Preventing Foreign Interference
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
March 28, 2025 

BIG Update

It’s important to honor the sacrifices our service members have made to protect our freedoms. Last week, I recognized 15 Vietnam-era veterans in Sturgis and thanked them for their service to our country.

Through the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Program, I’ve recognized more than 1,100 veterans since 2019. This program is being phased out by the Department of Defense (DOD) this November. When Congress created the program, the funding provided to honor veterans was to be used until expended. So today, I asked the DOD for a status update. If sufficient funds remain, I would like the Secretary to consider extending the program until all resources are expended, so as many veterans as possible are honored.

If you know a Vietnam-era veteran, please submit a nomination soon to ensure they receive their much-deserved recognition. Veterans can be nominated by filling out the form at dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/vietnam-veteran-commemoration or by calling my Sioux Falls Office at 605-275-2868.

Johnson and Vietnam-era veterans in Sturgis

BIG Idea

America’s foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), are targeting our universities with lucrative funding. While universities are required to report these funds under the Higher Education Act, many go unreported or are incompletely reported. In 2019, up to 70% of institutions failed to comply with the reporting requirements.

Our adversaries do not share American values and through these funds, they are able to push propaganda, interfere with research, and censor free speech at universities. A congressional investigation into two research universities found nearly $40 million in unreported contracts with the CCP and billions of foreign funding provided anonymously. This cannot be tolerated.

To remedy this, I voted to pass the DETERRENT Act to ensure our colleges disclose these funds, including any financial support from countries of concern, such as China and Russia. This will increase transparency and accountability in higher education and protecting national security. The DETERRENT Act will strengthen the ability to track foreign influence and protect our young adults from the malign influence of our adversaries.

BIG News

This week, the world found out that a journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat where high-ranking government officials discussed military operations to attack the Houthi terrorists. This is a big mistake and can never happen again. While the mission was successful, if this information got into the wrong hands, U.S. military men and women could have been in big trouble and the operation could have failed.

As our national security leaders continue to protect the United States and target terrorists, I hope they will discuss these plans in appropriate settings.

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Bridging Our State
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
March 28, 2025

We recently cut the ribbon on the new Lt. Commander John C. Waldron Bridge over the Missouri River between Pierre and Ft. Pierre. For the next 100 years, this bridge will connect two communities. But more than that, it will connect two sides of our state.

The Pierre-Ft. Pierre community is perhaps the best example of East River and West River coming together. Pierre is a quintessential East River town – Ft. Pierre is very much a West River town. This community is strongest because it has elements of both sides of the river. In the same way, South Dakota is strongest because two sides of the river come together to form one great state.

I was born and raised a West River rancher. I’ve always had a lot of love for Ft. Pierre, and West River is still home to this day. In the same breath, I’ve worked for 20 years on the East side of the river in Pierre – in the legislature, as Lt. Governor, and now as Governor.

Seven years ago, an East River farmer and rancher asked me to be her running mate. We worked very well together because we brought perspectives from both sides of this state to our leadership. When I succeeded Secretary Noem as Governor, I took a page out of her book. I asked an East River lawyer, Tony Venhuizen, to serve alongside me.

We need perspectives from all parts of this state. We need people from all walks of life working together to make this state great. And we need bridges like this one connecting us and bringing us together.

That brings us to the new bridge. This bridge is the latest in a long history of structures connecting these two communities. Since the late 1800s, there has been some kind of bridge or another connecting Pierre and Ft. Pierre. The most recent bridge was opened in 1962. In 2002, that bridge was dedicated in honor of Lt. Commander John C. Waldron of Fort Pierre.

Lt. Commander Waldron led a squadron of torpedo bombers in the Battle of Midway during WWII. They were the first to locate and attack the Japanese fleet. They went up against impossible odds – he and all 15 aircraft with him were lost. But their sacrifice paved the way for American dive bombers to devastate the Japanese fleet.

The new bridge remains dedicated to Lt. Commander Waldron. In a lot of ways, the old bridge paved the way for the new one – just as Lt. Commander Waldron paved the way for the dive bombers behind him.

We blew up the old bridge a couple weeks ago. I’m not sure if you saw the video – it was pretty awesome. You can find it on my Facebook page if you haven’t seen it. Truth be told, I had hoped to push the button to blow up the bridge myself!

As the new bridge officially opens, we look forward to the next 100 years of South Dakotans from both sides of the state crossing the river and working together. We celebrate the continued growth and development that will be possible because of this modern bridge.

I am in the middle of my Open for Opportunity tour across the state of South Dakota. On the day of the bridge ribbon cutting, I prioritized being in Pierre because of how important this bridge is. It will expand the opportunity for both the Pierre and the Ft. Pierre communities.

Strong infrastructure supports a strong economy. Our economy is strong – the strongest of any state in the nation. But we still have opportunities to grow and improve. This bridge represents just such an opportunity for growth. And it also represents an opportunity for us to continue working together to connect as South Dakotans.

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South Dakota Searchlight has an article posted on their website today how some legislators reached across the aisle to stop some of the worst legislation to ever hit the legislative hopper, with others noting that the legislature was deeply affected by legislators who don’t understand the process:

As evidence of bipartisan efforts between Democrats and some Republicans, the lawmakers highlighted the amending of legislation dubbed the “locking up librarians” bill, by removing a proposed criminal penalty for distributing harmful or obscene material to minors and instead requiring an appeals process for challenging materials in school and public libraries. The amendment passed the Senate 18-16 before the bill passed the chamber 32-2. The House accepted the amendments in a 36-34 vote, and Gov. Larry Rhoden signed the bill this month.

and..

Rep. Chris Kassin, R-Vermillion, said the push for property tax relief included a determination by some freshmen lawmakers to pass property tax cuts without considering costs. That’s primarily because some lawmakers, he said, were quick to “slam something through” and slow to research and understand a bill’s consequences.

and..

Other notable efforts that some Republicans and Democrats worked together on failed, such as funding the replacement of the state penitentiary.

The Legislature lost leadership with deep institutional knowledge because of the primary defeats, said Sen. Sydney Davis, R-Burbank, leading to less understanding among lawmakers of the process and why bills failed in past sessions.

Read the entire article here.

In the article, House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach – who found himself unable to pass a single House Bill he was the prime sponsor of this session –  remarked in the article that he sees the Republican Party is “going back to its roots and we’re going to redefine what it means to be a conservative.”  Which makes it noteworthy to point out that the Republican Party elected a 32 year Obama supporting Democrat to serve as it’s chair.

So, I’m not sure what kind of Republican Party Scott is envisioning, but the old one seemed to be working a lot better than the new one.

Gov. Rhoden Signs Military and Veterans Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed four bills supporting our military and veterans.

“As Governor, my goal is to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free — and that wouldn’t be possible without all of our brave men and women in uniform,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills are a sign of support for all of our dedicated military members and the veterans who gave so much for us. Because of their sacrifices, our nation remains the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following four military and veterans bills into law:

• SB 6 authorizes a loan from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund to a school district adjoining a federal military installation for the construction or expansion of a school building;
• HB 1161 allows additional forms to verify military service for a veteran designation on a commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit;
• HB 1188 allows nonresident military members to purchase three-day temporary nonresident waterfowl licenses; and
• HB 1238 establishes protections for a veteran seeking assistance in a veterans’ benefit matter.

Governor Rhoden signed SB 6 in a signing ceremony at Douglas School District’s Vandenberg Elementary School during his Open for Opportunity tour. You can find a picture of the signing here.

Governor Rhoden has signed 211 bills and VETOED two this legislative session. There are no additional bills awaiting the Governor’s signature.

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Big Government is Not the Answer
by Drew Peterson
State Representative, District 19

As the 100th South Dakota Legislative Session comes to a close, I want to reflect on the work accomplished and the challenges that remain. This year, we passed a balanced budget for the 136th consecutive session—continuing South Dakota’s long tradition of fiscal responsibility. We cut $70 million in ongoing expenses to give a 1.25 percent increase to the Big Three of Education, State Workers, and Healthcare, and ensured other critical funding remains intact, including support for veteran burial funding, libraries, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB), which provides invaluable coverage of our high school activities and educational programming for all ages. These are priorities that matter to our communities, and I am proud to have supported them.

One of the biggest discussions in this session revolved around property tax relief, with over twenty bills introduced on the subject. Governor Rhoden’s proposal was the only one that passed, and I supported it after it was improved for funding growing tax districts. The bill provides relief to owner-occupied homeowners. While I support efforts to reduce the tax burden on South Dakotans, I am cautious about any proposal that shifts the burden onto agriculture and commercial properties, which includes rental housing. This is only the first step in what the Governor hopes will be a broader, long-term solution. I will continue to work with Governor Rhoden, Lieutenant Governor Venhuizen, and legislators to ensure that the legislature provides meaningful tax relief without simply passing the cost onto another group of taxpayers. A short-term fix is not enough—we need a comprehensive approach that fairly addresses property tax concerns without harming our family farms, family businesses, and renter communities.

I must mention that, for the first time as a legislator, I have spent more time with my allies opposing and often defeating bad bills than passing good ones. Many days, we killed 5-10 bills on the House floor in one afternoon—but we didn’t get them all.  As a citizen legislator and fifth-generation South Dakotan, it’s starting to feel like our state is a political playground for out-of-state interests to run bills that are intended to fix problems that don’t exist in South Dakota. It baffles me that people move here from coastal states because South Dakota is the greatest state in the Union, and then proceed to try and flip our state on its head with bills pushing big government, new entitlements, and overregulation.

When I ran for the Legislature, it was to ensure we advanced our state. South Dakota is an amazing place to raise our growing family, have a career, and live in peace. We have come a long ways as a state the nearly 40 years I’ve been alive, creating an economy where young people want to live instead of moving out of state after they graduate. But I do not want us to rest on our recent success that is decades in the making—we need to ensure we are pushing legislation that benefits everyone, improves the economy, and, most importantly, allows individuals to be personally responsible and self-determined.

Looking ahead, my focus remains on advocating for responsible fiscal policies, protecting agriculture and our schools, and supporting economic development across South Dakota. We must continue making strategic investments that strengthen communities of all sizes while ensuring that the government does not overreach, overregulate, or place unnecessary and extraordinary burdens on rural South Dakotans.

If we work every day to advance our state, we will provide our kids and grandkids with a better South Dakota than our parents and grandparents gave to us. May God bless you and the great state of South Dakota.

Gov. Rhoden Signs Taking Care of People Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed six bills that emphasize taking care of people.

“I will always prioritize protecting and caring for the people of the great state of South Dakota, no matter what situation they may face,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills will help ensure that we continue to live in a state where families are strong, children are safe, and every South Dakotan is free.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following six bills into law:

• HB 1005 modifies the requirement for payment of a private home study by the Department of Social Services;
• HB 1016 revises provisions related to pharmacy and increases fees;
• HB 1061 prohibits a health care provider from restricting or denying a parent or guardian’s access to certain medical records and other health information of a minor;
• HB 1071 modifies practice criteria for physician assistants;
• HB 1139 allows individualized investigative treatments for patients with life-threatening or debilitating diseases or conditions; and
• HB 1221 makes an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations.

Governor Rhoden has signed 199 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

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Matthew Monfore is a name that we haven’t heard in a while; not since he came in last in a primary election for District 30 House.   Yet, he’s back in the news today as a result of a messy guardianship battle involving him in a South Dakota Supreme Court Decision that was handed down today in the matter of GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP OF FLYTE, 2025 S.D. 21.

It’s worth a read if but for to note the parts involving Monfore, and what the opinion had to say about some of his activities. But as always, don’t take my word for it – read it yourself:

Guardianship and Conservatorship of Flyte by Pat Powers on Scribd

In the spring of 2018, Charlene’s younger son, Matthew, age 28, moved to the ranch to help Charlene care for Gerda. Matthew lives in Gerda’s 3-bedroom, 1,700 square foot ranch house with Gerda and Charlene and does not pay rent. Matthew attended the Cornerstone Bible Institute in Fall River County and identifies himself as a minister.

and..

Roger also testified about his concerns that Gerda was not receiving necessary medications because Charlene and Matthew did not believe in conventional medicine. Gerda had a history of mini-strokes and took several prescription medicines including Warfarin, a blood thinner. Gerda had a history of mini-strokes and took several prescription medicines including Warfarin, a blood thinner. Charlene testified that she and Matthew, based on advice of doctors Matthew found online, decided to take Gerda off her prescription medications and put her on supplements instead. However, none of the online doctors ever met or examined Gerda, nor did they have access to her medical records.

and..

During the evidentiary hearing, the court also heard testimony about Matthew’s role in the family and his activities on and off the ranch. Matthew testified that he operates a church headquartered at the ranch called Jesus is King Mission. Several witnesses testified that Matthew regularly posts religious signs on Gerda’s property and hosts church services in Gerda’s house, with Charlene’s permission. Matthew testified that he used to publicize the services at the ranch but stopped posting the address because of “terrorist threats” that he received because of his evangelization activities. The court heard testimony that Matthew’s religious fervor led the Oglala Sioux Tribe to banish him from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and to require all future missionaries operating on the reservation to register with the Tribe.

In addition to holding services, Matthew invited numerous individuals associated with the church to stay at the ranch. Matthew testified that some, but not all, of those people paid rent. The proceeds from those who did pay rent were split between the church and Charlene. Both Roger and Jesse testified that Matthew’s religious fervor and aggressive demeanor, including constantly recording Roger with his cell phone, had become a point of contention between Matthew, Roger, and Charlene. Jesse testified that he lived in Arizona and used to frequently visit South Dakota, but no longer does so because Matthew makes him feel unsafe. Jesse also testified that Matthew’s controlling presence has changed Charlene, including the way she cares for Gerda.

….

Charlene, Roger, and Matthew’s contentious relationship led to law enforcement involvement on at least two occasions. Roger testified that on September 25, 2021, he called the police because Matthew was threatening Gerda and Jay. The incident began, according to Matthew, when he showed Jay and Gerda a video comparing certain groups to Nazis. Roger testified that Gerda grew up in Nazi Germany, and this video was traumatic for her to watch.

and..

Matthew then made fun of Roger for having previously contemplated suicide, which led to Roger “pushing Matthew against a wall.”  Roger was charged with simple assault but eventually pled to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct for which he served a short jail sentence and was ordered to have no contact with Matthew.

and..

The circuit court also found Matthew’s involvement in Gerda’s care was a significant factor affecting Charlene’s ability to care for Gerda, concluding that only a third-party would be able to protect Gerda from Matthew. The court found that Matthew, who operated a religious entity and website, displayed large signs and banners on Gerda’s property and regularly held religious services in her house without her permission. Matthew admitted these services provoked threats against him and others, placing them in physical danger. Matthew also allowed people related to his religious entity to stay on Gerda’s property without paying rent.

and..

Charlene also takes issue with the circuit court’s discussion of Matthew’s conduct because he “was and is not the applicant for Guardian or Conservator.” However, the circuit court explained its concerns about Matthew’s impact on Charlene’s ability to act in Gerda’s best interests. The circuit court found that “[n]ot only does Charlene allow her son to exploit his grandmother’s property and safety, but she does so while admitting that Matthew’s religious beliefs are contrary to Gerda’s beliefs.” The circuit court was “very concerned that Charlene will continue to encourage his behavior if she is allowed to serve as Gerda’s guardian or conservator.”

Charlene also argues that the circuit court impermissibly considered Matthew’s religion in its decision to appoint BHA as guardian and conservator. However, the circuit court did not base its determination on Matthew’s religious views, but on the concrete effects that his presence and religious activities had on Gerda and the use of her property. Matthew’s religious services provoked terroristic threats aimed at Gerda’s home address.

The bottom line is that the court found the following:

• There is ample evidence to support the circuit court’s findings.
• SDCL 29A-5-110 does not authorize the appointment of for-profit entities to serve as guardians and conservators, so Circuit Court has to go back and try again.
• And they awarded partial attorney fees to the uncle.

Maybe it’s just my impression, but I read this as they not being able to keep the current guardian (BHA) ONLY because law does not permit a for-profit entity to serve in that role. Otherwise, they might have let the decision stand.

Seriously, go read if for yourself, as it sounds like kind of a madcap environment to be receiving elder care as a dependent adult. And not in a good way.

Rapid City Post launches; Free Digital Newspaper Aims to Provide Better Local News

(Rapid City, SD)   The HomeSlice Group announced this morning that it has launched a free, digital newspaper, The Rapid City Post, (www.RapidCityPost.com) to serve as a major local news outlet for the Black Hills Region, including western South Dakota and neighboring states.

“Comprehensive local news has, in many ways, been a casualty of the quickly evolving media landscape around the globe,” commented HomeSlice CEO Dean Kinney. “To be sure, there are numerous organizations around the state – colleagues we respect and many of whom we are partnering with in various ways – endeavoring to serve the public, but our team perceived a noticeable space in the market for a major digital publication dedicated to the Rapid City area.”

The Rapid City Post has forged alliances with other local news and sports outlets, including the HomeSlice-owned KBHB Radio News, a heritage agri-media staple since 1962, and the independent Fox Sports Rapid City, owned and operated by local sports broadcasting legend Nate Brown.  HomeSlice has also partnered with state-wide news organizations, including South Dakota Searchlight, South Dakota Newswatch, the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, and The Dakota Scout, the official legal newspaper for Sioux Falls.

Managing Editor Chris Hornick said, “The Rapid City Post is committed to delivering honest, timely, and impactful local news—by and for the residents of the Black Hills and Western South Dakota. We amplify local voices and foster deeper connections within our community, because we believe that informed citizens build stronger communities.”“We anticipate a printed companion newspaper with subscriptions and premium audio and video content,” remarked Brad “Murdoc” Jurgensen, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Producer at HomeSlice, “but our primary vision of The Rapid City Post, is free, ad-supported, locally staffed community media with strong journalistic standards, available to everyone as they like to digest it. A podcast, an e-blast, listening live on the air, or holding the newspaper in your hand – our goal is to be the trusted community media for the Black Hills and Western South Dakota,” Jurgensen concluded.

Thune Leads Colleagues in Requesting the Removal of Extraneous Biden-Era Regulations on Broadband Program

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today led his colleagues in sending a letter to Howard Lutnick, secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, requesting the removal of extraneous Biden-era regulations as Secretary Lutnick conducts his review of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is aimed at expanding internet access to Americans in rural areas and other unserved communities.

“As you may be aware, Republican senators have previously raised concerns with the Biden administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and its implementation of the BEAD program,” the senators wrote. “Specifically, NTIA ignored congressional direction and acted inconsistently with its statutory authority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), filling the program with onerous regulations that prevented the quick, efficient deployment of broadband and resulted in not a single household being connected to the internet.”

“Under your leadership, the BEAD program can finally fulfill its long overdue mission and ensure taxpayer dollars are not spent funding extraneous, burdensome regulations,” the senators continued. “Eliminating these obstacles will empower states to work closely with broadband providers and accelerate deployment, maximize resources, and reach truly unserved and underserved communities without any more delay caused by unnecessary government interference.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

Full letter below:

Dear Secretary Lutnick:

We write to thank you for committing to a rigorous review of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.  As you may be aware, Republican senators have previously raised concerns with the Biden administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and its implementation of the BEAD program.  Specifically, NTIA ignored congressional direction and acted inconsistently with its statutory authority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), filling the program with onerous regulations that prevented the quick, efficient deployment of broadband and resulted in not a single household being connected to the internet.  Therefore, we urge you to remove the Biden-era extraneous regulations as you review the BEAD program to ensure the responsible and effective use of taxpayer dollars. 

In particular, we encourage you to remove the BEAD program’s restrictive labor requirements that disadvantage rural communities, provisions favoring government-owned networks over private investment, and guidelines that prioritize certain technologies over others and clearly contradict congressional pursuit of tech-neutrality. 

Furthermore, despite the IIJA’s explicit prohibition on broadband rate regulation, NTIA exceeded its statutory authority and attempted to enact rate regulations anyway.  The inclusion of climate change mandates further diverted funds and focus away from the program’s primary objective of ensuring broadband access for unserved and underserved communities.  These unnecessary bureaucratic barriers slow deployment, increase costs, and ultimately run contrary to the very purpose of the program and should also be removed.  Even the former Director of the BEAD program recently admitted that many of these woke requirements were “inserted by the prior administration for messaging/political purposes” and “never central to the mission of the program.” 

Under your leadership, the BEAD program can finally fulfill its long overdue mission and ensure taxpayer dollars are not spent funding extraneous, burdensome regulations.  Eliminating these obstacles will empower states to work closely with broadband providers and accelerate deployment, maximize resources, and reach truly unserved and underserved communities without any more delay caused by unnecessary government interference.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.  We appreciate your leadership in reviewing and addressing these concerns, and we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

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Gov. Rhoden Celebrates South Dakota’s Reaffirmed AAA Credit Rating

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden celebrated Fitch’s reaffirmation of South Dakota’s AAA credit rating.

“South Dakota’s economy is thriving, and we are receiving national recognition for our fiscal responsibility,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We have so much to celebrate, including our 136^th consecutive balanced budget. As long as I am Governor, we will remain conservative with the taxpayer dollars of hardworking South Dakotans.”

Fitch highlighted South Dakota’s diverse economy, ample financial flexibility, competitively low long-term liabilities, and impressive employment gains.

“The state’s ‘AAA’ IDR is supported by consistently well-managed fiscal operations, strong reserve balances and a history of maintaining budgetary structural balance,” wrote Fitch.

South Dakota’s rating outlook remains stable. Our fiscal conservatism, commonsense regulatory policies, and record unemployment rates will ensure South Dakota’s economic success continues for generations to come.

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