Families First
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
April 17, 2026

BIG Update

Earlier this week, I met with police chiefs and sheriffs from across South Dakota to talk about public safety. Our law enforcement officers are on the front lines protecting our state. Because they understand better than anyone what support our communities need, I keep in touch with them regularly.

They shared several challenges facing South Dakota law enforcement, including the devastation caused by drug addiction and the importance of keeping dangerous substances, like drugs and illegal Chinese vapes, out of kids’ hands.

I’ve supported numerous bills that strengthen law enforcement and help officers do their jobs. I’ve also worked to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States as this dangerous drug continues to end precious lives.

Johnson speaks with South Dakota sheriffs and police chiefs

BIG Idea

U.S. sales of E15 hit a record high in 2025, saving drivers at least 25 cents per gallon when they fill up with E15 instead of E10. I’m continuing to advocate for the permanent sale of year-round E15 to ensure more drivers have this option at the pump.

I recently met with POET and Growth Energy to discuss how year-round E15 sales would positively impact South Dakota’s economy and corn producers. I’m hopeful the Rural Domestic Energy Council, that I am a member of, will get a deal across the finish line soon to allow the year-round sale of E15. 

Johnson speaks with POET employees in Sioux Falls

BIG News

The Working Families Tax Cuts benefited more than 53 million Americans this tax season. Many families saw bigger tax refunds – up nearly 11% from the last tax filing season. In South Dakota, the average taxpayer will see a tax cut of $3,638 this tax season.

More than 25 million filers claimed the No Tax on Overtime provision with an average deduction of more than $3,100. More than 6 million filers saw an average deduction of more than $7,100 by claiming the No Tax on Tips provision. And more than 30 million seniors claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, with an average deduction of more than $7,500.

I’ve worked hard to bring tax relief to South Dakota to protect jobs and keep more money in your pocket. I’ll keep fighting to keep your taxes low.

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Johnson Testifies in Support of His Western South Dakota Rural Water Bill

 Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson’s (R-S.D.) bill to conduct a feasibility study on supplying Missouri River water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS).

“It’s hard to overstate the importance of water,” said Johnson. “If we want a vibrant and healthy West River, we have to have the Western Dakota Regional Water System project, and I’m proud to support this important step forward.”

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks

“Western Dakota Regional Water System has completed five years of foundational work, including demand projections, intake evaluations, and regional system planning. The State of South Dakota has invested more than $12 million, alongside strong local support from our 49 members. The project is ready for the next step: a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study,” said Kristin Conzet, Executive Director of WDRWS. “We are grateful to Rep. Johnson and his team for their professionalism and assistance throughout the federal process.”

As western South Dakota grows, the demand for water continues to increase. WDRWS seeks to meet that growing demand. The Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act allocates $10 million to the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed rural water supply project that would deliver municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River to western South Dakota. The purpose of a feasibility study is to ensure that a water resources project is technically, environmentally, and economically sound.

Click here for bill text.

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Senator Randy Deibert Announces Re-Election Bid for South Dakota Senate, District 31

Spearfish, SD-Senator Randy Deibert today announced his candidacy for re-election to the South Dakota State Senate representing District 31 and the people of Lawrence County.

“I am deeply honored to represent District 31,” said Deibert. “I respectfully ask for your support for another term so I can continue working on behalf of the people of Lawrence County and the Black Hills.”

First elected in 2022, Deibert has established a strong legislative record and leadership presence in Pierre. He has served as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and Retirement Laws Committee, as well as Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. In addition, he has contributed to key legislative efforts through his work on the State Affairs, Commerce and Energy, Procedure and Local Government Committees.

In 2025, Deibert was elected Senate Majority Whip and to the Legislative Executive Board, further strengthening his role in shaping state policy.

Throughout his tenure, Deibert has been actively engaged in addressing property tax issues, serving on multiple summer study committees, including roles as co-chair and vice chair. His legislative accomplishments include prime sponsorship of bills focused on forest management, local government authority, Deadwood gaming revenue, gold severance tax, landowner easement rights, education facility improvements, and protections for law enforcement, judges, and firefighters.

During his time in office, Deibert has successfully passed more than 18 pieces of legislation and played a role in delivering the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history.

A consistent advocate for West River priorities, Deibert has championed local control, historic preservation, responsible forest management, multiple use of public lands, sustainable mining, and economic development.

“District 31 deserves a strong and effective voice in the State Capitol,” Deibert said. “Equally important is staying connected at home. I remain committed to being accessible, engaged, and responsive to the people I serve.”

A lifelong resident of Spearfish, Deibert is a Professional Land Surveyor with deep roots in the Black Hills community. He remains actively involved in local and regional efforts, including city and county meetings, planning initiatives, and service on boards such as the Lawrence County Natural Resource Committee and the South Dakota Public Safety Communications Council. He also supports organizations such as the Homestake Opera House and local Spearfish Veterans Monument.

Absentee voting begins April 17, 2026, as ballots become available. The Republican Primary Election will be held June 2, 2026.

This is starting to make the rounds. And you could see this coming from a mile away.

From the reports I’m hearing, the balloting process is hitting a nightmare stage in some counties.  Someone remarked to me that in one county, they had in the neighborhood of 150 different ballots they have to wrangle.

I’ve posted about this a few times, and it may blow up the system on the first outing.

There was a solution provided during the legislative session. Except, it involved a machine, so it was doomed to failure in this environment populated with luddites:

Brown County Auditor Lynn Heupel said the change would be beneficial for both voters and election workers.

“With the ballot on demand, what would happen is they pull that voter up and select that voter, it would automatically print their ballot for them so there wouldn’t be any possible confusion of picking the wrong ballot for the voter,” Heupel told KELOLAND News Tuesday.

Read that here.

As I wrote back in January, the changes in South Dakota Law have made a challenging situation for elections officials at the school, municipal, and county levels even more difficult with the addition of more races in counties. School district boundaries and city maps don’t always match up with county lines. And breaking it down even further are different ballots needed for Independents, Republicans and Democrats within the June primary.

Now, we’re going to find out in practical terms what the 2025 change in law did to over-complicate our election system.  (Somehow, I think we’re going to see the balloting-on-demand system make a return visit next session.)

Gov. Rhoden Announces New Gunsmithing Program at Western Dakota Tech

 RAPID CITY, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the addition of a new gunsmithing curriculum to Western Dakota Technical College, advancing South Dakota’s pro-2nd Amendment values and expanding the workforce for South Dakota’s defense and firearms industries.

“South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and our firearms industry is thriving,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “As other states infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of their citizens and chase away firearms producers, South Dakota is welcoming them with open arms. This new gunsmithing program will support our growing firearms industry and attract even more guns and ammunition manufacturers to South Dakota!”

Governor Rhoden is awarding $4 million from the Future Fund to Western Dakota Technical College to support the purchase of equipment and related assets and ultimately acquire an accredited gunsmithing school in Colorado. The program will expand hands-on training and help meet workforce needs across South Dakota’s defense and firearms industries. Graduates of the current program find careers with law enforcement, military agencies, and firearm manufacturers.

“Western Dakota Technical College is committed to providing training and education that meets the needs of our industries and South Dakota students,” said Kendra Ericson, president of Western Dakota Technical College. “This allows us to expand our programs and prepare students for high-demand careers while supporting continued industry growth.”

The announcement was attended by several firearms companies headquartered in South Dakota – many of which moved here from states infringing on the 2nd Amendment rights of their citizens. Attendees also included leadership from Western Dakota Technical College, the Board of Technical Education, Rapid City Government, Elevate Rapid City, Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex.

This announcement builds upon Governor Rhoden’s announcement last week of a new South Dakota Defense Institute in Rapid City. The new gunsmithing program at Western Dakota Tech will support South Dakota’s growing defense industry.

“When I met with Dr. Ericson on my Open for Opportunity Tour visit last year, we discussed this possibility. I went back to the office and got to work to make it happen,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are here today to celebrate the results of that meeting, and another win for our students, our workforce, our businesses, and our firearms industry.”

Western Dakota Technical College is expected to accept their first class into the program in the fall of 2027.

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After attempting to boot Attorney General Marty Jackley from the congressional ballot (unsuccessfully, I might add), Congressional d-list candidate James Bialota should probably start focusing on his own paperwork in the Congressional race. Because it would not appear that he’s filed any yet, at least according to the Federal Elections Commission and the House of Representatives.

According to the FEC, as of the end of January, Bialota claimed to have neither raised nor spent $5000 in the race for Congress.

And as far as the financial disclosure paperwork required of congressional candidates, that paperwork is also a great sucking void of information as well, despite a new due date having come and gone since February 5, according to the Clerk of the House of Representatives.

James is kind of running out of space to actually disclose anything in the 48 days before the primary election is scheduled to happen.

Rules for thee…

 

The Dusty for Governor campaign continues it’s efforts to own the June primary, as the Friends of Dusty Johnson just reported that they transferred $1 Million dollars over from the congressional account to the gubernatorial campaign in the last quarterly report:

April Dusty Johnson FEC Report by Pat Powers

$1500 in contributions (because he’s not running for congress anymore), $4414.20 spent, $1,000,000.00 transferred over to other authorized committees (Dusty for Governor).

That leaves (only) $4,624,512.07 cash on hand to help the effort through the next quarter. In this account.

You know, I think I’d be good with that.

Grant County Republicans are hosting a Lincoln Day Dinner on April 24th in Milbank. Check it out:

The SDGOP has filed their latest FEC report.

And I’m just shocked. Shocked I tell you! But once again, the SDGOP has somehow managed to once again raise less than $50:

AprilSDGOPFECReport by Pat Powers

SDGOP Chairman (& 32-year former Democrat) Jim Eschenbaum’s GOP managed a $45 donation and $4.01 in interest, against $1997.13 of spending, leaving the leading political party in the state with $29,665.52 cash on hand.  That’s dipping below 30K for the first time as long as I can remember.

That’s a declining trend which makes one ask how they intend to run a political party? Or a political party convention for that matter.

Thune Calls Out Senate Democrats’ Hypocritical Opposition to Voter ID

“[I]t turns out that when Democrats say they support voter ID … they don’t mean actual IDs.”

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

Click here to watch the video.