I’ve heard several things over the last day with regards to the announcement for Lt. Governor, but hearing more and more intensely that the choice is most likely District 13 State Rep. Tony Venhuizen being announced today.
The announcement will be in a little more than a half-hour, so we’ll find out shortly if the rumors are correct!
Rounds Joins Department of Government Efficiency Caucus
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has joined the Senate’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus. The DOGE Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group of members ready to work hand-in-hand with the Trump administration to identify and eliminate wasteful spending and resources in the federal government.
“Hardworking Americans deserve to have their taxpayer dollars spent wisely,” said Rounds. “For the past four years, we had an administration in the White House that did not place a priority on eliminating wasteful government spending. The Trump administration is not only prepared, but committed, to cutting wasteful spending. I’m ready to work with my colleagues in the Senate to do our part in assisting President Trump in cutting spending, eliminating unnecessary programs and streamlining the federal government so it works for the people rather than the bureaucracy. One place to start is eliminating the federal Department of Education and returning educational decisions to our states, saving at least $1.3 billion in taxpayer dollars.”
Rounds is joining Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in cutting wasteful government spending.
For a full list of Rounds’ caucus memberships, click HERE.
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From former State Senator Erin Tobin, a great piece on why we don’t want to rob already underfunded public schools to dump cash into private schools:
Took a moment this AM to add my voice to those asking that the Senate reject the nomination of RFK, Jr. Why? He is not a good guy when it comes to health care policy:
Kennedy, who founded an anti-vaccine nonprofit and grew into one of the most prominent anti-vaccine activists in the world — a crusade from which he and associated groups have made millions of dollars — has prominently advanced a false contention that vaccines cause autism.
“I do believe that autism comes from vaccines,” Kennedy asserted to Fox News in 2023.
He went on to say that his position was misunderstood; he just wants to test the science behind them. But it’s Kennedy who rejects the science in front of him, critics say.
“Are we [also] reviewing the question about whether the Earth is flat? This is settled science,” said Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Wash., who previously worked as a pediatrician.
and..
“I bet you’ve never met anybody with full-blown autism your age,” Kennedy told podcaster Joe Rogan in 2023, launching into a script he often uses in public appearances. “You know, head-banging, football helmet on, nontoilet trained, nonverbal. I mean, I’ve never met anybody like that at my age, but in my kids’ age now, one in every 34 kids has autism. And half of those are full blown.”
This is not someone we want as our Secretary of HHS. He is awful.
Listening to House Ed this morning on House Bill 1009, (to provide for the creation and use of South Dakota educational
empowerment accounts, and to provide a penalty therefor). Rep. Phil Jensen started off by quoting the bible as part of a do pass motion, but Rep. Heermann offered a substitute motion to send it to the 41st day.
Rep. Degroot pointed out that the bill has a $140 Million price tag, according to the fiscal note, and if they have trouble trimming 40 million from the budget, $140 million is far beyond that.
The bill was quickly sent to the 41st day, and was narrowly killed on a tight 8-7 vote.
Today the South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 51, the proposed 10 commandments mandate that demands that schools post that section of the bible in every wood shop and physical education class by 1 single vote, according to the story on KELOland news:
Senate Bill 51 would require every classroom in the state to display the Ten Commandments on a poster no smaller than eight by 14 inches. The Ten Commandments must be the focus of the poster and in large, easily readable font.
and..
Republican Sen. Mykala Voita strongly supported the bill.
“We have allowed the outside culture to tell us that saying anything about faith is bad,” Voita said. “This is what founded our country, all of our morals and things that we base our law systems off of.”
and..
Republican Sen. Chris Karr broke a 17-17 tie with a deciding “Aye.”
Despite what Voita, the South Dakota legislature’s end-time army member says, I’m sure people are already preparing their legal briefs in opposition of the unconstitutional measure that will see the state spending money it doesn’t have on legal defense.
Update: The Argus Story on this also has some golden quotes from the debate, including the quote of the day from Senator Ernie Otten:
Sen. Carl Perry (R-Aberdeen) said while many people in the state “like to see local control,” sometimes he likes to see “local help,” or a “nudge to move in the right direction.”
and..
Sen. Ernie Otten (R-Tea) said while the Ten Commandments are “precious words” to him, he felt the postings required in the bill might be “dumbing down a group of people that all they’re going to end up doing is walking by a sign and thinking, ‘Something mystical is going on.’”
While Senator Perry provides gobbledygook to justify telling schools what to do, Senator Otten is very much correct.
Despite what sponsors think, students are not going to get much out of the ten commandments being posted in geography
Rounds, Thune Introduce Legislation to Rename Pierre Federal Building after Marcella LeBeau
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced the Marcella LeBeau Recognition Act to designate the federal office building in Pierre as the “Marcella LeBeau Federal Building.” Born in Promise, LeBeau was a lifelong South Dakotan, a World War II Veteran, a nurse and a well-respected leader in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and across the state.
“Marcella LeBeau lived an incredible life in service to her tribe, her state and her country,” said Rounds. “She had a true passion for helping others and dedicated her life to not only improving but saving the lives of others. I was honored to be able to meet with Marcella several times over the course of her life, including in 2021 when she flew out to Washington, DC at the age of 101 to meet with me. This legislation would make certain that all who enter the federal building in Pierre will remember her life and legacy.”
“Marcella LeBeau dedicated her life to serving others, from treating wounded soldiers on the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge to working for the Indian Health Service for over three decades,” said Thune. “This legislation will honor her remarkable life and ensure her legacy remains a fixture in our state capital for generations to come.”
This legislation is endorsed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association.
“On behalf of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the tióšpaye (family) of Marcella LeBeau we would like send our sincere gratitude to Senator Rounds for his leadership, thoughtfulness and honor in renaming the Pierre SD federal building after our late matriarch our beloved grandmother Marcella LeBeau Wígmuŋke Wašté Wíŋ,” said Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Grandson of Marcella LeBeau.
“Marcella LeBeau was a true hero in World War II, saving our soldiers from death and braving the German Army during the Battle of the Bulge,” said Gay Kingman, Executive Director of the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association. “She was a leader on healthcare and native rights, and she was the conscience of America. She was a beautiful person who cared deeply about the Sioux nation and all of America.”
BACKGROUND ON MARCELLA LEBEAU:
Marcella LeBeau, “Wígmuŋke Wašté Wíŋ”, was born in 1919 and grew up in Promise, South Dakota as a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST). She attended boarding school and after graduating from nursing school at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, LeBeau enlisted in the United States Army Nurse Corps in 1943. She served with the Army Nurse Corps’ 76th General Hospital based in Minister, England. As Allied forces retook France and Belgium, she treated injured soldiers from medical tents, sometimes with bombs buzzing overhead.
Following her service in the military, she returned to South Dakota and continued her career as a nurse with the Indian Health Services (IHS). At the time of her retirement, LeBeau was the Director of Nursing for IHS in Eagle Butte. She also served on the CRST Council, becoming a well-established tribal leader. LeBeau was a recipient of the French Legion of Honor Medal and has been inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame and the National Native American Hall of Fame. She was a strong advocate for Lakota language, culture and spirituality. She was a lifelong advocate for healing of the Wounded Knee Massacre, which occurred in 1890.
Click HERE for full bill text.
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Governor Rhoden to Announce Lt. Governor Selection
PIERRE, S.D. – Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden will announce his selection as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota. The selection will be announced in a press conference on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 10:00 am CT/9:00 am MT in the Mount Rushmore Room of the South Dakota State Capitol.
Today in an address to a joint session of the South Dakota legislature, Governor Rhoden previewed what he is looking for in his Lieutenant Governor selection:
“This individual must be loyal and honest – to me and to the people of South Dakota. My choice for Lieutenant Governor must share my commitment to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free,” said Governor Rhoden. “He or she must be a strong partner who will provide me with wisdom, counsel, and help steer us in the right direction. And he or she must be ready to take over in the event I am no longer able to serve as Governor – it’s happened before!
“I want to make a selection who recognizes that ‘Under God, the People Rule.’ My lieutenant governor must be worthy of our tremendous people,” continued Governor Rhoden.
WHAT: Governor Larry Rhoden to announce his selection as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
WHEN: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 10:00 am CT/9:00 am MT
WHERE: Mount Rushmore Room, South Dakota State Capitol
LIVESTREAM: SDPB, SD.net, facebook.com/GovLarryRhoden
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American Carbon Alliance Congratulates Governor Kristi Noem on Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
URBANDALE, Iowa (Jan. 28, 2025) – The American Carbon Alliance (ACA) congratulates South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem on her confirmation as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. During her tenure as Governor, Noem demonstrated unwavering leadership and a strong commitment to advancing agriculture, biofuels, and rural economic development.
“Governor Noem’s leadership in South Dakota highlighted the critical role of agriculture and biofuels in sustaining rural America,” said American Carbon Alliance CEO Tom Buis. “We are confident she will bring the same determination and innovative approach to her new role as Secretary of Homeland Security.”
The ACA also congratulates Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden on his succession to the role of Governor of South Dakota. Rhoden’s work alongside Noem has been pivotal in driving growth and innovation in agriculture and rural development.
“We look forward to collaborating with Gov. Rhoden to emphasize agriculture’s importance to the rural economy and to advance initiatives that support energy production and infrastructure,” said Buis. “Pres. Trump’s ambitious energy policies will further spotlight South Dakota, and we are eager to work with state and federal leaders to strengthen energy independence and foster rural economic growth.”
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The American Carbon Alliance (ACA) is formed to be one unified voice for carbon capture pipelines, ethanol producers, landowners, farmers, construction trade workers and citizens that embrace this new energy future for America. Working together, this alliance will strengthen America’s agricultural economy, ensure a future marketplace for American produced liquid fuel and improve the environment for all.
Address to Joint Legislative Session
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
January 28, 2025
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Supreme Court Justices, Constitutional officers, members of the House and Senate, and my fellow South Dakotans:
It is truly an honor to stand before you today as your governor.
Before I begin today, I’d like to say, “thank you,” on behalf of our state, to Secretary Kristi Noem. Kristi has served our state for eighteen years – in the State House, in Congress, and as our governor. She worked hard and did great things for our state. And it was my great honor to serve with her. She is helping President Trump make America safe again. We are proud of her and wish her well in that important job. She is still working for us – keeping our nation safe. Please join me in a round of applause to thank Governor Noem.
Today is a new day, and I’m starting out in a new job. It might surprise you to know this: even though I served as lieutenant governor for six years, not everyone knows about the lieutenant governor. I’d like to take some time to share some things you might not know about me.
Most importantly I’d like you to meet my family, many of whom are here today. My son Cody is here with his wife Liz and their two kids, Tally and Josie. My son Tristen is here with his wife Kalen and their daughter Birkin. My sons Jesse and Reggie are here. So is my twin sister Lorie, my brother Dan, and his wife Kathy. And we have many other extended family members here.
My wife Sandy is here today, as well. She and I have been married for almost 44 years. All of us are able to serve because of the support of our loved ones. I wouldn’t be standing here today without her constant support and encouragement. Sandy is going to be a great first lady for our state. Please help me welcome Sandy!
My roots are in South Dakota. I was born here, and I will die here.
I’m a fourth-generation South Dakotan. My father’s grandfather, Allen Rhoden, came to western South Dakota in 1907. He came to an area in Meade County called Chalkbutte. Union Center, where I live, wasn’t founded until 15 or 20 years after that. It was a four- or five-day trip to Sturgis for a load of lumber, so they built a three-room sod house and a sod barn. His son, John, who would be my grandfather, homesteaded two miles southeast of Union Center. My older brother, also named John, is now on that original homestead. My mother was a Murphy. I’m a fifth-generation South Dakotan on her side. Her family came west on horses and wagons. They homesteaded in the Two Rivers area, about 20 miles west of Union Center. Some of the original foundations of my family’s homesteads still stand today.
My dad was named Allen after his grandfather. He and my mom, Mildred, raised five kids. My twin sister, Lorie, and I are the fourth and fifth. Mom and Dad taught us the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. And church is still central in my life. They weren’t rich by any stretch. But they made sacrifices to send three of us kids to Sunshine Bible Academy near Miller. They wanted our schooling to be centered around our faith and our values.
My parents also taught us the value of work. Hard work is part of life on the ranch. Even today, I’m still happiest when I’m working with my hands. It’s how I relax. When I get home, I head out to the shop and start welding. I make branding irons, custom tools for ranching, and other things. I like to think about a plan, get it done, and see the fruits of my labor. There’s value in working to create something from start to finish.
Work ethic is central to what it means to be a South Dakotan. Work is a gift, not a punishment. We should all treat it that way. I will be asking my Cabinet to review all of our social welfare programs. When we offer services and assistance, we should make sure that we encourage people to work – to earn their own way – if they can. With the passage of Amendment F last November, my Department of Social Services will work with the Trump Administration to get the ball rolling on work requirements for recipients of Medicaid Expansion. Everyone needs a hand-up now and then. But we can’t make these programs a way of life. And SD Career Link will be available to these folks to help them find the career of their dreams.
We make and keep South Dakota Strong when we work together. Growing up in rural South Dakota, you also learn about the importance of community. We are rugged and fiercely independent – but we look out for our neighbors. Service is a big part of our lives.
Service in the military has always been a big part of my family. According to my great grandmother’s biography, my great-great-great grandfather came to America as aide-de-camp to General Lafayette. He fought in the Revolutionary War. He came with four brothers who all died in the Revolution. My grandfather, John, served in World War I. He fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the largest and deadliest campaign in the history of the United States Army. My dad served in World War II and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Two of my brothers served in the Army, one of them in Vietnam. That service mentality continues to my kids – My son Cody was a Black Hawk pilot. I’m proud of him for continuing the family legacy and serving our nation.
So when I came of age, I also felt called to serve. I signed up for the South Dakota National Guard and served for six years. As a former Guardsman, it is a great honor to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the South Dakota National Guard.
I’ve also been active in my community around Union Center – I’m sure that’s true for all of you in your own communities. I’ve been a leader in our church. I served on the board at our local Cenex. For several years, I coached women’s softball and boys’ basketball. And I still sing bass in a men’s quartet.
I served five years on the Meade County school board. In fact, after I got in the Legislature, I said many times that it was the only excuse I could come up with to get off the school board!
We’ve got quite a few first-time legislators this year, and I know how you feel. I still remember my first year in the State House in 2001. It was Bill Janklow’s last two years as governor, and I got to learn from House leaders like Matt Michels and Bill Peterson. My seat was over there where Rep. Keri Weems is sitting today. In fact, I served in the House with her a couple of years later.
When I became majority leader in 2005, I was very intimidated by the long-time appropriations chair, Jim Putnam. He had so much knowledge and experience. But I learned from him, and we became close friends.
I focused on some tough issues as a legislator: property taxes, tax cuts, property rights, protecting the outdoors, and the Second Amendment – a lot of the same issues we’ll be talking about this year. My focus has always been to keep South Dakota strong… safe… and free.
That’s my goal as your governor. And I want to work with you towards those goals. I want to keep South Dakota strong – strong families, strong businesses, and strong institutions. We will continue to care for families as they start and grow. That means taking care of both mothers and their children. And it means helping to rebuild families that are struggling. Sandy and I have been proud to work with Stronger Families Together to recruit more foster families across the state. Strong businesses pay strong wages and will help their employees put food on the table. Strong institutions protect our values and our way of life.
I want to keep South Dakota safe – with low crime and respect for law enforcement. My philosophy is that the best way to fight crime is to hire more officers, not to increase penalties. Increasing penalties just means we have to build even more prisons. I will support the Trump Administration’s efforts to secure our border. I want our families to feel safe in their homes. I want our kids to be safe playing outside. That’s the South Dakota I grew up in – let’s keep it that way.
And I want to keep South Dakota free. I am very proud that we are the freest state in a nation built on the principle of freedom. In South Dakota, we trust our people to make their own decisions and lead their lives as they see fit. We proved that this approach works. Freedom led to our strong economy. Freedom led to record visitors and new residents. And freedom will continue to be our calling card as long as I am governor.
I’m working with my Cabinet, my staff, and some legislators on policies to make South Dakota strong, safe, and free. I will be announcing some of those items in the coming days.
I am a common-sense conservative. In fact, I consistently ranked as one of South Dakota’s most conservative legislators. I believe that our rights come from God, not from government. Our Creator endowed us with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – and life comes first. I am pro-life. I’m pro-2nd Amendment. I believe that government is best when it is limited. And I trust our people to exercise their personal freedoms.
I’ve been involved in plenty of tough debates in this chamber and in the Senate chamber. Serving here, you learn to deal with all kinds of people. In our state legislature, we can have tough debates, even strong disagreements, and still walk out of the building each day as friends. I’m very proud of that fact.
One of the pillars of my administration will be civility. I want South Dakota to show how politics can and should be conducted. My first year here was 24 years ago. When you look back on your time here, ten or twenty years from now, I bet you won’t remember bill numbers or votes. But you will remember the people you served with. You will remember the difference that you made in people’s lives. So let’s pledge to be civil and work with each other.
We have plenty of tough issues to work on this year.
There is a lot of concern about property taxes. That’s an issue I’ve worked on ever since I came to Pierre. I will convene leadership in the House, the Senate, and other interested parties to sit down with me and find solutions.
I’m aware that eminent domain is a hot issue this session. I’m no stranger to this discussion. I’ve fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. In 2006, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain in South Dakota (HB 1080). That legislation passed the Senate unanimously and passed the House with only 1 dissenting vote. When we work together and consider all perspectives, we can do great work for the people of South Dakota. Extremist environmental policies from Washington are not good for South Dakota – or for our nation. South Dakota must continue to be a state that respects landowners and ag producers. We are the stewards of the land who work day in and day out to put food on the table for us and the world.
I don’t just care about farmers and ranchers. I am a rancher. I don’t just care about landowners. I am a landowner. And when my time in this office is done, I’ll be going back to that ranch.
Until you’ve worked the land under the scorching heat, carried calves inside through bitter snowstorms in the middle of the night, helped neighbors when the need arises, or have been humbled in times when you yourself needed help, you may not fully understand what it’s like to be a steward of the land.
The good Lord has blessed my wife Sandy and me with a ranch – a home that I wouldn’t trade for anything. He’s blessed us with good health. Most importantly, He’s blessed us with a wonderful family.
Our land in South Dakota is a land of opportunity.
When we protect opportunity in South Dakota, we pave the way for better jobs for my children and grandchildren – and yours. Those opportunities might be on the farm and ranch, in a small town, or in a big city. Our kids should be free to pursue their dreams – whether they wear a welding helmet, scrubs, or a suit when they go to work.
To protect opportunity for all, South Dakota must have fair and predictable regulations for business. We shouldn’t change the rules in the middle of the game. South Dakota can be open for business, and we can offer a fair shake for every family. We should make sure our young people can stay here and work in a fulfilling career field. If we get this right, we can protect our property rights and provide opportunities for our kids and grandkids.
Every South Dakota student should have the opportunity to get the right education for their needs. Like Governor Noem, I support Leader Odenbach and Leader Mehlhaff’s bill to create Education Savings Accounts. And I will work to make sure that neither public schools nor homeschool families are harmed by this initiative.
This year, we are in a tough budget situation, especially when it comes to ongoing money. Governor Noem’s budget, like every governor’s budget, is a starting point. I will not be offering a separate budget proposal, but I do want to be part of an open budget conversation with you. I know there is concern about some specifics in the budget proposal. I will work with our budget office to try to restore some of those cuts. But we have to remember that, unless our revenue improves, this is a zero-sum game. Budgeting is about priorities. Every dollar we add means a dollar that has to be cut somewhere else.
We can find ways to make government more efficient. Like many of you, I am concerned about the size and scope of the federal government. I fully support President Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency. In South Dakota, we are blessed with a very limited government. But we can always do better. I have directed my Cabinet to review each of their agencies and identify potential efficiencies. I have also asked them to provide me with options to bring to the Trump Administration to make our interactions with the federal government more efficient. The federal government needs to get smaller and let us take care of our own affairs. I trust that President Trump will make that happen.
We also need to take action on the prison. I just walked through the old penitentiary a couple of weeks ago, and it needs to go. It’s gothic inside. It looks like it hasn’t changed in decades. There are rooms with concrete crumbling from the ceiling. We are double-bunking in cells built for one person. I know there are strong feelings about the plan to build a new prison. I want to work through that with you. But this is way overdue. We’ve had the foresight to set money aside for the new facility. By paying cash, we will avoid hundreds of millions in interest, fees, and debt service payments. This is the year to finish the job.
As a former legislator, I remember how frustrating it could be when communication broke down between the Governor’s Office and the legislature. I promise you that I’m not going to let that happen. If you have a question or a concern about something, I’d be happy to try to schedule a meeting. If I can’t be available, someone on my Cabinet or staff will be. Let’s sit down and talk it out. I can explain where I’m coming from, and I can hear where you’re coming from. I want to work with you, not against you. My administration will be open: that includes legislative inquiries and subpoenas.
That goes for the public, as well. And it goes for the press. Another pillar of my administration will be openness and responsiveness. I’m not going to be hard to find. We have the obligation to protect the privacy of individuals, but we also have a responsibility to be open about the operations of government.
In that same spirit of openness, I want to extend a renewed hand to our tribes. A couple weeks ago, Chairman Renville echoed Governor Noem’s words, “Today, let’s reset. Today, let’s rebuild.” I could not agree more. We’ve had our ups and downs over the years, but I am asking our tribal leaders to make a fresh start with me.
Before Governor Noem left office, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe passed a resolution to welcome her back to the reservation and hung their flag in the Rotunda the next day. This is a great first step to rebuild trust on behalf of all South Dakotans.
You know, it’s hard to believe how much things have changed during my time in Pierre. When I first came here, I had a flip phone. To this day, I kind of wish I’d never signed up for texting. My first plan was 25 cents per text. A certain representative named Kristi Noem would periodically send me a text just to run up my bill. All it said was “Cha Ching.” I didn’t have a keyboard, just the number keys. So replying was a real pain in the neck. Looking back though, that wasn’t all bad. It forced me to stop and think before I spoke. That’s what you are going to get with me: I’m going to think before I speak; I’m going to be honest and direct – maybe sometimes a little too direct!
There’s one more thing I want to talk to you about today. Now that I’ve moved into the Governor’s Office, I must appoint a new lieutenant governor. But I am not going to make that announcement today. I want to make the best possible selection for our state. Here is what I am looking for in the person that I select:
This individual must be loyal and honest – to me and to the people of South Dakota. My choice for Lieutenant Governor must share my commitment to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. He or she must be a strong partner who will provide me with wisdom, counsel, and help steer us in the right direction. And he or she must be ready to take over in the event I am no longer able to serve as Governor – it’s happened before!
I want to make a selection who recognizes that “Under God, the People Rule.” My lieutenant governor must be worthy of our tremendous people.
In closing, it is my great honor to serve as your governor. I would like to make one request of each of you – and of every South Dakotan. Please pray for me and for my family. We all work hard and try to do our best, but we are nothing without the help of the Good Lord.
I am looking forward to working with you in the Legislature, and to getting out and around the state to hear from our great people. Let’s work together this year. Let’s keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.
Thank you. And may God continue to bless the great state of South Dakota.
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