Amendment C: Protect Your Pocketbook
by Noah Greble*

Ben Franklin said it best, “in this world nothing can be said to certain, except death and taxes”. He was right: taxes here still remain as a fact of life. For these policies, we look to our state lawmakers, who have procedures in place to promote fiscal conservatism. Gloomily, one dangerous loophole proposes potential harm to South Dakota taxpayers. 

South Dakota is not Washington- we balance our budget and remain without income or inheritance tax, which serves as an excellent benefit for families. Regardless, there has been tax increases approved by our elected leaders over the years. In 2009, there was an increase of 0.5% in the tourism tax. In 2015, the gas tax was raised by 6 cents. South Dakota also collects tax on online retailers that do business in our state. Now, note this: in the legislature, all appropriations, budgeting, and taxing questions require at least a ⅔ majority vote, making it much harder to increase the burdens on citizens. Many groups who would want to spend massive amounts or raise taxes know of this rule, so they use the one loophole they have: ballot measures. 

To avoid a supermajority requirement, groups who want to achieve such objectives put these measures on the ballot, where they can be passed with as simple a majority as 50.1% percent of voters. Here’s a couple examples of failed measures from the recent past. 

• IM15 (2012): if passed, it would have raised sales tax by 1%, costing taxpayers an estimated $143,927,000 for just the following fiscal year alone. 
• IM25 (2018): this proposed a 20% increase on the wholesale tobacco tax and an increase in pack price, costing adults another $10,335,528 to exercise a liberty given to them. 

Despite having failed, those two alone would have cost hardworking South Dakotans over an estimated $150,000,000 in their first year implemented alone.  Remember, as simple as a 50.1% of voters could have made life that much harder for the average family, small business owner, single mom, or young adult working to help the household. Is this the South Dakota we want to live in, where there is a loophole to pain for taxpayers? Low taxes is one of the primary reasons that people are leaving fiscally crushing states behind and are coming to call South Dakota soon. The risk to these values in the status quo is high, but the solution is finally available.

Proposed on the ballot this June, is constitutional Amendment C. If passed, it will serve as a protection from ballot measures that could pose immense damage to the taxpayers of South Dakota. It states that all measures to raise taxes, fees, or appropriates over $10 Million or more over five fiscal years would require a 60% margin of voter approval. Again, the legislature requires 66%, Amendment C simply wants 60%. Protect your income, vote YES in June. 

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*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any group or organization

Take unified action against Big Tech
by William Beal, Moody County GOP

As a small business advocate, lifelong conservative, veteran, and informed citizen, I am alarmed by the concentrated power of Big Tech corporations. Using their corporate power to spy and collect our personal information they manipulate and censor us as we search, market our businesses, shop for goods, or voice our opinions on the internet.

Financially, Big Tech corporations have enjoyed a rapid rise to the top of their respective markets but have unapologetically destroyed small businesses and limited choices for American consumers in their ascent. These companies have monopolized consumer choice using aggressive tactics, such as controlling internet search results to suppress and throttle their competition in our digital marketplaces. Their meteoric rise throughout the “Digital Age” allows them to amass astronomical profits while American consumers and small businesses continue to struggle in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have grave concerns as to how their monopolistic practices are negatively affecting my colleagues and communities. The power these platforms wield affects me personally, even limiting my ability to voice my opinions on social and political issues.

Historically, the government has played a critical role in “leveling the playing field” before an industry concentration amasses even a fraction of the power that Big Tech now enjoys. In their rapid ascension, Big Tech has outgrown current mechanisms and regulations. Now, all too often, these corporations are using their economic power and control over our personal data to restrict competition in the marketplace and politically influence, or suppress our speech.

Our leaders in Congress finally realize the significant harm posed by Big Tech’s censorious actions, and that the damage is in danger of becoming irreversible. The American Innovation and Choice Online Act is now making its way through the halls of Capitol Hill, and we here in South Dakota are relying on our Senators Thune and Rounds, and Representative Johnson to be the voices and champions for the families, businesses, and economy of our great state.

A critical piece of legislation, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act will reinvigorate the FTC and give regulators the necessary tools to monitor and intervene in Big Tech’s exploitive practices. With rules, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms fit for the 21^st century, the FTC can effectively combat practices like unfair referencing of a platforms products, services, or lines of business. A practice that these companies actively use to maintain their power and influence.

The “Digital Age” has ushered in an era of opportunity for businesses small and large. In my three decades working with data and technology, I have seen the positive effects that digital marketplaces, data analytics, and innovative platforms have on small businesses and the benefits that their convenience affords consumers. But it has been far too easy for Big Tech corporations to use these advantages to the disadvantage of others.

It is time for Senators Thune, Rounds, Representative Johnson, the GOP and government leaders across the country to take unified action against Big Tech corporations and their monopolistic practices. As a lifelong advocate for conservative values, I whole-heartedly voice my support for The American Innovation and Choice Online Act and urge our lawmakers to take immediate action to end the pain these corporations are bringing to Main Street businesses, South Dakota families, and consumers across the country.

Had this note from someone ‘in the know’ involved in Pennington County Republican Politics:

I wanted to pass along is that when the subject of the SDWC post regarding the downplaying of Governor Noem as the “Guest Speaker” at the Lincoln Day Dinner came up, the chair (and his minions) reacted by saying that “no one reads SDWC anyway.”

BTW the new flyer (just produced today) has a photo of Kristi on it.

Also, just this morning an email was sent out to promote the LDD with the subject line “The Red Wave with Christi Noem.” 

Sounds like the post was extensively “not read.”

If only in their non-reading we could prod them into talking about their candidates on social media, instead of Lauren Boebert.

Hopefully by the time of the dinner, they’ll figure out how to spell the Governor’s name.

Roger DeGroot, former Brookings School Superintendent, Brookings School Board Member to run for District 7 State House

With more than 40 years of service in education, including serving as Superintendent for the Lennox and Brookings School Districts, Dr. Roger DeGroot of Brookings announced today that he will be a candidate for State Representative in the District 7 House race, representing the communities of Brookings and Aurora.

“When I was first asked about what I wanted to work on in Pierre if elected, my first responses were education and education, because it has been such a big part of my life and a focus in our community with South Dakota State University and the Brookings School District,” DeGroot said. “But as much as education is a concern, so is making sure that our kids have jobs to keep them in South Dakota, and they have a place to live by working on Workforce and Economic development.”

Dr. DeGroot retired in 2015 after serving 40 years in education, with the last 8 as the superintendent of the Brookings School District. Roger began his career as a teacher in 1975. He served as the superintendent of schools in Lennox and Brookings. During his career, he served as an educational leader and mentor. He not only built schools in the Lennox and Brookings School Districts, but he also provided avenues for young people in the profession to earn advanced degrees.

After retirement, Roger returned to education and served on the Brookings School Board, as well as mentoring student teachers through Dakota State and South Dakota State University.  In 2021, Roger was honored by his peers in the education community as recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the South Dakota School Superintendent Association.

Roger and his wife Diane have been Brookings residents for over a decade, and are the proud parents of 3 adult children.

The primary election will be on June 7^th.

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Hazel may not be a puppy anymore, but she’s still the goodest girl on this #NationalPuppyDay pic.twitter.com/b7KBiCwKt2

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) March 23, 2022

Gov. Noem Repeals Concealed Carry Fees, Signs Tax Reforms and “Open for Business” Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has signed tax reforms and “Open for Business” bills into law, including SB 212, which repeals all concealed carry fees for South Dakota residents.

“It will not cost you a penny to exercise your Second Amendment rights in South Dakota,” saidGovernor Noem. “We are guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of our people, including the freedom for South Dakotans to conduct business as they see fit. We are continuing to promote “Open for Business” policies, and our tax code will reflect that for as long as I am Governor.”

Governor Noem also signed the following 13 tax reforms and “Open for Business” bills:

• SB 31 makes an appropriation to the Department of Labor and Regulation for the modernization of the reemployment assistance enterprise system.
• SB 98 adds an exemption from the calculation of adjusted gross proceeds from gaming.
• SB 162 revises the discretionary formula for reduced taxation of new structures and residential property.
• SB 165 exempts gross receipts of certain coaches from certain gross receipts taxes.
• SB 188 allows for unlicensed businesses to store alcoholic beverages.
• HB 1014 makes an appropriation to fund tax refunds for elderly persons and persons with a disability.
• HB 1051 amends certain provisions relating to the small business credit initiative fund.
• HB 1102 reduces the exempt commercial policyholder aggregate premium requirement.
• HB 1173 includes a common paymaster as within the meaning of employing unit.
• HB 1271 provides for remote work for employees of money lending licensees and mortgage lender businesses.
• HB 1284 increases household income thresholds for a paraplegic tax reduction.
• HB 1322 provides for the direct sale of certain home-produced or home-processed foods and food products.
• HB 1325 revises the classification of agricultural land according to soil type.

Governor Noem has signed 212 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

 

From Twitter:

In addition to blaming the mayor, police chief, sheriff, candidate for sheriff and the court system, a local hotel bans all Native Americans for a shooting a few days ago on hotel property. Neither the shooting or Grand Gateway’s response to it reflect our community values. pic.twitter.com/vA9oXND0qi

— Steve Allender (@Mayor_Allender) March 21, 2022

This is not going to end well for the people making these statements. And rightfully so.  From findlaw:

Federal law prohibits privately owned facilities that offer food, lodging, gasoline or entertainment to the public from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin; it also prohibits government-owned and/or operated entities from discriminating on this basis. A place of public accommodation includes many places that are open to the general public and the law requires that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy the services, goods, and benefits of the public accommodations.

Federal Public Accommodations Law

Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a place of public accommodation cannot discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. If you think that you have been discriminated against in using such a facility, you may file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, or with the United States attorney in your area. You may also file suit in the U.S. district court.

Read that here.

And let the lawsuits commence in 3.. 2.. 1..

FONKERT ON THE BALLOT FOR JUNE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

HARTFORD, SD – Jesse Fonkert, Republican candidate for the South Dakota House of Representatives, is officially on the ballot for the June 7th primary. Fonkert, a Hartford resident, is running to serve District 9 which represents Sioux Falls, Hartford, Wall Lake, and several rural subdivisions and townships. Jesse is the first candidate in the 2022 election to have publicly declared for District 9 House and the first candidate to have their petitions submitted and approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office.

Fonkert first declared his candidacy early in December of 2021. Raised in Mobridge, Fonkert has spent most of his life in South Dakota. He attended college in Sioux Falls and graduated from Augustana University in 2014. Jesse and his wife Kelsey have lived in Hartford since 2016 where he served as the Chamber and Economic Development Director for four years before becoming the President & CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

“I’m excited to be on the ballot and looking forward to the primary on June 7,” said Jesse Fonkert, candidate for District 9 House of Representatives. “My experience in economic development in both Hartford and around the Sioux Falls metro has helped prepare me to serve. Leading up to the primary, I look forward to earning the votes of District 9 Republican voters. Ahead of the general, I plan to reach out to my future constituents in District 9, regardless of political affiliation, to learn how I can best represent them in Pierre.”

District 9 receives two seats in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Absentee voting begins on April 22 and voting registration for the June primary ends on May 23rd. The general election will occur on November 8.

If you’ve ever wondered how bad things have gotten for Republicans in Rapid City for anyone not to the right of Taffy Howard and Phil Jensen, the evidence seems to be coming from the Pennington County GOP.

For quite a while now, the County Party has been advertising their upcoming Lincoln Day Dinner via Facebook and e-mail:

and..

Well, what about their website? There, you can find a day.. and ticket prices.. and that’s about it:

 

Okay.. that really doesn’t tell anyone much, other than they’re having an event. So who did they manage to get as speaker?   It took me a little hunting, but despite their best efforts at burying it..

(my emphasis in the graphic, BTW).

Buried in the middle of the eventbrite page advertising their 2022 Lincoln Day Dinner do they begrudgingly mention that the guest speaker for the Pennington County Lincoln Day Dinner is Governor Kristi Noem.

Wait, what?  They actually buried the fact that they have the most popular Republican in the state (among Republicans) and a star attraction nationally as their speaker for the event, but they completely obviate this fact on their facebook page, on their website, and buried as a footnote on the event page where you can buy a ticket?

Can someone tell me whether the Pennington County GOP actually supports South Dakota Republicans?  I have to ask, because I don’t know if they’re even trying to support local Republicans much less those who have been elected on a statewide basis.

You have to wonder, as this is the same County Party that has turned over their social media to a kid from South Carolina to reach out to younger voters by posting memes.

And posting memes they do, because they certainly seem to have abandoned saying anything about their elected officials.

There was one mention of Governor Noem signing the transgender sports bill on Feb 4, and a couple of mentions in January.. but nothing since to give anyone the impression that they want to promote Republicans who have been actually elected to office in the state.

Literally, since the first of the year, they have spoken more about alleged injustices perpetuated by twitter against Marjorie Taylor Greene of the Jewish Space Lasers than they have mentioned Helene Duhamel, Jessica Castleberry, or Becky Drury. Or any other legislator.

I’ve heard talk that internally, the awful web presence maintained by the kid from North Carolina is just the tip of the iceberg.  In addition to not acknowledging their elected officials, the sandbagging of Kristi Noem is somewhat indicative of the bent by the hard right who seems to be trying to do their best to ignore elected officials.

What an embarrassing mess.  At some point, maybe they’ll realize what the function of a political party is – to actually get Republicans elected – and they’ll get back to business.

Release: Governor Noem signs House Bill 1325 into law on March 18, 2022.

As many of you know Senator Castleberry and I have worked tirelessly this past year on HB 1039, a grassland tax relief bill for the ranchers throughout South Dakota. The bill passed through the House AG Committee and was approved on the House floor. It continued its journey to Senate Taxation where it was defeated. HB 1039 brought attention to the horrific taxes the ranchers were facing because of incorrect soil classifications that were in place. We definitely got the conversation started and Representative Chaffee brought it home for the ranchers with House Bill 1325. I am pleased to report that HB 1325 passed through the House and the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Noem on Friday, March 18, 2022.

I’d like to congratulate Representative Chaffee for his hard work with various department heads on this bill that will help make revisions to class IV soils possible. Those revisions will result in an enormous correction to the way our soils are categorized as either cropland or non-cropland and the taxes levied on our ranchers. I would also like to thank Governor Noem for signing HB 1325.

Thank you for your support!
Representative Trish Ladner
District 30