Coalition for Medicare Choice: South Dakotans Urge Protection of Medicare Advantage as Budget Talks Intensify

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Coalition for Medicare Choice: South Dakotans Urge Protection of Medicare Advantage as Budget Talks Intensify

South Dakota seniors are raising their voices as Congress considers major budget decisions that could impact Medicare Advantage, a program many in the state say is central to their health, independence, and financial stability.

During a recent roundtable held at the Tavern Grille in Sioux Falls, local retirees and caregivers gathered to share personal stories about how Medicare Advantage supports their lives — from managing chronic conditions and accessing preventive care to ensuring cost predictability. The event offered a timely reminder that for thousands of South Dakotans, this isn’t an abstract policy issue — it’s a day-to-day reality.

 

Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive health coverage, including hospital and physician services covered by traditional Medicare, while also providing additional benefits such as vision, hearing, dental care, and prescription drugs. For rural states like South Dakota, services such as telehealth, transportation assistance, and in-home support can make the difference between delayed care and timely treatment.

Participants underscored how Medicare Advantage’s cap on out-of-pocket costs helps protect those living on fixed incomes.

South Dakota’s leadership in Washington places the state at the center of this national discussion. Staff members from both Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Mike Rounds’ offices attended the roundtable, signaling continued engagement and reaffirming that both senators remain committed to protecting the program.

Nationwide, more than 35 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage — a number that continues to grow as more seniors choose coverage that prioritizes preventive care, care coordination, and financial protection.

As budget negotiations continue in Washington, South Dakotans are making their priorities clear: safeguard the care that’s working, and don’t jeopardize a model that delivers better outcomes and long-term value for patients and taxpayers alike.

Congressman Dusty Johnson’s Office Now Accepting Fall 2025 Internship Applications

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Dusty Johnson’s Office Now Accepting Fall 2025 Internship Applications

 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that his office is seeking internship applicants for the fall in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.

Duties of a congressional intern will include researching legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Congressman. Interns will work closely with staff while developing their research, writing, and communications skills. Most importantly, they will gain an in-depth understanding of the federal legislative branch while helping to serve South Dakota constituents.

Applicants interested in federal tribal relations or Native American issues are encouraged to apply for the Ben Reifel Internship based in the Washington, D.C. office. The ideal candidate will intern for a minimum of six weeks and have a desire to serve South Dakota’s tribal communities.

“Our internship program is an opportunity to see how Congress works—from legislating in D.C. to assisting constituents in South Dakota,” said Johnson. “Our interns contribute to the meaningful work we do day in and day out. Through the collaborative work environment of our offices, interns can learn a host of information and skills to set them up for success, regardless of their career path.”

Interested applicants should complete the online internship application no later than July 15, 2025. More information about the internship program, along with the application, can be found online. Resumes should be submitted at dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/internships.

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Guest Column: Congress Must Draw The Line At Medicaid Cuts for South Dakota by former State Sen. Jean Hunhoff

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Congress Must Draw The Line At Medicaid Cuts for South Dakota
by Jean Hunhoff

Recent discussions around funding for Medicaid have left South Dakotans like myself worried that access to healthcare is on the chopping block. Many throughout our state are highly worried that potential cuts will put their care at risk. Even The New York Times has featured how South Dakota would be “especially stuck in Congress cuts Medicaid.”

Thankfully, our congressional delegation has made clear how important Medicaid is in South Dakota. Senator Thune noted in April that Congress must “get it done right” and that they would “do the right thing” when it comes to preserving Medicaid benefits. Senator Rounds has protected critical programs by pushing back on proposals that would recklessly change federal funding, pointing out, “That’s not a cost-cutting measure—it’s a cost transfer.” I thank our leaders on Capitol Hill for recognizing the stakes at hand and representing South Dakota. Our state needs them to continue standing firm on this issue.

I served in the South Dakota Senate. I know how difficult budget allocations can be. Many factors come into play as our government attempts to be as cost-effective as possible while protecting the good programs our people count on. But there comes a point during budget cuts when a line must be drawn for key programs, a line that cannot be crossed or dire consequences will follow. For the good of so many South Dakotans, lawmakers must draw that line at Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.

South Dakota is responsible for the resources that support our state’s share of Medicaid. With this duty, our state has labored to keep the program in line with the needs of our population and meet federal and state requirements for Medicaid eligibility. If sweeping Medicaid cuts go through, as many as 25 million people nationwide could lose health coverage, including about 10 million children and three million rural residents.

South Dakota would be hit especially hard, as we are home to large rural, veteran and disabled populations and other vulnerable patients who lean on this important program especially heavily. Seven of the top 20 rural counties for seniors enrolled in Medicaid are right here in South Dakota. In these counties, among seniors, Medicaid enrollment rates get as high as 66 percent of the total senior population. And overrepresented in rural counties is our Native American population, which is already badly underserved.

Medicaid is more than a safety net for these remote areas in our state— it is a lifeline, ensuring hardworking American families get the care they need. The program is also crucial for South Dakotans in the final stages of their lives. More than half of all nursing home residents in our state rely on Medicaid for care.

Another group that relies on Medicaid is young families— especially pregnant mothers and newborn babies. Two in seven South Dakota children are covered through the program, and around 40 percent of babiesborn in our state receive coverage through Medicaid in their first year of life. South Dakota is sadly second in the nation for highest infant mortality rate. Medicaid is critical in the fight against this epidemic in our state, covering the care that our newborn babies need. Congress cannot risk these populations’ health or worsening this crisis to achieve other political goals.
Outside of public service, I’ve worked with patients for more than 30 years as a registered nurse. I have seen firsthand how South Dakotans from all walks of life need Medicaid for care. I cannot imagine the distress that would fall upon patients, healthcare administrators and other critical care providers if Medicaid were cut.

Many care facilities in our state, especially those in rural areas, treat patients on Medicaid and rely on the program to assist our communities. We have seen so many rural hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and care centers dedicated to serving vulnerable patients close in recent years. I cannot imagine the closures and devastation to our healthcare infrastructure if these cuts to Medicaid went through.

If Medicaid funding were reduced, more care would be left uncovered and critical facilities would be underpaid— especially in our state, where rural health facilities rely on Medicaid-covered care to stay afloat. Costs would shift, jeopardizing these providers and leaving patients stuck searching for coverage from limited insurers and private payment options. These are significant considerations for our state legislature, as we want to ensure taxpayers and health providers have the most effective and cost-efficient options to operate and cover quality healthcare.

President Trump himself has repeatedly stated that these programs should not be touched. Medicaid, in large part, provides care to the voter base of our current Presidential Administration and Republicans’ majority in Congress. Our elected officials must not turn their backs on the basic needs of the very working-class voters who gave them their mandate.

Members of Congress must listen to the President and to their own constituents. Medicaid cuts are not what South Dakota wants or needs. I encourage our leaders to stand strong against Medicaid cuts and ensure Medicaid benefits are here to stay for all who need them.

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Jean M. Hunhoff was a Republican member of the South Dakota Senate from 2021 to 2025. She also served in the South Dakota House of Representatives representing the 18th district from 2001 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2021. She previously served in the South Dakota Senate from 2007 to 2015. Hunhoff was the mayor of Yankton from 1995 until 1997. Hunhoff earned her BSN from South Dakota State University, her MSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and her MHA from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Hunhoff was honored recently as the longest-serving female member of the South Dakota Legislature in South Dakota history.

Press Release: Government Accountability Bills Will Take Effect

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Government Accountability Bills Will Take Effect

PIERRE, S.D. –  On July 1, two government accountability bills signed by Governor Larry Rhoden will take effect. SB 62 establishes mandatory reporting requirements related to improper governmental conduct and crime, and SB 63 establishes protections for state employees who report improper governmental conduct and crime. Implementation efforts are being rolled out this week to all state employees ahead of the law’s effective date.

“Government accountability is essential to keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “It takes collaboration between all branches of state government to ensure that our state promotes integrity and is responsible with taxpayer dollars.”

The two bills were introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley, and Governor Rhoden’s Office engaged with the Attorney General’s Office on these bills throughout the legislative process. Governor Rhoden signed the bills in a signing ceremony with the Attorney General, and you can find a photo of that signing here.

“This legislation will better protect taxpayers and hold government accountable,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “Thank you to the legislators, Governor Rhoden, State Auditor Sattgast, and State Treasurer Haeder for supporting these bills.”

Governor Rhoden also signed Executive Order 2025-04 this spring, which further advances government accountability. The Executive Order directed the establishment of a secure standard reporting system for state employees and supervisors and the development of training and policies statewide. Leaders from the Governor’s Office, the Auditor General’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, the Unified Judicial System, the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration, and the Board of Regents regularly met to accomplish these goals.

Additionally, the Rhoden Administration is moving forward with implementation of the Project BISON accounting system; has reviewed, updated, improved, and even added dozens of internal controls; and has allocated more resources to the Board of Internal Controls.

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Guest Column: A Generational Opportunity for Strength, Prosperity by Senator John Thune

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A Generational Opportunity for Strength, Prosperity
By Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)
Fox News

All eyes will be on the United States Senate this week as we endeavor to pass the shared Republican agenda of American strength, security, and prosperity.

With the Republican reconciliation bill, we have the opportunity to deliver. It is one that doesn’t come around often, and our country stands to benefit greatly by Republicans seizing this moment and getting this bill across the finish line.

In large part, this bill is the culmination of President Trump’s campaign promises and the promises that Republican senators have made to our voters. Chief among them is keeping the American people safe through strong border security and a military strong enough to deter threats and conflicts around the world before they begin.

President Trump has achieved remarkable success in ending the Biden border crisis and removing the criminal illegal aliens that President Biden let walk into our country – but it hasn’t been cheap, and the administration has told us that resources are running out. This bill will fully fund the border wall and President Trump’s successful policies for the entirety of his presidency, removing any possibility that Democrats will hold those resources hostage to try to increase other government spending.

This same principle also applies to defense funding. Recent conflicts around the world should make clear the need to have a modern and lethal fighting force that can keep the American people safe. This means smart, generational investments like President Trump’s Golden Dome for America to defend against advanced drones, missiles, and hypersonics, as well as prioritizing building new ships and unmanned vehicles.

A nation cannot prosper unless it is secure, and with our borders and defense capabilities bolstered, the next key pillar of this bill is creating prosperity in America.

We do this through permanently extending President Trump’s signature achievement in his first term, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The American people are facing a hefty $4 trillion tax increase at the end of the year, the largest in American history. If we fail to act, the average family of four making the median income in the United States will face a $1,700 tax increase. Not only does this bill prevent that tax increase, it makes the TCJA’s low rates permanent – meaning Democrats can never again try to use a pending expiration as leverage for advancing wasteful government spending.

The bill locks in the TCJA’s small business provisions for all time, which is crucial for economic growth, and it also delivers on President Trump’s tax promises: No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, relief from Social Security taxes for seniors, and no tax on interest for vehicles made in the United States.

In the wake of the Biden administration and Democrats exploding the growth of government spending on programs like Medicaid, we will make commonsense reforms to return to a fiscally sustainable path. That means kicking illegal immigrants off of health programs and introducing work requirements that even 50% of Democrats agree with – all to ensure that programs like Medicaid are strengthened and able to deliver for the American citizens the programs were designed to benefit.

Senators have worked to develop this bill for well over a year now. Now it is time to act. Border resources are drying up. National security needs have never been more apparent. And with each passing day, we move closer to reaching both our nation’s debt limit and the largest-ever tax increase on the American people.

Senators return to Washington today and we will remain here until this bill is passed. We know that Democrats will fearmonger and misrepresent our efforts, and we expect them to drag this debate long into the night with unrelated issues. However, I am confident we will get this bill across the finish line.

On the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate our freedoms and the work of previous generations to keep this great American experiment going. By placing this historic bill on the president’s desk by the Fourth of July, Republicans will be ensuring that future generations of Americans can live in safety and prosperity.

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Former D31 GOP Senate Candidate Kate Crowley Johnson pushing antisemitic Rothschild conspiracy theory about Iranian conflict on social media

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Is the extreme heat in South Dakota this weekend affecting some people’s brains?

Former District 31 Republican Senate Candidate Kate Crowley was kooky enough last year when she was running for office, when she claimed “Communism is knocking at our door” in her campaign material..

But as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, and the United States acts to try to stop Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon, it seems that Crowley has fallen out of the nest and hit every branch on the way down the nut tree, as she takes to social media pushing the highly antisemitic Rothschild conspiracy theory where internet kooks believe that the Rothschild family is a prime example of Jews allegedly using their money to control global financial institutions:

WOW!

It’s crazy that someone who tried to run for State Senate on the Republican ticket actually puts their name to this kind of crazy person trash.

Although, with the other examples of antisemitic bigotry that some of the others who pretend to be Republican are comfortable saying, I should not be surprised.

Other state leaders, politicians weigh in on Iran bombing

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Congressman Dusty Johnson’s statement on tonight’s bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities

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From Twitter:

So how are they going to report those cash donations?

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Sounds like the Hansen/Lemmings campaign are taking fundraising suggestions from the SDGOP:

What will that net them? A couple hundred?

And let’s not forget this state law:

12-27-11. Required information about contributors–Contributions from unknown source to be donated to charitable entity–Violation as misdemeanor.

No person, entity, candidate, or political committee may give or accept a contribution unless the name, mailing address, city and state of the contributor is made known to the person, entity, candidate, or political committee receiving the contribution. In addition to any other information to be made known under this section, the name of the custodial parent or parents of an unemancipated minor who makes a contribution shall be made known. Any contribution, money, or other thing of value received by a candidate or political committee from an unknown source shall be donated to a nonprofit charitable entity. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A subsequent offense within a calendar year is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

How exactly will that work with “tips?” Last I knew, most people don’t fill out a campaign contribution card for tips at Pizza Ranch.