Big Connections
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
August 23, 2024

BIG Idea

Children look up to adults young and old as examples of how to live. Friends of the Children – He Sapa is ensuring children have role models who teach the Lakota values of fortitude, wisdom, courage, generosity, honor, respect, and humility. As the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country, Friends of the Children puts the children first to help them overcome childhood adversity.

BIG Update

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a preliminary review of employment data that shows there were 818,000 fewer jobs in March 2024 than previously reported. The Department of Labor initially reported 2.9 million new jobs between March 2023 and March 2024. This 30 percent reduction is the largest downward revision in 15 years. Two years after passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ve seen how these policies have increased gas, food, and electricity prices. Businesses are experiencing the same squeeze families are, and employment data shows these challenges.

It’s time for change. We must cut government spending, ease taxes, and reduce unnecessary regulations from the Biden-Harris Administration. I’ve voted against $13 trillion of spending supported by President Biden and Congressional Democrats. I’m working to decrease spending and block Biden’s rules that are costly and unrealistic for our economy.

BIG News

For nearly 35 years, the city of Madison has waited and worked towards connecting with the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. At the beginning of August, the town completed the pipeline project that connects Madison to the system. I joined Madison city leaders and Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the newest L&CRWS connection.

The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System will process more than 45 million gallons of water per day for nearly 350,000 people. The system spans 5,000 square miles across southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota.

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Not sure ‘sticky’ Tom Pischke can give up being booted from the State House this year, reminding voters of the incident over 6 months later:

South Dakota Sturdy
By: Gov. Kristi Noem 
August 23, 2024    

It’s back to school time! My kids are all grown up with their school days behind them, and though my grandkids are still young, Miss Addie is starting preschool! This time of year means so much to me. Everything that I do is about making our state safer and stronger for our kids and grandkids – and making sure they get an excellent education is a huge part of that.

This year, we’re kicking off the school year with a new initiative called South Dakota Sturdy. This is a free resource that we’re offering to each South Dakota school district to teach our students resiliency, work ethic, and that driving pursuit of achievement.

South Dakota Sturdy provides ten free lesson plans for students between fourth and sixth grade. It’s available to school counselors and teachers alike. As an added benefit, these lesson plans are rooted in our state standards – so teachers can use aspects of South Dakota, tribal, and American history, and even science to teach these important lessons.

Let me give you an example: One of the ten lesson plans covers my favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt. As a young man, Teddy refused to let asthma and poor eyesight get in his way. He adopted an outlook that he called “the strenuous life,” exercising and spending time outdoors – and he overcame his asthma .

When Teddy’s mother and wife both died just hours apart, he moved to the Dakota Territory, became a tremendous outdoorsman, and proved himself to the other cowboys as a man full of grit. And when America went to war with Spain, he personally led the Rough Riders into combat, defeating the Spanish in a battle and becoming a war hero.

As president, he strengthened America’s Navy, built the Panama Canal, and set up the national parks system that we know today. Throughout his political career, he took on seemingly insurmountable corrupt political machines – and won.

Teddy was able to overcome challenges because he believed that he was in control of his own life. He made the world around him greater because he took charge of his own destiny. Today, his face is on Mount Rushmore – the greatest symbol of American Freedom – because of his leadership.

That’s the type of lesson that South Dakota Sturdy will teach our kids. No matter what challenges they face, even the most unimaginable difficulties, they can overcome with the lessons that this initiative will teach.

I do want to be clear; these lesson plans are not mandatory. They’re available to give additional flexibility to our teachers who work so hard. Maybe they could be used as an easy option for a substitute teacher who has to drop into a classroom at the last minute.

To our knowledge, South Dakota Sturdy will make us the first state to provide such specific lesson plans in this area of resiliency and student wellness. This is the latest way that South Dakota is raising the bar for our kids, making sure that our students receive the very best education possible.

We appreciate everything that our teachers do for their students. We raised their pay this past legislative session because we respect their work. South Dakota students deserve to learn these important life lessons. With this effort, we will make it easier for teachers to provide an excellent education for our kids.

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State Senator Ryan Maher is in the spotlight for serving his community as a small town business owner:

Loading groceries has become Ryan Maher’s regular Monday and Thursday morning routine. On those days, he’s up early to pick up groceries from the Timber Lake grocery store.

and..

It seems The Occidental is exactly what this community needed.

“That’s why this has been successful. Because we are so far removed from the Walmarts and the Sam’s Clubs and the Costcos,” said Maher. “If Walmart was just 20 miles down the road, this wouldn’t work.”

That makes this middle-of-nowhere location the very key to its success.

Read the entire story here.

Always great to read about a community-minded businessman serving a need for their community.

From NPR, while nearly every other state could point to something musical relating to their state, South Dakota Democrats were unable to offer up musical tribute relating to their brand:

DJ Cassidy and the Democrats played special tracks for each state and territory during Tuesday night’s roll call.

But what song — or songs, in some cases — repped your state? We found them all so you don’t have to. Better yet, we offer some reasons behind the choices.

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South Carolina: Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine – James Brown. James Brown was born on May 3, 1933, in Barnswell, S.C.

South Dakota: What I Like About You – The Romantics

Tennessee: 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton. Country music star Dolly Parton was born in Pittman Center, Tenn., and currently lives just outside of Nashville. Her Dollywood theme park and resorts are located in Pigeon Forge.

Read that all here.

Did they even try? That’s just.. kind of sad.

Hot off the press is a release that was sent out from the Life Defense Fund today where the group’s Co-Chair and State Legislator Jon Hansen expresses his concern over avoiding ‘ethical boundaries’ he may cross if he would have to debate his group’s position on Amendment G.

In part:

Jon Hansen Says Debate on Abortion Measure Violates “Ethical Rules as an Attorney”

Concerning tomorrow’s “Ballot Talk: weighing the Pro’s and the Cons with Greg LaFollette regarding putting abortion up to birth in South Dakota’s State Constitution, Jon Hansen, Attorney for Life Defense Fund, issued the following statement:

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“As much as I would like to nail down Weiland on his organization’s repeated and blatant violations of petition laws and the engagement in fraudulent activities, to do so would violate legal ethical rules as an attorney.”

“Because I represent Life Defense Fund, which is suing Weiland’s organization “Dakotans for Health” in the case Life Defense Fund and Leslee Unruh vs. Dakotans for Health – Lawyers are not permitted under legal ethical rules to speak to opposing parties represented in an ongoing case about matters related to the litigation.”

Of course, no mention was made about Jon Hansen doing double-duty co-chairing the Life Defense Fund, being paid as a consultant by the Life Defense Fund, and (as State Representative) introducing legislation to aid the Life Defense Fund’s attack against the petition filed by Dakotans for Health.

In case anyone has forgotten the oath that legislators sign:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I …have not accepted, nor will I accept or receive directly or indirectly, any money, pass, or any other valuable thing, from any corporation, company or person, for any vote or influence I may give or withhold on any bill or resolution, or appropriation, or for any other official act.”

Article III, Section 8, South Dakota Constitution
South Dakota Legislative Oath of Office.

I’m not sure.. is the oath of office considered an ethical rule too? Or more of a suggestion?

Does that also mean that the Life Defense Fund is going to just duck Amendment G debates from here on out?

Has it been an active week or what? Traffic has been high, even when people might not like to read public documents.

And adding to the conversation is our latest advertiser, the Yes on 29 Ballot Committee, asking South Dakotans to also listen to their side of the conversation regarding Initiated Measure 29 when people are making up their minds how to vote. Please click on the ad and hear from the side that didn’t divert nun’s money to primary elections.

With two and a half months until election day, SDWC has advertising opportunities for reaching South Dakota’s opinion leaders, based on a first-come, first-serve basis for available positions. The #1 spot in the left-hand column and down page advertising spots are available, and there are discounts for longer ad commitments.  Information on ad prices, ad positions, and ad commitments may be directed to the webmaster by clicking here.

Please take a moment to visit our advertisers such as South Dakota’s chief executive Governor Kristi Noem, our friend South Dakota Senator John Thune,  Congressman Dusty Johnson, and Republican United States Senator Mike Rounds. Our friends at South Dakota Ag Alliance are also here to fight for landowner rights and common sense ag development, as Summit Carbon Solutions will keep our farmers and ethanol producers competitive on a world stage.

Aside from IM29, we also have the opponents to IM28 making sure South Dakotans know IM28 is a trap.. as badly as I’m sure they want to use the Star Wars meme.. And we have SD Open Primaries asking voters via Amendment H to let everyone who pays for our elections to vote.

Of course, at Dakota Campaign Store, down on the right, you’ll find me already busy in 2024 with yard signs, postcards, and all the things a professional campaign needs to make an impression.

Thank you to our advertisers for your support, and please reach out if you’d like to join them!

From SDAHO:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 data tracker shows an 18.1% test positivity rate for the week ending Aug. 10, the highest it has been since January 2022. Wastewater surveillance, “an early warning sign of COVID-19’s spread in communities,” demonstrates “very high” viral activity for COVID-19 across the U.S. indicating positivity rates could be even higher than reported test results. CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older receive a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

Read that here.

That does not make me excited to hop on a plane at the end of the week…

Gov. Noem Appoints Joe Fiala as GOED Commissioner

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem appointed Joe Fiala as the Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

“Joe has been a great member of our economic development team for years. He has helped build the strongest jobs market in America, and we’ll keep that work going with him as our Commissioner,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “With Joe’s diligence, his positive outlook, and his ability to build and maintain relationships, I am confident that we will continue to accomplish fantastic things!”

Joe was raised with a ranching background in Custer and Hot Springs in the southern Black Hills. After taking computer science courses at South Dakota State University, he worked in the software industry, including designing business software at Microsoft.

In 2007, Joe entered the field of economic development as the executive director of the local economic development office in Miller. In 2012, he joined GOED as a business development representative and has since served as a director in several areas including research, community development, business development, and partner relations. Throughout his time at GOED, Joe has worked with countless stakeholders on numerous projects totaling billions of dollars in capital investment which have created or retained thousands of good-paying jobs for South Dakotans.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and economic developers across the state to help businesses grow and to positively impact the economy of South Dakota,” said Joe Fiala. “I would like to thank Governor Noem for the opportunity to serve as the Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.”

Joe lives in Miller with his wife, Andrea, who is a high school science teacher. They have two daughters, Kirstyn and Megan. They enjoy spending time outdoors on the farm where Andrea was raised. You can find a photo of Joe Fiala here.

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South Dakota and National Ag Organizations Support Rounds’ Legislation to Reform Livestock Program

MITCHELL – Several agriculture stakeholders in South Dakota and across the nation are showing support for legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) which offers producers fairer market prices for livestock disaster assistance programs. The LIP Payment Improvement Act, which was introduced in March, would require the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to make quarterly updates to Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rates that reflect livestock market prices.

The LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers for abnormal livestock deaths caused by an eligible loss condition, such as severe weather, disease or animal attack. Currently, the FSA is required to update LIP payment rates annually. While the agency occasionally provides periodic price updates, the LIP Improvement Program would make these updates more frequently to reflect an ever-changing market.

The LIP Payment Improvement Act has been included in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s version of the Farm Bill, which has been passed out of committee. The provision has also been included in both the majority and minority frameworks for the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill, which is awaiting markup.

“South Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard to produce quality livestock,” said Rounds. “Unfortunately, extenuating circumstances such as severe weather or disease can deplete their herds and as such, hurt their operations. These producers deserve to be paid a fair and updated market price for their livestock when tragedy strikes.”

The LIP Payment Improvement Act is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the South Dakota Farmers Union, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Farm Bureau.

“The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the oldest cattle organization in the United States, supports Senator Rounds efforts in maintaining updated and concise reports for our Livestock Indemnity Program with the Farm Service Agency.  Our organization has always supported our livestock producers and we support all efforts to ensure their businesses and livelihood are protected,” said Doris Lauing, Executive Director of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. “Our ranchers invest a vast amount of time, labor and finances into building a quality herd.  When extenuating circumstances such as severe weather or disease can deplete their herds it cripples their operations. These producers deserve to be paid a fair and updated market price for their livestock when tragedy strikes in which Senator Rounds is asking for.  As market prices fluctuate, so should the program so cattle producers are reimbursed the full value.”

“Natural disasters take a heavy toll on cattle producers, especially when severe weather leads to livestock losses,” said Allison Rivera, Executive Director of Government Affairs at National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Many producers rely on the Livestock Indemnity Program for support during these challenging times, but the program needs to be updated in a timely manner so that cattle producers are reimbursed for the full value of their lost cattle. Our members appreciate Senator Rounds introducing the Livestock Indemnity Payment Improvement Act of 2023 to correct this issue and ensure that cattle producers are compensated at the fair market value of their livestock.”

“South Dakota Farmers Union applauds Senator Rounds and Senator Klobuchar for working to update the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) from an annual payment rate to a quarterly payment rate,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “With climate change plaguing many parts of the country, our emergency relief programs must adapt accordingly. Given these circumstances, it has become clear that an annual payment rate is not a reflective measure of the true market value for livestock. This change will provide flexibility to help farmers and ranchers due to climate-related impacts.”

“In an ever-changing cattle market, timely and accurate compensation for livestock losses is vital to sustaining producers’ operations,” said Warren Symens, President of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association. “The Livestock Indemnity Program Improvement Act is a crucial step toward fairer market prices and greater financial stability for South Dakota’s hardworking producers. We commend Senator Rounds and Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership in making these necessary updates.”

“The South Dakota Farm Bureau appreciates Senator Rounds for introducing this bill that will benefit our 13,000 ranchers, farmers and rural families. It is critical that we have our voices heard and we’re excited to hear progress is being made on getting this included in the Farm Bill,” said Scott VanderWal, President of South Dakota Farm Bureau. “With an ever-changing market, it’s important that cattle producers get fairly compensated when disaster strikes. This will go a long way in improving the farm safety net.”

Click HERE for full bill text.

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