facts, and call them out for their BS:

Over the last several years, Mr. Klipfel and other members of the Executive Board have used those positions to push personal agendas. They have used the McPherson County Republican Executive Board as a vehicle to move forward an anti-CO2 pipeline agenda, an unfounded election integrity agenda, and most recently to push a blatantly false and incorrect narrative that myself, as State’s Attorney, am attempting to push a resolution that would violate First Amendment freedom of speech rights. The first two items I mention are inappropriate. The latter is absurd.

and..

“I have no issues with someone disagreeing with me politically or unhappy with the decisions I make as McPherson County State’s Attorney. Everyone has the right to their opinion. But using one’s role as Chairman of the McPherson County Republicans to make incorrect and false accusations, to push personal agendas, or to complain about legal bills they created, is an entirely different story.”

(You can read that here.)

In other words, he’s not afraid to face off with these election nonsense goofs, using logic and the law. So they don’t care for that.

Of course, they had some choice comments about his new position:

Not thinking that’s how that works..  Oh, here’s a great one:

Uh oh!  “File a complaint with Marty Jackley.”  I hate to tell this gal that Marty is well aware of Austin. And knows just what to do with him:

Attorney general announces first Open Meetings Commission hearing in nearly four years
(From SD Searchlight)

The current five-member panel consists of State’s Attorneys Austin Hoffman of McPherson County, Katelynn Hoffman of Turner County, Lance Russell of Fall River/Oglala Lakota County, Michael Smith of Clay County, and Emily Sovell of Sully County.

He appoints him to boards and commissions as well!   We’ll see how far they get with that one.

So, Congratulations appear to be in order to Austin for his apparent appointment!

(And apologies to him on behalf of not-crazy South Dakotans in advance for what he’s going to have to listen to on the Board of Elections.)

Thune: We Are Just Getting Started

 “Republicans are working to deliver for the American people.”

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

Thune Calls Out Democrats’ Willingness to Shut Down the Government

 “Democrats need to decide if they’re going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they’re going to shut down the government.”

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden Signs Bill to Address Property Taxes

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed his bill to address the rising burden of property taxes on South Dakota homeowners, SB 216. He signed this bill at a signing ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, and you can find a photo of the signing here.

“SB 216 is a win for South Dakota homeowners,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This bill is impactful and workable, and it will certainly slow down any future tax increases.”

SB 216 addresses the property tax burden on homeowners in the following ways:

• Limits the increase in owner-occupied assessments to 3% countywide for the next 5 tax years;
• Sets a 3% cap on the amount taxing districts and school capital outlay budgets can increase as a result of new construction – local government budgets don’t need to grow just because a homeowner makes a small improvement to their property; and
• Increases the maximum income limits for the assessment freeze program to $55,000 for single member homes and $65,000 for multi-member homes – the bill also increases the maximum eligible home value to $500,000.

“I am grateful for all the legislators who worked with me to get this bill passed. The discussions and negotiations that occurred along the way are a sign of good process,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden. “This bill was an important step forward, but we are not done bringing property tax relief to South Dakotans. I am working on a proposal for a real property tax cut and will share more details on that proposal in the near future.”

Governor Rhoden has signed 126 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

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Gov. Rhoden VETOES HB 1132

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden VETOED HB 1132, which would have expanded the child care assistance program beyond the low-income families that it is meant to prioritize. Governor Rhoden outlined the reasons for his VETO in a letter to the House of Representatives. You can find a copy of the letter here. You can find a picture of Governor Rhoden VETOING HB 1132 here.

“House Bill 1132 shifts South Dakota’s child care assistance program away from its core mission,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden in the letter. “Currently, the program is designed as a safety net to help low-income families cover child care costs while they work toward self-sufficiency. This bill would give child care workers preferential treatment, by allowing them to receive this aid at a higher income level.”

The Department of Social Services has been actively implementing solutions to address the child care shortage in South Dakota, including:

• Shifted to weekly payments for child care assistance, which aligns with industry standards;
• Raised reimbursement rates by 18% to better compensate providers;
• Launched the ChildCare605 Campaign highlighting the value of child care professionals;
• Invested $115 million in stabilization grants, tuition relief, and expansion;
• Gave scholarships for free training to 130 providers, funding 47 associates degrees;
• Provided the Pathways to Professional Development career ladder to recognize child care professionals’ growth;
• Launched the Early Childhood Enrichment Resource Hub to provide tools, policies, and curriculum resources for educators;
• Gave free training and CPR certification for thousands of Early Childhood Enrichment System providers;
• Trained child care administrators on business and leadership skills; and
• Provided coaching, grants, and resources to improve program quality through Quality Recognition System.

“The Department of Social Services has been actively implementing solutions to support the child care industry and workforce. These solutions focus on sustainable approaches and do not involve expanding our state’s safety net program beyond its intended purpose,” continued Governor Rhoden. “The state’s role in promoting our child care workforce should be supporting economic development and encouraging private sector solutions – not broadening government safety nets into permanent workforce subsidies.”

Governor Rhoden has signed 125 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

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Gov. Rhoden Signs 19 Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed the following 19 bills into law:

• SB 15 expands the policy advisory committee for animal damage control;
• SB 25 clarifies the adoption and use of the plumbing code;
• SB 66 revises certain provisions related to capital improvements of state buildings;
• SB 76 repeals reporting and testifying requirements to the committees on health and human services regarding nursing facilities and long-term healthcare needs;
• SB 77 updates terminology related to ambulance operators;
• SB 78 authorizes a change in bullet diameter for use in taking certain animals;
• SB 80 revises provisions regarding students and trainees engaged in the practice of funeral service;
• SB 83 revise the penalty and provides treatment for the ingestion of certain controlled substances;
• SB 110 revises licensure and supervision requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants;
• SB 116 revises and repeals provisions related to street racing prohibitions and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 135 exempts a motor vehicle insurer from a certain title fee;
• SB 155 reduces the amount of net receipts of unclaimed property deposited into the general fund;
• SB 174 includes certain types of vehicles in the abandoned titling process;
• SB 179 modifies requirements for off-road vehicle dealers at special events;
• SB 193 allows an applicant to have an interpreter present during the driving portion of a driver license exam;
• HB 1094 modifies laws regarding school bus safety and provides a penalty therefor;
• HB 1192 removes the maximum fee permitted to be charged by a notary;
• HB1195 revises a provision related to the termination of parental rights of a child adjudicated abused or neglected; and
• HB 1196 updates Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to include provisions related to virtual currency and notice requirements.

Governor Rhoden wrote a letter to the legislature on his decision to sign Senate Bill 83, and you can find that here.

Governor Rhoden has signed 125 bills into law this legislative session.

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Final Ballot Explanation Released for Proposed Draft Constitutional Amendment on Legislative Changes to Initiatives

PIERRE, S.D. – The final ballot explanation for a draft constitutional amendment, proposed by Rick Weiland of Sioux Falls, that would require legislative changes to initiatives and referendum procedures be approved by a vote of the people has been released by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to help assist the voters.

This proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to pass legislation that changes or repeals laws affecting initiative and referendum procedures. The legislation does not become effective unless approved by the voters at the next general election.

The constitutional amendment would require 35,017 valid petition signatures to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot. The ballot explanation can be found here.

For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State’s website.

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Gov. Rhoden Appoints Jim Dover and Jamie Stucky to the Board of Technical Education

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, the Senate approved Governor Larry Rhoden’s appointment of James “Jim” Dover and Jamie Stucky to the South Dakota Board of Technical Education.

“Jim Dover and Jamie Stucky will bring strategic vision and strong leadership skills to the Board of Technical Education,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I am confident that they will help fulfill my mission to keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity, especially when it comes to opportunities for South Dakotans to get into the career of their dreams.”

Dover holds a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Idaho and a master’s of hospital administration from the University of Minnesota. He currently serves as the President and CEO of Avera Health and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“I am honored and grateful to Governor Rhoden for this appointment to the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. It is a privilege to serve and support the vital role that our technical colleges play in developing a strong workforce,” said Jim Dover. “In health care, workforce readiness is critical, and I am continually impressed by the quality of graduates who choose to pursue their education and careers right here in South Dakota. I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our students, our institutions, and our communities.”

Dover’s strong depth of health care leadership encompasses 40 years’ experience. Prior to his current position, he served in leadership roles for Sparrow Health in Lansing, MI; Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield, IL; Daughters of Charity Health System in Los Altos Hills, CA; St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster, CO; and several additional health systems on the West Coast.

Jim Dover and his wife, Maria, have four adult children. He enjoys spending time with his family, participating in outdoor activities, and playing tennis. You can find a photo of Jim Dover here.

Jamie Stucky lives in Lennox and works as the Senior Director of Clinical Learning Strategies at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. She has been a registered nurse at Sanford Health for nearly 20 years, working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ambulatory care, health care accreditation, nursing professional development, and academic-practice partnerships. Stucky earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Marty College in 2005 and a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from the University of South Dakota in 2017.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Governor Rhoden for appointing me to the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the state of South Dakota alongside the esteemed members of this board and to help guide the future of our state’s technical education programs,” said Jamie Stucky. “I will approach this position by utilizing my background in healthcare, but also by using a spirit of collaboration and a growth mindset to help maximize the impact of working on a team with diverse background and experiences.”

Over the past decade, Stucky has collaborated with academic partners across South Dakota to support clinical placements and has participated in Build Dakota student interviews and signing day events. She also serves on the Nursing Advisory Board at Southeast Technical College. You can find a photo of Jamie Stucky here.

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Gov. Rhoden Appoints Miles Beacom and Griffin Petersen to the Board of Regents 

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, the Senate confirmed Governor Rhoden’s appointment of Miles Beacom and Griffin Petersen to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

“Miles and Griffin have both shown exceptional leadership in all walks of life,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “They are dedicated problem solvers, and I am confident that their service will lead our universities towards a brighter future.”

Miles K. Beacom is a graduate of Dakota State University, and he has served as Chief Executive Officer of PREMIER Bankcard since 1993. Under his leadership, PREMIER Bankcard has gone from serving 30,000 cardholders to more than 2 million customers nationwide. In 2006, the University of South Dakota in Vermillion named its School of Business in honor of Beacom.

Beacom currently serves on the Board of Directors for PREMIER Bankcard, LLC, First PREMIER Bank, United National Corporation, and is serving as the 2025 President of the Board of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship Board, the Sioux Empire United Way, the Sanford Health International, the Dakota State University Foundation, the Catholic Diocese for Eastern South Dakota, and the USD Beacom School of Business Advisory Board.

“I would like to thank Governor Rhoden for this tremendous opportunity to serve on the Board of Regents. The success of our public universities over the past couple of decades is truly remarkable,” said Miles Beacom. “Our universities must remain nimble to change in this fast-paced technology environment that we are in today, and it is our responsibility to provide the tools our graduates need to be successful in this ever-changing job market. I have a lot to learn from the current Regents and universities, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Beacom and his wife Lisa have three daughters, one son, and two grandchildren. You can find a picture of Miles Beacom here.

Griffin Petersen is a junior at the University of South Dakota studying political science and criminal justice, with a minor in history. He hails from the small town of Onida, SD, and he has served USD’s student body as a Student Government Association Senator since his freshman year. Petersen stays active on campus through his involvement as President of the USD College Republicans and as President of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha.

“I want to thank Governor Rhoden for giving me the honor of serving as the student representative on the South Dakota Board of Regents. Our state universities have seen tremendous growth over the years as students from all over the world continue to choose South Dakota as the place to get a quality education for an affordable price,” said Griffin Petersen. “I have experienced firsthand how valuable our higher education system is because I see it in the students, faculty, and staff who step foot on our campuses every day. I look forward to helping the Board continue this level of growth and serve as a strong and passionate voice for the 36,000 students who attend our state colleges and universities.”

Petersen served as an intern for both of South Dakota’s U.S. Senators out in Washington, DC, last summer. He also served as an intern for the South Dakota State House of Representatives during the 98th Legislative Session. You can find a photo of Griffin Petersen here.

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