The Dusty Johnson for Governor filed their end of the year state campaign report this morning. And damn, Dusty raised a lot of money in the race to become our next Governor, as he hasn’t even touched his reserves in his federal account.. yet he still has a sliver under $1 million to rocket into 2026 with.

Here’s the hard copy:

Dusty for Governor 2025 EOY Report by Pat Powers

Wow.  Dusty raised a staggering $1,605,902.71, with $704,095.59 coming from individuals opening up their checkbooks to support his candidacy. (a chunk of the remaining was transferred over from his federal committee).

The committee spent $650,621.85, leaving them $955,280.86 as seed money for the 2026 leg of the election cycle.

And let’s not kid ourselves – this is a drop in the bucket compared to the financial reserves Dusty has raised – mainly from from South Dakotans over the years – available to help this former Ft. Pierre kid in his campaign to become South Dakota’s next Governor.

The Election Goofball/Truther group’s candidate for Secretary of State, Heather Baxter, has filed her first campaign finance report. And you can read for yourself who is donating, and where the money goes:

Heather Baxter 4 SOS 2025 EOY Disclosure by Pat Powers

From the report, Baxter raised $9,301 over the course of the year, and spent $3,273.16.. with $2000 of that being spent on travel. (Quite the round number, eh? I would venture that would likely be for “mileage.”)

Baxter goes into the new year with $6,027.84 in her account to spread her message of “no machines” and “hand counting,” despite what a majority of South Dakota’s county auditors say is feasible in South Dakota.

The lobbying group Americans for Prosperity and Governor Larry Rhoden are partnering for tax forum events according to social media posts popping up, where the Governor will be discussing his plan for property tax relief:

Americans for Prosperity also happens to be where his son, Reggie Rhoden, is working as the group’s Regional Engagement Director, after serving as the Executive Director for the South Dakota Republican Party.

I’m hearing there are other AFP/Rhoden joint events planned, with another one said to be coming in the Dakota Dunes area.

More to come.

I wonder which constituents said to Jon Hansen that we need a bill to define what boys and girls are?

This seems to be something that he’s going to try to beat the drum on when he’s out on the campaign trail, since Hansen generally is lacking in legislative accomplishment.

Maybe Hansen should have gone through with teaming with Toby Doeden.

Because this seems a little needy and smacks of desperation.

More legislation from today.  Taking a break from quickly cribbing the Governor’s idea to protect church services from disruption, today Representative Brandei Schaefbauer is back with more legislation.

This time copying herself, as she brings back her failed legislation to direct the attorney general to sue China for 100 Billion Dollars!

It should not come as a shock, as Brandei promised something to the effect of bringing last years’ failed legislation back when she took to social media to promote goofiness & conspiracy theories back in July:

I would also guess that she’ll bring ShadGPT back to committee and to write her talking points.   I hate to say it, but so far this year to date I’m not seeing any legislation that’s actually coming from her constituents. Just someone who has been seen with her as a traveling companion, and a trendy topic she appears to be trying to use to get a leg up on the Governor with.

Someone should do something about District 3 Representatives bringing back legislators who actually bring bills for constituents. (Like supporting Spencer Sommers for House, and Katie Washnok for Senate.)

We’ll see if Brandei’s re-run COVID conspiracy resolution gets past the House this year. We can only hope that neither taxpayers nor the Attorney General’s office have to waste anymore time than is required to defeat it.

UPDATE:

I wonder if Rep. Schaefbauer will bring her buddy who testified for her COVID resolution last year back to committee again to testify why we need to sue China?

I’m sure that Committee Hearing will go just well.

I was starting this post to talk about the bill that was not introduced, if you remember my post a week or so ago.  I was just starting to pull prior images from my website to talk about Dylan Jordan’s broken promises …and it must be because I’m slightly psychic because guess what was introduced today? House Bill 1181 – A bill to ban weather modification activities (Add this to the freedom caucus list of goofiness delaying serious bills).

House Bill 1181 – Introduced by: Representative Andera (also sponsored by Dylan Jordan – pp)

An Act to prohibit weather and climate modification activities and provide a penalty therefor.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 34A-1:

There is created in the state treasury the weather and climate modification monitoring fund. This fund consists of fines received pursuant to section 2 of this Act and all other moneys designated for deposit in the fund.

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall administer the fund. The purpose of the fund is to defray expenses associated with monitoring for prohibited weather modification activities, investigating complaints, assessing civil penalties, and monitoring for compliance. The department may use one-half of the moneys received pursuant to section 2 of this Act to defray the expenses of activities associated with administering sections 1 to 4, inclusive, of this Act. The department shall provide one-half of the moneys received pursuant to section 2 of this Act to the Department of Transportation to defray any expenses associated with administering sections 5 to 8, inclusive, of this Act.

Interest on moneys credited to the fund must remain in the fund.

Expenditures from the fund must be budgeted through the general appropriation bill.

Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 34A-1:

No person may inject, release, or disperse, by any means, any amount of a chemical, a chemical compound, or a substance, which is known to cause negative health impacts in toxic amounts, into the atmosphere, for the express purpose of modifying atmosphere, intensity of sunlight, temperature, or weather.

No person may inject, release, or disperse, by any means, any amount of aluminum barium, chaff containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, strontium, or sulfur dioxide, into the atmosphere for the express purpose of modifying atmosphere, intensity of sunlight, temperature, or weather.

The department must assess a civil penalty of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for a violation of this section, plus ten thousand dollars per day for each day the violation continues.

The department shall deposit any moneys collected pursuant to this section in the weather and climate modification monitoring fund created in section 1 of this Act.

Etcetera… Read and follow the bill for made-up Internet paranoia here.

But as you read it, both you and I should notice it’s missing an important component. There’s no language about shooting down or – as the sponsoring facebook page edited it to when people noticed it was batsh*t crazy – “taking military action” against planes:

 

But, wait a minute.. Looking at the actual bill, there’s nothing about “shooting down” or even “authoriz(ing) the National Guard to take military action against aircraft” as was stated on their pledge?

As Rep. Jordan follows along, lets Rep. Andera take the lead and Rep. Manhart is nowhere in sight, after promises to shoot down planes that leave jet contrails in the sky, they propose fines, a reporting form, and rule promulgation?  What about the part of the pledge where they promise they will “sponsor or co-sponsor legislation to enforce this ban and ensure it remains strong, without dilution or compromise.”

And by not being part of it, Rep. Manhart definitely seems to be going Chemtrails? I’m not with them. 

Instead, Jordan signs on as a co-sponsor to propose a fine and set up some rule promulgation? Why doesn’t instead, Rep. Jordan co-sponsor a summer study?  So much for that pledge where these jokers were going to come to session without dilution or compromise.

Looks to me like one is cowing like a scolded retriever, looking for someone to pet his head, and the other is going I don’t know those guys.

That’s the problem with signing pledges for crazy conspiracy-minded nonsense. When a legislator makes a promise, or a pledge, it’s expected that they’re going to follow through. Because a man’s word is his bond.

Except when they come to the realization that what they’re promising is “Outrageously wrong, kooky and dangerous.” Especially when election year rolls around.

 

Thune: Affordability Starts With More Money in Your Pocket

“[T]hanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, most Americans are going to see a lower tax bill.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Might have to mark it down on a calendar where I somewhat agree with Taffy Howard on something, as her bill regarding service dogs is up in the Senate today. But.. legislators should be aware of a big BUT on this bill. It’s never as easy as they think.:

Senate Bill 82 – Introduced by: Senator Howard
An Act to prohibit the misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal and to provide a penalty therefor.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 22-35:

An individual may not, directly or indirectly through statements or conduct, intentionally misrepresent an animal in that individual’s possession as a service animal in any place of public accommodation to obtain any rights or privileges available to an individual who qualifies for a service animal under state or federal law, knowing that the individual is not entitled to those rights or privileges.

A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

For purposes of this section, “service animal” means a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, as set forth in 28 C.F.R. § 36.104 (January 1, 2026), provided the work or tasks performed by the dog are directly related to the individual’s disability. The crime deterrent effects of a dog’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks.

Follow the legislation here.

It’s actually set to be on the consent calendar, so it might just sail through the Senate today.  Aside from the fact that they want to create misrepresentation of a dog as a service animal as a criminal offense they can be arrested and fingerprinted for, and lock them up for 30 days. So much for easing over-crowding in jails.

I actually get this question about service dogs thrown at me at my day job every once in a while, so I’ve had to look it up and try to distill it down to answer questions. More to be the “source of the source” of information for an issue that drives business owners nuts. Why do people insist on bringing their dog everywhere?

There are many who have a legitimate purpose and reason to be there. Service Dogs have very strong rights at the federal level, and if you try to limit them (unless they are untrained, or are aggressive & act out), that could trigger lawsuits under the ADA – which may pound a business into the dirt – that you don’t really want to mess with. The hang up is with emotional support animals which can range from those legitimately prescribed by a medical professional, to someone who buys an orange harness on the Internet so they can take their dog everywhere.

Trying to figure out what they can legally do – or not do – when someone has their dog with them in otherwise pet-free locations can drive business-owners nuts.  The lawsuits usually will come under federal law as referenced above regarding service dogs under the ADA. Here’s a great guide for those wondering about it.   But here’s the but – It’s not just the ADA you have to worry about. For those who who have emotional support animals there are portions of federal law that have much broader implications and allowances beyond service dogs, such as the Fair Housing Act.

I’m going to cheat a little and use the Google AI Summary, because it gets to the point:

New federal rules clarify that Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) for housing, requiring landlords to provide reasonable accommodation (like waiving pet fees/restrictions) with a letter from a healthcare professional, but they have no special public access rights (unlike service animals) and no longer have automatic airline cabin access, with airlines now classifying them as pets. Key updates emphasize ESAs are for housing only, disallow breed/weight restrictions, and reject online registrations as proof, requiring a professional’s letter explaining the need for the animal to alleviate a disability.

Emotional support animals ARE covered under the Fair Housing Act.  The rules reject on-line registrations, BUT there are plenty of on-line counselor mills who can and do provide a letter from a supposed  mental health professional explaining why the animal is needed.  And if you’re covered under the Federal Housing Act, this proposed law does nothing for you – and you risk getting stung by the proposed Taffy Law if that’s what you think you can rely on.  (note: for those in other states, there may also be state laws. Check with a local atty. – pp)

My advice on this issue to people who inquire with me on this has always been to look at what the ADA and FHA guides have to say on it and for them to talk to their attorney for guidance on how to conduct themselves based on State & Federal Law.

So, should this law pass on the consent calendar today? Not saying no, but not saying yes. It seems like they’ve only had a portion of the discussion.

Capt. Josh Phillips Announces for Minnehaha County Sheriff 

Endorsed by Outgoing Sheriff Mike Milstead

Sioux Falls, S.D. – January 28, 2026 – Today Capt. Josh Phillips accepted the endorsement of outgoing Sheriff Mike Milstead and launched his campaign for Minnehaha County Sheriff.

“I believe deeply in conservative South Dakota values, respect for the Constitution, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I will use my experience to keep our neighborhoods safe,” says Capt. Phillips.

“I cannot think of a better choice to lead the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office into the future than Josh Phillips. For over 20 years, he has continually proven his professionalism, dedication to duty, and commitment to serving the people of Minnehaha County,” said Sheriff Mike Milstead.

As Captain with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Phillips’ career began by being mentored by a school resource officer when he was a student at West Central. That influence inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he returned to his alma mater to serve in that same role as a school resource officer. Josh’s 22-year career with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office includes serving as a patrol deputy, detective, patrol sergeant, sergeant of investigations, SWAT team member, Crisis Negotiations Unit Commander, and now Captain overseeing investigations and the Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force.

In 2019, Captain Phillips graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, an honor that recognizes the top 1% of law enforcement.

Captain Phillips is married and is the proud father of three children. He coaches youth basketball and enjoys golfing and archery hunting. His family attends St. George Parish in Hartford.

A whining press release was issued by the Free-Dumb caucus members that their bills are taking too long to get posted, because bills are being requested by the administration (and introduced by committees or individual legislators). And they think it has reached a crisis:

The South Dakota Freedom Caucus on Monday warned that the executive branch is increasingly functioning as a de facto legislator, citing new data showing that a substantial share of bills introduced in the 2026 session originated not with individual lawmakers, but through executive agencies, boards, and institutional offices.

and..

The issue is compounded by how drafting capacity is allocated at the Legislative Research Council (LRC), which by statute exists to assist legislators but is currently processing executive and agency requests alongside — and in some cases ahead of — legislator-requested bills.

and..

The prioritization of executive and institutional requests is already having concrete consequences for legislators and their constituents, according to (Phil) Jensen. Rep. Josephine Garcia has multiple legislator-requested bills still waiting in the drafting queue this session, including a constituent-driven informed consent proposal affecting blood donation and transfusion practices.

and..

The Freedom Caucus is calling on legislative leadership to adopt clear, written policies that prioritize legislator-requested bills, establish transparent standards for allocating drafting capacity, and ensure strict compliance with the written-request requirements of SDCL 2-7-6.1, Jensen said.

Phil telling us that goofy Garcia is one of the “secret Freedom Caucus” members? Good to know, Because she’s not on the public list.

So, the complaint is that the executive branch – who operates government every single day – is noting items of concern and their legislative load as carried by legislators and committees for LRC is preventing bills from being pushed through – and so LRC is stretched too thin?

What about the bills being requested by freedumb caucus members. Could they be packing the workload?  I mean.. Didn’t we need California Carley’s bill to force all auditors to go to a finger and toe ballot counting of elections (SB66 prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment and electronic ballot marking systems.), despite it violating multiple federal laws?  Or his unconstitutional bill to create a currency based on gold & silver? (SB112). Or he and Rep. Dylan “DJ Jazzy” Jordan’s matching resolutions against economic development (SCR 601 and HCR6007).?  Both of which died.

We also have legislation from Free-dumb caucuser Logan Manhart. Re-running a bill that was eviscerated last session for the state to invest in Bitcoin. And Aaron Aylward “urging this state’s congressional delegation to end foreign aid programs.”

Between the admitted members of the freedumb caucus and the secret ones like Garcia, whose latest – HB1169 – is an attempt to put veterinary medicine on the agenda for prescription – there are PLENTY of examples of bills that the members of the press-release caucus didn’t really need to bring.

I’m not going to belabor the point, but if they want to send out “pay attention to me” e-mails to the media complaining about the legislation requests bogging down the legislative research council, they should really take a good hard look in the mirror first.