Governor Noem Appoints Dr. Judy Dittman to Board of Regents 

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced Dr. Judy Dittman’s appointment to the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dittman replaced Joan Wink, whose term recently expired.

“South Dakota has what it takes to become an example to the nation of what quality higher education looks like. It is the job of the Board of Regents to get us there,” said Governor Noem. “I have been working with the board to ensure that our kids and grandkids are receiving the best education possible, free from indoctrination and harmful, divisive ideologies. I am confident that Dr. Dittman will advance this cause through her new role on the Board of Regents.”

Governor Noem has consistently made education a top priority. Last month, she sent a letter to the Board of Regents challenging them to do more to strengthen higher education in the state of South Dakota. Governor Noem also established a whistleblower hotline for students, faculty, parents, and taxpayers to express any concerns they may have about our universities.

Governor Noem also sent a follow-up letter to the Board of Regents last week discussing some of the concerns that were received in just the first two weeks of the whistleblower hotline. The concerns included pushing for mask mandates in classrooms, endorsing critical race theory, and compelling speech in support of particular political positions.

Dr. Judy Dittman earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in history from Black Hills State University. She went on to earn her master’s degree in health, physical education, and recreation from South Dakota State University and her Ph.D. in sport, health, leisure, and physical studies from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Dittman began her career as a K-10 physical education teacher in the Newell Independent School District before becoming an instructor of health and physical education, as well as the head women’s basketball and softball coach, at Dakota State University. After 34 years of teaching at both the University of Iowa and Dakota State University, Dr. Dittman became the Dean of the College of Education at DSU. Since 2013, she served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, a professor of physical education and exercise science, the assistant to the president of special programs, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at DSU. Dr. Dittman retired in 2020. A photo of Dr. Dittman can be found here.

“Education and guiding the next generation have always been passions of mine. I want to thank Governor Noem for this exciting opportunity to serve on the South Dakota Board of Regents,” said Dr. Dittman. “I am looking forward to working with my fellow board members to continue improving higher education in our state. We already have the tools to become an educational force in this nation – we just need to put them into practice.”

The Board of Regents consists of nine members: Tim Rave (President), Brock Brown, Judy Dittman, Randy Frederick, James Lochner, Douglas Morrison, Jeff Partridge, Randy Rasmussen, and Pam Roberts. Information on the Board of Regents can be found here.

###

Here’s one that’s hot off the press.  I’m hearing from sources this morning that Sioux Falls City Councilman Alex Jensen might be foregoing another term on the Sioux Falls City Council to return to the South Dakota State Legislature and run for the District 13 State Senate Seat in 2024.

As noted in Jensen’s bio:

Alex was born and raised in Sioux Falls, and attended Lincoln High School. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of South Dakota, and is the CEO and a co-owner of Max Muscle Nutrition. He and his wife, Nikki, have sons, Jack and George.

Alex began his career in public service in 2014 by being elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives, serving the citizens of District 12 until 2016. In 2020, he was elected to his first term on the City Council as an at-large member.

The D13 Senate seat, currently held by Senator Jack Kolbeck, is due to be vacated because of term limits. No announcements for the Senate seat have been made by current D13 House members Sue Peterson or Tony Venhuizen.

Rep. Peterson is ineligible to run for another House Term because of the same term limits which  are preventing Kolbeck from another run, which might bring Sue to run herself.

If Jensen gets in the contest, it would make it an extremely competitive primary. Since the time he first ran for office in 2014, Jensen has been a monster of a fundraiser, able to bring in tremendous funds with which to run his race, as well as an able campaigner.

Sue Peterson has also traditionally been a good fundraiser, winning her last race in a primary contest.

One question would be whether they’d be competing for resources from the same big pond.

But there’s no disputing the fact that it would be one of the hottest primary elections to watch in June 2024.

South Dakotans know all too well the impacts that ill-considered regulations from Washington can have on a farm, ranch, small business, or family budget. Lately, we’ve seen no shortage of regulations from the Biden administration that place new burdens on hard-working people. But the president’s regulatory power is not without limit. In our system of checks and balances, the courts and Congress have the power to hold the White House accountable and even block excessive use of executive power.

Last year, the Biden administration put forward two of its most significantly burdensome executive actions. The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule would have given the federal government jurisdiction over most water features on private property, including ponds and potentially ditches, and imposed heavy compliance costs and regulatory burdens on landowners. The president’s student loan giveaway would unfairly put taxpayers on the hook for half a trillion dollars in student loan debt. Both of these actions were challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, which has already ruled that WOTUS exceeded the president’s authority and will soon rule on the president’s student debt action.

In addition to the courts, Congress has the ability to pass resolutions of disapproval to prevent presidential actions from going into effect. While the president needs to sign these resolutions, it’s a tool that can be used to check excessive use of executive power. Bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress voted to block the president’s student loan giveaway and the overreaching WOTUS rule. And Republicans are making additional use of this tool to push back on a range of new regulations.

In total, the Senate has disapproved of nine Biden administration actions this year – every one with a bipartisan vote. Many of these rules would unnecessarily impact Americans in service of the president’s radical environmental agenda. One rule limiting truck emissions would add thousands of dollars to the cost of heavy-duty vehicles and possibly drive small trucking operations out of business. Another would allow pension plans to consider environmental, social, and governance factors, not just the best rate of return, when investing American workers’ retirement funds. Others would unnecessarily add delays and red tape to infrastructure, energy, and other projects.

Despite bipartisan rebukes of its regulatory agenda, the Biden administration seems intent to continue pushing for more red tape. The administration recently finalized a rule that threatens to shutter more power plants while the energy industry warns that plants are already closing faster than they can be replaced with new renewable energy. And the Biden administration is also proposing regulations that could limit the availability of gas stoves and gas-powered vehicles over the next few years.

Rather than work with Congress, President Biden has made clear his intent is to advance a progressive agenda through executive action. But that doesn’t mean he can avoid accountability for the costs and other burdens this agenda places on our economy and on hardworking Americans. And it doesn’t mean that Congress won’t still have its say. As we move forward, Republicans will continue to use the Congressional Review Act to push back against excessive regulations and protect Americans’ livelihoods from burdensome red tape.

###

Without action this week, rural airports in Aberdeen, Watertown, and Pierre would have faced over $4 million in new expenses over the next ten years. This cost burden would have many potential impacts: flight cancelations, higher ticket prices, and maybe even a risk of closure if our local governments can’t come up with these additional funds.

A committee I serve on proposed this change, and I stopped it. If this change had been made, traveling in and out of these towns would have impacted “life as we know it” for many travelers. One small change to a bill in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee made all the difference and saved these three airports from facing daunting expenses.

I was proud to lead efforts to exempt the most rural airports from the original provision that would have taken millions of dollars away from our small towns. These rural airports are well over 175 miles (a three-hour drive) from hub airports. Requiring our most rural airports to incur hefty costs isn’t sustainable. The financial burden would likely end in higher flight prices or the city government laying off employees or cutting other services, changing the social fabric of these towns.

We have a commitment to connect rural and metropolitan areas. The risk of losing these airport services would fracture that commitment. The airports in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Pierre connect South Dakotans to other parts of the state, region, and country.

Our state capital is the second smallest in the country. Without the Pierre airport, or with higher costs, our state legislators, state employees, and visitors would be forced to travel hours by car from airports like Sioux Falls and Rapid City or pay higher ticket prices for their flight.

Thankfully, my amendment was adopted and the airports in Aberdeen, Watertown, and Pierre won’t have to face this burden—protecting your airports and flights around the state.

Wheels up!

 

Prioritizing Family Bonding
By: Ian Fury and Kieran Tate
June 16, 2023 

Nothing brings perspective to life like a newborn baby. Everything trivial and inconsequential fades into the background as you welcome a new tiny human into the world with a full heart and wide-open arms. And even if you turn your attention elsewhere for a moment, their cries for milk and screams about a gassy tummy or dirty diaper will bring your focus right where it should be!

As Father’s Day comes around, countless families across South Dakota are celebrating the bonds between parents and their kids. Both of us have welcomed new babies to our families in the last few weeks. Kieran and her family welcomed their third baby, Nina, in early May, and Ian and his family welcomed their first baby, Gavin, into the world just a few days later.

We’ve very much appreciated the opportunity to get to know these new kiddos. They waste no time exhibiting their own unique personalities. Nina is a hungry, hungry hippo, and is already packing on pounds since she was born. Her favorite place to be is either outside in the sunshine, or in the baby wrap close to mom. Gavin has a fiery spirit – all the temper in the world, but when he smiles, it sets the room aglow. He also loves to demand cuddles at 4 am!

Both of us have been tremendously blessed to benefit from the excellent Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits offered to state employees. Governor Noem worked hard to pass PFL for state employees into law back in 2020, and this year, she expanded that opportunity even further for state employees.

While our babies were born before the expanded policy took effect, we are so encouraged for other parents to have the opportunity to prioritize their families in these crucial first few weeks. And we are grateful this benefit is in place for any future babies that may come our way. The last thing parents should have to worry about is figuring out how they will take time off after they welcome a baby into the family. Governor Noem has created a culture in state government that allows parents to put their families first.

KIERAN: As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of taking an unpaid maternity leave, I’m grateful to have access to paid family leave so that I can spend more time bonding with Nina, and I’m excited for the parents who will be able to utilize the new paid family leave benefit that went into effect on May 22^nd of this year. Having paid time off has not only allowed me to spend this time with our brand-new baby, but has also afforded me the extra, necessary time to rest and recover while not worrying about bringing in money for our family.

IAN: From a dad’s perspective, while there’s so much that I can’t do for Gavin – like grow him for 9 months or create the food he relies on every day – I have valued the opportunity to step up as a supporting figure. Dishes still need to be cleaned, laundry still needs to be done, and yes, diapers need changing. But most importantly, PFL allows me to support a brand-new mom. We have been blessed with the opportunity to strengthen our family, together.

Those first few months after having a baby, while undeniably sweet, can also be very stressful for new moms and dads. PFL affords parents the opportunity to focus more time on bonding with their new baby and spend less time worrying about going back to work soon or other financial stressors. They’re only newborns once, and time goes so fast!

Governor Noem has made stronger families her top priority, and she will continue working to help as many South Dakotans as possible gain the ability to share these important opportunities.

You can find a photo of baby Gavin here. You can find a photo of baby Nina here.

Ian Fury serves as Chief of Communications for Governor Kristi Noem.

Kieran Tate serves as Director of Communications for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

 ###

Updating the story from earlier this week where it came out that the June 21 first meeting of the Secretary of State’s election study would be held privately with the public barred from attending, KELOland news is now reporting that all three of the meetings are considered “non-public”

Jennifer Morrell, co-founder of The Elections Group and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, will be a moderator.

Rachel Soulek with the secretary of state’s office told KELOLAND News there will be three meetings – June 21 (discussion), July 20 (draft) and August 22 (finalize).

Soulek called the meetings “an ad hoc study” and the office didn’t consider them public meetings.

and..

“Some of us do not know each other,” DeBoer told KELOLAND News. “Let’s say a disagreement takes place. If that disagreement takes place early in the meeting and then it’s resolved later in the meeting, which part of that is somebody going to take home and talk about?”

and..

This group will meet under the secretary of state’s office. Nelson pointed out he is volunteering for this group and said there’s no compensation for members traveling to the meeting but a lunch is being provided.

Read the entire story here.

Couple of takeaways from the story.

The only public member of the panel is Vicky Buhr, who is heavily involved with the South Dakota chapter of Convention of States. (You remember them, don’t you?).

And the group is being moderated by the founder of an organization which does do paid training for election officials, including explaining how ballot drop boxes are secure.  I will be curious to see if they end up getting any contracts for training later down the line.

Keep watching.

Thune: U.S. Needs Strong Economy, National Defense to Compete with China

“If the Democrat leader is serious about improving our competitiveness with China, and not just funding progressive priorities, these are the kinds of things he should focus on for his bill.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the threat that China poses to the United States and the importance of putting America in a position of strength to be able to counter China. Thune noted that we must strengthen our national security and economy to compete with China and ensure that any China initiative doesn’t become a vehicle for more spending on far-left policies.

Johnson Secures Win For South Dakota Airports

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) led efforts to successfully turn back a plan to charge the Pierre, Aberdeen, and Watertown communities more than $4 million over the next ten years to maintain passenger air service.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed out bipartisan legislation making significant reforms to our nation’s aviation system. Originally, language in that bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation (SGRLAA) Act, would have charged rural passenger airports extensive new fees to participate in the essential air service program.

Johnson successfully amended the bill to protect the most remote passenger airports, including those in Pierre, Aberdeen, and Watertown, from those new expenses. His amendment was adopted into the final package by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and will move to the House floor.

“South Dakotans and rural Americans deserve reasonable access to airport travel,” said Johnson. “The original draft of the committee’s bill would force towns like Pierre, Aberdeen, and Watertown to cut city programs or raise taxes or fees to support essential air services. I’m glad the committee adopted my amendment to protect our rural airports while also making fiscally responsible changes to the program as a whole.”

The SGRLAA Act is the five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It reauthorizes the programs in the FAA to improve efficiency and operations, strengthen American’s general aviation sector and workforce, invest in United States airport infrastructure, enhance the passenger experience, and authorize the National Transportation Safety Board.

Background:

Essential Air Service (EAS) airports – like those in Pierre, Aberdeen, and Watertown – receive federal funding to ensure air service to rural and small communities. Language in the original text of the SGRLAA Act would have placed a burden of five percent funding on local and state governments that have EAS airports which risks air service in those communities.

Johnson’s amendment specifically targeted the most rural EAS airports that are more than 175 driving miles – nearly a three-hour drive – from the nearest medium- or large-hub airport. The amendment exempted those airports from the five percent cost-share outlined in the legislation. With Johnson’s amendment, the EAS airports in South Dakota will maintain a connection to the national aviation network.

###

Johnson, Thune, Rounds Oppose Rule to Limit BLM Land Use

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning urging immediate withdrawal of the BLM’s proposed rule for “Conservation and Landscape Health.” Additionally, Johnson introduced South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in the House Natural Resources Committee for her testimony on the bill H.R. 3397 that would force withdrawal of the proposed rule.

The proposed rule would authorize the BLM to prioritize conservation practices over current standards for multiple-use land, such as livestock grazing, recreation, mineral extraction, renewable energy production, and other common uses.

“In South Dakota, the BLM manages more than 274,000 surface acres and around 1.7 million acres of subsurface minerals,” said the delegation. “From the prairie to pine forests, the BLM manages important uses for our constituents, including livestock grazing, mineral extraction, timber, and recreational activities such as hunting, off-road driving, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. We are concerned the new definitions and frameworks in this proposal will severely restrict how our constituents interact with public lands.”

“The framework for conservation leases in the proposal could threaten responsible uses of the land by allowing the BLM to limit any use of leased land that is deemed ‘inconsistent’ with the framework. This new process has the potential to lock away land for more than a decade, keeping out hunters, livestock owners who graze on public lands, and American taxpayers and tourists who want to enjoy the great outdoors,” continued the delegation.

Background:

There are 245 million surface acres of BLM land in America. This land is already under management plans and strict Federal protection.

The proposed rule creates a framework for BLM “conservation leases” without congressional approval that would not authorize usage of land inconsistent with their framework. This could prohibit access and public use of this land for ten or more years.

The proposed rule additionally gives BLM authority of interim management and implementation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, should one be nominated outside of the standard land use planning process. This authority would allow BLM access to manage these areas without input from state or local government, or the public.

###

Judge Rejects McIsaac’s Recall Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Judge Rejects McIsaac’s Recall Challenge

BALTIC, SD – A Minnehaha County Circuit Judge has ruled that the petition to recall Mayor McIsaac was valid, and that an election is to be set. While some grounds did fall short procedurally, the factual basis of all the petition grounds were undisputed.

South Dakotans for Transparent Government now calls on the Baltic City Council to fulfill their obligation to the voters by setting an election date, so that the will of the voters can be heard.

For more information, please visit www.recallmcisaac.com. For press inquiries, please contact info@recallmcisaac.com

###