Johnson Votes YES, Calling on TikTok to Divest From the Chinese Communist Party

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass legislation requiring TikTok to divest from ByteDance, which answers to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or risk losing access to American markets. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would remove CCP-backed ByteDance apps, including TikTok, from American app stores and web hosting services unless the application severs ties to entities like ByteDance that are subject to control of a foreign adversary.

“TikTok has an important decision to make: remain beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, or retain their user base in America,” said Johnson. “The decision should be simple, yet TikTok’s pushback to the bill gives credence to the thought the platform cares more about the influence of the CCP than operating a safe app in the U.S. I hope the Senate considers the bill soon. In the meantime, millions of Americans will continue to be influenced by the destructive goals of the Chinese Communist Party.”

Johnson recently co-sponsored the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Johnson has long been a critic of TikTok and ByteDance. In 2022, he introduced the Block the Tok Act to remove TikTok from federal government devices. Later that year, he voted to ban it on federal government devices.

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Rounds Holds Congressional Charter Signing Ceremony for National American Indian Veterans

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committees on Indian Affairs and Veterans’ Affairs, today held a ceremony in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the granting of a congressional charter to the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV).

Rounds first introduced this legislation in 2020 during the 116th Congress and again in the 117th and 118th Congress with Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). This legislation was co-sponsored by 40 bipartisan senators. The NAIV Congressional Charter was signed into law in December last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

“The NAIV was originally established as a result of a request by Senators Akaka, Inouye and Nighthorse Campbell during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing in 2004,” said Rounds in his remarks at today’s event. “At that time, no Native American veterans organization had ever received a congressional charter. I am proud to say that 20 years later, your hard work has paid off and the charter is a reality.”

The ceremony also included keynote remarks from Senator Luján and Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough; a Presentation of Colors and Ceremony Drum Group by Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society, Kiowa Women Warriors, Kiowa, Comanche and Apache (KCA) Veterans Organization, Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Drum Society; and a presentation of NAIV Charter documents to NAIV National Commander Don Loudner. Don is a Korean War Era veteran and a member of the Hunkpati Sioux Tribe based in South Dakota.

Also in attendance were Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Jaime Pinkham, Army Major General Patrick Gaydon, Coalition of Large Tribes (C.O.L.T), C.O.L.T Chairman Marvin Weatherwax, Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association and others.

Download a video of the ceremony for television use HERE. Download photos from the event HERE. Please credit photos with ‘Official U.S. Senate photo by Ryan Donnell’ when publishing.

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Interesting e-mail that went out to Legislative candidates last night from Jordan Mason, who seems to apparently be trying to figure out exactly how many sketchy groups he can make money off of.

Mason has been involved with the South Dakota Freedumb Caucus, but the page noting that in the State Freedom Caucus network seems to have been taken down, so I can’t say for any certainty if that association remains. And now Jordan has popped up as the “Legislative Affairs & Elections Manager” for “Students for Life Action,” which blasted out this e-mail last night with his name and contact information on it.

One candidate wondered to me “why the hell is Jordan Mason the one sending this out?”  And while the e-mail says “We have new opportunities to protect life,” another person with actual ties to the pro-life movement in the state noted that they assume he’s sending it out because he’s making money, and noting that their “elections manager” has never done anything to support the pro-life cause in South Dakota.

Tip for Candidates: The only survey regarding abortion that Republican candidates should consider, if they are so inclined, is the one that comes from SD Right to Life. I’ve had GOP legislators counsel new candidates that the only two surveys they should consider bothering with are the NRA Survey, and the one from SDRTL. Anything else is going to come back on them and/or provide information they can use in opposition research.

Considering the source, this appears to be the latter; a survey from which someone will mine information to use in primaries against candidates. I suspect it’s a case that anything you say can and will be used against you. And anything you don’t say will also be used against you.

Darned if you do, and darned if you don’t. Best advice from me for candidates on this survey is to spike it, and spike it hard. Because if no one is talking to this group, it takes the wind out of their sails for being taken seriously when the attack cards come.

I notice we’re getting down to less than 2 weeks before the deadline, so I’m rehashing one of those posts that I do every election, because invariably, SOMEONE SCREWS THIS UP.

In 35 years of helping candidates run for office, someone will be a cautionary tale because they make the fatal mistake of listening to a teenage clerk of some after-hours postal desk at a supermarket. Or worse yet, they assume a clerk at a real post office knows South Dakota election law. They don’t.  And when asked, almost all of these tell people that certified mail is the best way to verify that it was delivered. 

Do not listen to these people. The best way is the way prescribed in state law. SEND PETITIONS REGISTERED MAIL ONLY.

It’s not just newby candidates that do this. This is a trap that has foiled seasoned veterans. And then they have to run as an independent, which is embarrassing. It has happened before. It will happen again.

If you can’t drive yourself to Pierre and show up at the Secretary of State’s office before Tuesday March 26th at 5pm, we’re approaching the point.. and I’m guessing it’s in about a week or so … where if you mail your election petitions into the Secretary of State (Secretary of State, Attn: Elections, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501), they might not show up by the deadline on Tuesday March 26th.  No matter what any clerk at a postal desk tries to talk you into, there’s only ONE proper way to mail those petitions into the Secretary of State’s office, and I can’t admonish candidates strongly enough, hence the caps and bold type.

Send those petitions in via REGISTERED mail, not certified.

There’s a good reason for it. It’s the law.  If they show up after the deadline, that’s the only way they will take them.  As I have noted every election over nearly a decade, under South Dakota Election law, it expressly notes “Registered mail,” and that does not include certified mail. And more specifically:

12-6-4.  Except as provided by § 12-5-4 and as may be otherwise provided in chapter 12-9, no candidate for any office to be filled, or nomination to be made, at either or both the primary or general election, other than a presidential election, may have that person’s name printed upon the official primary election ballot of that person’s party, unless a petition has been filed on that person’s behalf after December thirty-first and by the last Tuesday of March at five p.m. local time before the date of the primary election. If the petition is mailed by registered mail by the last Tuesday of March at five p.m. local time before the primary election, the petition shall be considered timely submitted. A nominating petition for national convention delegates and alternates as provided in § 12-5-3.11 shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of this section. Nominating petitions for all party and public offices except legislative and judicial offices shall be filed in the office of the county auditor of the county in which the person is a candidate. Nominating petitions for legislative and judicial office whether elected in one or more counties, and all other party and public offices to be voted on in more than one county shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State.

Read the law for yourself here.

REGISTERED MAIL. Period.

For those who are asking “why registered mail?” there is a very specific reason.

Registered mail has a clear chain of custody that is recorded by the post office before being sent and at each point along its route to safeguard against loss, theft, or damage. It is very specifically time-stamped as well.  Chain of custody and time stamp was important to those who wrote the law, and well. The law is the law.  If you have trouble with following the law, it’s not a good reflection on your path as a lawmaker.

Every year there are people who let themselves get talked into sending it certified by someone who doesn’t know South Dakota Election Law.. and they find themselves out of luck. Don’t be this year’s cautionary tale.

Petitions are like a lot of things – they are best done early. Because if you do them early and screw them up, you have an opportunity to go back and fix them.  It’s hard to do when you’re running it down to the wire.

And even harder if you mail them the wrong way.

In case you’re trying to track how the political races are shaping up, the 2024 Candidate list is being updated at least a couple times a day, and we’re far enough along that I’m tagging the likely primary elections that have popped up; 22 GOP Primaries in the legislative races so far, 1 Democrat Primary (in D11 Senate), and another likely GOP primary is possible if one of the Republicans who have announced get their petitions filed in D15 Senate.

You can keep track of the elections here, as I monitor both petition filings, reports from the field and candidate announcements, and statements of organization, which give a good indication that petitions are going to be forthcoming.

** Couple of new updates: Matt Wagner, who had suspended his campaign, has apparently unsuspended his campaign, and filed petitions for D8 House, triggering a primary in that contest against a couple of former Sheriffs. And Senator Jim Mehlhaff has filed his petitions to return to D24 Senate.

Keep watching for further updates. We have 12 days until the deadline – so now we’re in a mad sprint to get petitions in.  And candidates remember SEND THEM REGISTERED MAIL.  NOT CERTIFIED.

Mark Willadsen to run for District 9 State Senate seat.

Mark Willadsen announced his candidacy today for the South Dakota State Senate representing District 9.  Willadsen, a Republican, is a retired insurance agent, and has a long history of civic service in the Sioux Falls community, including 15 years in  the State House of Representatives.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Minnehaha County in the South Dakota Senate” Willadsen noted.

Over the years, Willadsen has been a leading voice in Pierre for legislation to improve the lives of South Dakotans. One of the signature pieces of legislation he authored in recent years (HB 1091, 2016) was to change South Dakota insurance laws so ride share services such as UBER and LYFT could come and operate in our state.  “This was a great example of business, insurers, regulators, and South Dakotans coming together to keep pace with the changing times and to open up more opportunities in a changing economy.”  Willadsen was also instrumental in passing legislation to expand the Dakota State University Applied Research Lab enabling South Dakota students to be at the forefront of this expanding industry, with good paying jobs right here in our state. (SB 130, 2022).  Willadsen said “My Legislative career has been about opening doors and fixing laws that don’t make sense.  I’m a big proponent in opening our state up for business, and making sure we keep pace with tomorrow’s economy.”

Willadsen is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls, past president of the Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club, Crime Stoppers of the Sioux Empire, and the Sioux Falls Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.  He is a past Chairman of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Tax Council.

Willadsen and his wife Suzanne of 47 years have 3 grown children and 12 grandchildren, all living in the Sioux Falls area.

Gov. Noem Signs Teacher Compensation and Literacy Bills into Law

Signs Other Education and Workforce Bills 

MITCHELL, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 127, which establishes a minimum teacher salary and revises the requirements pertaining to average teacher compensation, and HB 1022, which make an appropriation to the Department of Education to provide professional development in literacy to teachers.

“Our teachers are one of the most important factors to set our kids up for a lifetime of success,” said Governor Noem. “Together, we are making sure that they receive the pay that they deserve and that they are equipped to deliver the most proven model of literacy teaching to our kids.”

Governor Noem signed the bills at the Mitchell High School Library. A photo of the bill signing ceremony can be found here.

Governor Noem also signed the following eight education and workforce bills into law:

• SB 1 expands eligibility for the reduced tuition benefit for certain school district and Head Start employees at Board of Regents institutions to school counselors;
• SB 29 allows eligible members of the South Dakota National Guard attending an in-state private, nonprofit post-secondary institution to receive the state tuition benefit;
• SB 72 increases the annual limit of tax credits that an insurance company may claim through the partners in education tax credit program;
• SB 151 revises and repeals provisions related to the licensure of athletic trainers;
• HB 1178 prohibits the Board of Regents or any institution under its control from using state resources for obscene live conduct;
• HB 1187 creates a one-year career and technical education instructor educator permit;
• HB 1201 makes an appropriation for the teacher apprenticeship pathway program; and,
• HB 1233 amends requirements for a cosmetology apprenticeship.

Governor Noem has signed 171 bills into law this legislative session.

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Gov. Noem Signs Bill to Fund Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology into Law 

MADISON, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 45, which funds the establishment of a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology. You can find a photo of the bill signing here.

“South Dakota is continuing to be a leader in emerging technology,” said Governor Noem. “This center will combine numerous fields to make tremendous advancements in cybersecurity, agriculture, healthcare and more.”

Governor Noem signed the bill at the Dakota State University Madison Cyber Labs, also known as Mad Labs.

“With the establishment of The Center for Quantum Information Science & Technology, we are embarking on a new chapter in the story of human knowledge, one that will allow us to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s environment,” said President of Dakota State University Jose Marie Griffiths. “The Center is a venture into the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s known and exploring the uncharted territory of the quantum world. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators, and all who supported this effort.”

Governor Noem also signed SB 187, which establishes a cybersecurity services initiative for counties and municipalities.

Governor Noem has signed 161 bills into law this legislative session.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces State to Seek Death Penalty in Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff’s Death

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced that the state has filed its notice to seek the death penalty in the First Degree Murder case against Joseph Gene Hoek of Sioux Falls for the Feb. 2 death of Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok.

“This is a decision that is never taken lightly,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Based upon the aggravating circumstances of this case, we believe it is appropriate.”

Hoek has been charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Eluding.

During a court hearing Wednesday in Moody County Circuit Court, Attorney General Jackley provided written notice to the court on the state’s intention to seek the death penalty if a jury finds the defendant guilty of First Degree Murder. The Attorney General cited two of the statutory aggravating circumstances, where at least one is required to seek the death penalty.

• That Hoek committed First Degree Murder while Chief Deputy Prorok was engaged in the performance of his official duties; and,
• That Hoek committed First Degree Murder for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest of Hoek.

“If a jury finds the defendant guilty of First Degree Murder, it will be the state’s intention to offer evidence to the jury that will prove that one or both of these aggravating circumstances have been met,” said Attorney General Jackley.

The next court appearance is 11:00 a.m. June 20, 2024, at the Moody County Courthouse in Flandreau.  The defendant has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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Quite the dichotomy of candidates who have filed petitions this morning.

On one hand Jim Halverson, candidate for District 21 House who I wrote about last week, filed his paperwork this AM to run in a primary for that election.

On the other, Rick Weible, of whom much has been written about and I’m sure much more will be, also filed paperwork, except he’s taking on the Republican Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree in a race for District 8 State Senate.

So far today, you have a good candidate running in Jim Halverson. And you have one of the leaders of the election truther/vote counting machine paranoia movements in the state.

Petitions were also turned in today by Republican House Assistant Majority Leader Taylor Rehfeldt (D14) , and in D7, we have Weible’s fellow Brookings book banner Jeff Struwe also turning in petitions to run for the House.

This June Primary election, it looks like Republicans will be presented with choices; are we going to seek the light with those who present us with leadership and opportunity, or are we going with those who campaign on conspiracy theories and big government that tells us what we’re allowed to read and how we are supposed to raise our kids?

And those should be considered important choices.