Emergency Preparedness
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
January 16, 2025

 BIG Update

Over the weekend, I joined President Trump for dinner to discuss legislative plans for the next year. In just a few days, I’ll be attending his inauguration to watch him take the oath of office. I’m ready to have a president in the White House who will secure the border, project strength abroad, and unleash American energy.

President Trump and Johnson

BIG Idea

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is off to a great start. We held a hearing this week to discuss the state of America’s transportation system.

During and after natural disasters, it’s critical to continue transporting and delivering goods in a timely manner. Unfortunately, federal restrictions can slow down delivery to affected areas. My bill, the MOVE Act, would make the weight restrictions on interstates more flexible during times of emergency to ensure disaster victims get the goods and services they need.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks

We also discussed permitting regulations that need to be reformed. The permitting process for a project in Europe takes two years, while the same project in America takes seven years. I look forward to working with this committee to reform our permitting system to let America build.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks

BIG News

The Los Angeles wildfires are truly tragic. Unfortunately, California’s policies make it difficult to keep their forests healthy and decrease the risk of wildfires. We need proper forest management across America to prevent wildfires from becoming as intense as the ones in LA.

Not only that, but California’s policies have made it take exponentially longer to complete water storage projects than in other states. Communities need access to water, especially in an event like this. Emergency and disaster preparedness is of the utmost importance in high-risk areas like LA. Our local and national leaders must do better.

House Republicans are leading the charge by voting next week on the Fix our Forests Act, that I cosponsor, to cut through red tape.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s comments

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Machine Operator & DJ Dylan Jordan in his new role as a State Representative is attacking two topics so far in his first legislative session.

First, he wants fireworks to be sold year-round.  Second, and more to the topic, he has introduced a bill to repeal South Dakota’s 30 year old seat belt law:

I supposed I should say something nice about someone actually trying to repeal something for once.. But then I wonder what that’s going to cost us in federal highway/highway safety funds?

Moving on..

Um.. Just caught this, and am wondering, are we seeing our next pandemic on the horizon?  From SDSU Extension:

Beginning in 2022, an H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (abbreviated as HPAI) virus caused death losses in domestic turkeys and chickens in South Dakota and elsewhere in the United States, an outbreak that continues. The HPAI virus causes respiratory and multiple organ failure in affected birds, typically appearing as increased numbers of dead birds in large commercial operations, as well as smaller backyard flocks. Deaths in wild birds, typically migrating waterfowl but also other bird species, have been observed at the same time, as well as spillover of the virus into mammals, such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, and other species.

and..

Since that time, three cases of substantial death losses in groups of outdoor domestic cats in South Dakota have been described. In each of these cases, there has been no apparent link to dairy cows, other livestock, or domestic poultry.

and..

Human cases of HPAI have resulted from contact with infected dairy cows and poultry. While such infections have not yet been implicated from contact with HPAI-infected cats, people should take precautions when dealing with symptomatic or dead cats.

Read the entire article here.

Representative Rehfeldt to Attend President Trump’s Inauguration

Sioux Falls, S.D. – Today, Representative Taylor Rehfeldt, Republican from District 14, announced she will travel to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump at his Inauguration as he becomes the 47th President of the United States.

“It is an honor to attend President Trump’s Inauguration. With his leadership, and Republicans in control of Congress, South Dakota is back on offense.” said Representative Rehfeldt. “I look forward to working with President Trump, his administration and Congress to raise incomes, lower costs and secure our country for the people of South Dakota.”

President Trump’s Inauguration will occur on Monday, January 20, 2025, at noon ET, on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Representative Rehfeldt is a wife, mother, and healthcare professional representing the people of District 14 in the South Dakota Legislature.

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I had a note yesterday indicating that we might anticipate an announcement from Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden of his choice to serve as his own Lt. Governor tomorrow (I heard 2 people are rumored in the running, both excellent choices). Given that, along with the fact that Governor Noem’s confirmation hearing is nearly here, the time for her resignation is nigh. We are literally on the cusp of watching a historic changing of the guard, unlike anything we’ve seen in a generation.

The most comparable would be when Governor Kneip became Ambassador to Singapore mid-term, as Governor Mickelson’s death and passage of the office to Walt Miller would be in a different category and was a shock and tragedy to the entire state. Versus this current and more orderly passage of power.

And unlike the previous two times, we won’t have Bill Janklow swooping in to run for the office, as he did after both Kneip, and Mickelson. We’re literally going into a new and unpredictable era, and a lot of factors are going to shape it, many of them brand new and unlike anything that has happened before in a transition of power in state government, especially considering that what happens will immediately spill into the 2026 elections.

 

A New Administration Takes the Wheel

Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden is taking the office of Governor during a time of political upheaval, and significant division in the Republican Legislature. In the last election, the needle that was on the traditional Republican side of the gauge was shoved violently in the last election over to the populist side, giving a different and unpredictable faction of the Republican Party narrow control of both houses of the legislature.

The last time we had a realignment of the GOP to populist control dates back to the early 1900’s, and without going into great detail, there was a deep division that seemed to take several election cycles to heal. Now that it has come around again, in 2024, we’re in the opening days of this new group trying to find their feet. Which will work to Governor Rhoden’s advantage somewhat, as they do not exactly speak with one voice yet.

Rhoden’s first task will be to install his Lt. Governor, which requires a majority vote of both houses.  (Article IV, § 6 – Whenever there is a permanent vacancy in the office of the lieutenant governor, the Governor shall nominate a lieutenant governor who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of each house of the Legislature.)

From all reports, this should be a relatively painless process and it’s expected that the Governor’s nominee to serve in the office should be confirmed without impediment. If it is one of the two candidates I am hearing, one is a current and the other is a former legislator, and both are well-liked and respected.

In terms of the administrative structure of State Government, I would not expect an immediate exodus of department heads, nor would I anticipate any significant reorganization of state government at this time. However, there will be changes. Coming during the last 2 years of an 8-year term, there will be those who naturally transition to the private sector, or other positions in other states.

State Government’s biggest changes during Governor Rhoden’s term completion will likely focus on government accountability, implementing measures proposed by the Attorney General and others in expanding the checks and balances in State Government’s systems to address a string of employee thefts and related incidents that have come to light.

 

Politically, Rhoden takes the lead on a broken Republican Party

The Governor has traditionally been viewed as the titular head of the South Dakota Republican Party. Unfortunately, Governor Rhoden will be taking over the lead of a party that has become increasingly disharmonious and within weeks of taking office, the organization will be selecting new leadership. And the current candidates provide no good options.

The party has been in a state of upheaval for some time. It has been inching in this direction, and we’re just around when it finally arrived.

In the last gubernatorial election cycle, there was an effort by the populist movement to install Governor Noem’s primary opponent as her Lt. Governor. The Attorney General facing impeachment was impeached the same week of the last convention and was still in the race until the last possible moment. The sitting Secretary of State was ousted in the convention. And there were demands from some delegates that they be provided refunds for attendance at all events, despite the fact it would have bankrupted the party.

In her book, No Going Back, Governor Kristi Noem wrote about the division in the Republican Party, noting “South Dakota’s GOP Convention in 2022 was an embarrassment. It was a three-day event that consisted of more Republicans attacking Republicans” and she noted that – despite people suggesting she let the party go – she wanted to help bring order to the chaos, and she did a number of things to try to bring people together, including holding an event with Trump.

That event with President Trump to benefit the party held in Rapid City was virtually boycotted by the Minnehaha County GOP leadership, and you had past Congressional primary challenger Taffy Howard claiming Trump was “being used,” and declared “I don’t want to help in any way.”

After all her efforts, Governor Noem’s conclusion in her book was “Now I think perhaps a breaking needs to happen in order for hard lessons to be learned,” and “it’s going to take… everyday folks to step up and be part of a solution. Some say it can’t get any worse. Well, maybe it needs to in order to wake up those who will finally decide to be all in for this country.”

There are plenty of people who would agree. After a frustrating two years of struggling to raise money and lead a Republican Party that had county organizations sandbagging election get out the vote efforts, or even worse – having County GOP members going out of their way to attack long-time Republicans such as Senator Thune and Congressman Dusty Johnson – I suspect it will be a long time before SDGOP Chair John Wiik steps foot in a Republican meeting again.

This kind of Republican chaos is not unique to South Dakota. It’s has happened in Kansas, North Dakota, and so many other states.  It’s just our time.  Unfortunately, Governor Rhoden is coming to the republican card party now and just got dealt a really bad hand. All of the current candidates running for SDGOP chair are declaring to at least some degree their desire for ideological purity and intent to scold officeholders for not adhering to the party platform as they interpret it, believing their claim over officeholders to be greater than that of the voters who elected them.

The broken Republican party means that in the 2026 election candidates at all levels are going to be forced to find other organizational support for their campaign efforts, if not be forced to create their own statewide campaign structure. It was done before as John Thune did with his Victory Campaign put together to defeat Tom Daschle, and Dusty Johnson has maintained a strong campaign staff over the past several years. This might become the rule until the party is less unruly.

Unfortunately, that’s not an option for candidates for constitutional offices, as they are selected at the State Republican Convention. And currently, that includes whomever Rhoden chooses as Lt. Governor – creating a catch-22 situation.

 

Moving forward to 2026

2026 will represent a change that we haven’t experienced in quite some time. We will likely have races for US Senate, Congress and Governor, with at least two of those seats not having an incumbent who has been elected to that office before.

It’s anticipated that Mike Rounds will remain in US Senate, but given the tenor of politics, he will likely have an opponent from the right in the primary.

Congress will likely see an open seat with Dusty Johnson moving to run for Governor. A number of names have popped up as possibly running including Senator Casey Crabtree, and Representative Tony Venhuizen. And this is only the start of the list, which will grow much longer in the months ahead before serious candidates get more serious, and the non-serious filter out.

With Larry Rhoden all but assured to take office as our next Governor, I’ve long heard he is in the race and working towards being competitive in the contest, which could hinge in part on choosing the right running mate to bring in Eastern South Dakota support.  Dusty Johnson has long been said to be running for the contest and arguably has the most experienced campaign organization. Attorney General Marty Jackley has been said to be looking strongly looking at another opportunity to run for the office.

Plus, there will likely be others who may run for Governor. New House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach has been mentioned, which would make for an interesting dynamic, as he’s been rancorous with Dusty Johnson since their college days at USD.  Toby “Dumpster-fire” Doeden keeps sending out e-mail polls including his name, so his ego may convince him to enter the contest. And there will be those we don’t expect.

And that’s just the start. I was starting to write about the down ticket races, but it was getting a little long. Suffice it to say that upon his swearing in, Governor Rhoden will be taking over a fairly stable state government well on the way of fixing some long-standing institutional problems.

But politically, Governor Rhoden is taking over a household where a storm that has been building for a number of years has finally arrived.  The question is what the Republican Party’s house is going to look like once the storm has passed.

And will the residents left standing attempt to rebuild, or move on?

Flags Raised to Full-Staff for Inauguration Day

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be raised to full-staff statewide on January 20, 2025 in honor of the Inauguration of the 47^th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Flags should return to half-staff on January 21 and remain at half-staff until sunset on January 28 in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.

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Thune Statement on Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal

“I am hopeful that this deal will lead to the return of every single hostage taken by Hamas terrorists and ultimately greater peace in the region.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement on the Israel-Hamas hostage deal:

“Fifteen months after Hamas launched a brutal war against our allies in Israel, today’s ceasefire and hostage deal is a relief to a world on edge,” said Thune. “I am hopeful that this deal will lead to the return of every single hostage taken by Hamas terrorists and ultimately greater peace in the region. The United States Senate stands ready to work with the incoming Trump-Vance administration to protect U.S. interests abroad, provide Israel the support it needs to enforce this deal, and to ensure that every single American citizen returns home.”

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Rounds, Thune Reintroduce Legislation to Preserve Wounded Knee Massacre Grounds for Future Generations

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced that they have reintroduced the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. This legislation would place 40 acres of land at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre into restricted fee status, making certain that the land is held by both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for generations to come.

The land at the site, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, was purchased by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in 2022. Shortly after the purchase, both tribes signed a covenant, holding that the property shall be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site without any development.

“The Wounded Knee Massacre not only represents a low point in U.S.- Lakota relations, but it also serves as one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history,” said Rounds. “To date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds remain a symbolic site, with tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased. This legislation would keep this land in possession of the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes to be protected and honored for generations to come.”

“The Wounded Knee Massacre grounds have long served as a place where tribal members can remember and honor those who lost their lives,” said Thune. “This legislation would preserve these grounds as a memorial site and ensure the land remains with the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for future generations.”

This legislation passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in November 2023 during the 118th Congress. An attempt to pass the bill through unanimous consent was blocked on the Senate floor in November 2024.

Click HERE for full bill text.

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The leaders of St. Thomas More and Rapid City Christian schools took a moment at halftime at last night’s basketball game for a political message to the gathered crowd about something important to them. Getting taxpayer dollars. (Starting at 46:56):

“This is about getting money from our state for non-public schools. We need your support.”

The most recent write up I can find notes Rapid City Catholic School System is a highly rated, private, Catholic school located in Rapid City.  For grades 9-12, $225 registration fees, and $7,342 tuition (in 2023) for good catholics, and $9152 for bad catholics (inactive) and the non-believing heathens.  Rapid City Christian is a bit steeper.. $50 application fee, $400 annual registration fees, and a $9,000 annual tuition for grades 9-12.  Not sure if they charge differently for non-christians..

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m sure they are good schools, and well worth the money. If I was in Rapid City, I would probably have my kids enrolled in STM, if I could afford it. With 7 kids though, that answer would probably be a NO. And, I’m not sure they would have taken my child with a disability.

But, again, it’s a private school. And as far as they’re concerned, the voucher plan is about “getting money from our state for non-public schools.” For people whom sending their kids to those schools now is not a financial stretch.  As the correspondent who sent it to me noted, “The parking lot was full of shiny Tahoes, Lexus and Teslas.  The last time I’ve seen this many upper class white people was at a Richard Marx concert I attended in High School.“

The battle lines are being drawn. Keep watching the debate.

Have you ever noticed that there’s a lot of legislators who preach small government & local control.  Until they want to grab attention. And then they typically dump unfunded mandates on school districts.  Because we have another example of it.

Someone explain to me what schools exactly, are asking for legislation to install religious volunteers in public schools? Because House Bill 1054 was just dropped to do just that:

And, you can consider this yet another unfunded mandate that taxpayers will have to swallow, as schools will be required to publish a list, and for these people to submit to a criminal background check, and for space to be found.. with the bill going to taxpayers.

Of questionable constitutionality, it seems to reflect the rise in Christian Nationalism that we’re experiencing in this years’ legislative session where the lines of church and state are not just being pushed, but completely ignored and ran over with a truck, as with Senate Bill 51, the unfunded mandate for schools to print the ten commandments and hang them in every school classroom. Because everyone needs to learn about honoring their father and mother in gym, welding and accounting classes.

If a person wants to send their child to a religious or parochial school, by all means do so. I am a product of St. Joe’s in Pierre myself, and I enjoyed my elementary education. I have an Augustana Grad and a St. Scholastica grad among my kids. And they received fine educations.

But when we all attended in a public school setting, there is an expectation that there is a wall there – one that separates church & state.  I don’t get to expect my religious values are pushed on others, and there is the same expectation about others’ pushed on me & mine.

Yet some want to ignore Wednesday being viewed as church night, and make every day in school church day. A disturbing trend where principles that our country was founded on and ensconced in the first amendment are just being ignored.  We don’t live under sharia law. We don’t live under biblical canons – we are governed by the constitution, and the first amendment says that is not the way to act.

This bill, like several others, need to keep it in church. Religious counselors are fine on Wednesday church night when most students receive their religious instruction elsewhere. But they don’t belong in our schools.