Nelson elected to lead South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

PIERRE, S.D. – Commissioner Chris Nelson was elected chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission today, Jan. 4, 2021, at the commission’s regular meeting in Pierre, South Dakota. Commissioner Kristie Fiegen was elected vice chairperson. The third member of the panel is Commissioner Gary Hanson.

Nelson was appointed to the PUC in January 2011 by Gov. Dennis Daugaard to fill a vacancy. He was elected in November 2012 to complete the remaining four years of that term and re-elected in November 2016 for a full, six-year term. Nelson served as the PUC’s chairman in 2012, 2015 and 2016 and as vice chairman in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019 and 2020.

“Thank you for the trust you’ve given me to move into this position and lead over the next two years,” said Nelson. “It’s wonderful to work with two exceptionally dedicated commissioners. In addition to that, probably the highlight of leading this group is working with a staff that’s so absolutely dedicated to the wellbeing of the citizens of South Dakota and puts in the hard work to make that a reality. For a chairperson leading a commission, there’s nothing better,” he continued.

Nelson has a long history of public service. Prior to joining the PUC, he served two terms as South Dakota’s secretary of state. His career also included 13 years as the state election supervisor in the secretary of state’s office and two years as the uniform commercial code supervisor.

Nelson is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners where he is a leader on several committees including serving as a member of the association’s board of directors, chairman of the Broadband Expansion Task Force, co-chair of the Washington Action Committee,  Investment Committee member and a past chairman of the Committee on Telecommunications. He has also been appointed by the Federal Communications Commission to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, representing the interests of NARUC.

Fiegen joined the PUC in August 2011 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the commission by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. She was elected to a six-year term in November 2012 and re-elected to a second term in November 2018. Her public service career also includes four terms as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives and 17 years as president of Junior Achievement of South Dakota prior to joining the PUC.

Hanson reflected on Fiegen’s experience and contributions to the commission. “Having Commissioner Fiegen as a member of the commission has been nothing short of delightful. She has great wit. She shows great empathy toward consumers and has a strong understanding of how our decisions as a commission impact them. She has a very good head for the economics and challenges of everything from regional transmissions to rate making. It’s been a real pleasure having her on the commission,” Hanson stated.

Fiegen is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Committee on Gas and Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety. She is also president of Southwest Power Pool’s Regional State Committee and a member of the Gas Technology Institute’s Public Interest Advisory Committee.

“I’m so blessed to work with two amazing commissioners. Commissioners that are respected regionally and across the nation. They’re ethical, they’re responsible and they do what’s right for South Dakota every single day,” Fiegen remarked.

View full biographies of Commissioners Nelson, Fiegen and Hanson on the PUC website,www.puc.sd.gov.

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Governor Kristi Noem and BFM Release Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM) released the State’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2020. The CAFR is the audited financial statements for the state government.

“2020 presented unique challenges for everyone, including our state government. In South Dakota, we saw this challenge as an opportunity to maintain our fiscal integrity,” said Governor Noem.“Our culture of financial stability has proven once again that South Dakota is prepared for the best and worst of times.”

Once again, BFM, the Department of Legislative Audit, and other state agencies succeeded in issuing the CAFR by the end of the year. Highlights from the fiscal year 2020 CAFR include:

• The State’s total net position (net worth) is $7.4 billion – an increase of $371.9 million.
• The combined ending balance of the Budget Reserve and the General Revenue Replacement Fund was $215.9 million, an increase of $26.8 million.
• The State has maintained its AAA public issuer rating from Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, and Moody’s for the past four fiscal years. This represents the highest rating possible from all three bond rating agencies.

The CAFR can be viewed online at bfm.sd.gov/cafr, or for printed copies, contact the Bureau of Finance and Management at 605-773-3411.

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Johnson’s First Bill in 117^th Congress to Set Supreme Court at Nine 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced a constitutional amendment which limits the size of the U.S. Supreme Court to nine Justices. In recent months, there have been calls to “pack the court” following the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

“Since 1869, our Supreme Court has had nine Justices,” said Johnson. “We are living in a hyper-partisan world and Democrat leaders have already called for additional seats on the court. The control of the Senate hangs in the balance and if Democrats are successful in Georgia, we could very well see efforts to pack the Supreme Court. We must preserve the impartiality of the Supreme Court and setting the court at nine will do just that. My constitutional amendment is more necessary than ever.”

Johnson discusses his constitutional amendment in front of the Supreme Court.

Johnson’s House Joint Resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Randy K. Weber (TX-14), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mike Kelly (PA-16), August Pfluger (TX-11), Fred Keller (PA-12), David Joyce (OH-14), Brian Babin (TX-36), and John Ketko (NY-24). It is also endorsed by Freedom Works. Text can be found here.

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Protecting and Preserving South Dakota’s Agriculture and Natural Resources
By Governor Kristi Noem 

South Dakota’s values and beliefs are rooted in our agricultural heritage and our boundless natural resources. Together they drive our economy, feed our families, and provide world class outdoor recreational opportunities. We all have a vested interest in protecting and preserving South Dakota’s agriculture and natural resources for our kids and grandkids.

In August, I announced my plan to merge the Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) into one department – the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). The goal is to better serve the citizens of South Dakota while taking advantage of synergies in state government.

I believe a diverse agricultural industry and a healthy environment are crucial to the health and well-being of our families. In fact, I know this firsthand, as a third generation farmer and rancher, and with an extended family where more of us farm than don’t. Along with Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, a rancher himself, South Dakota is the only state in the country led by a farmer-rancher duo who personally understand every facet of this industry. My passion for strengthening agriculture in this state, paired with smart conservation of our natural resources, is part of my DNA.

The new department will continue to implement South Dakota’s long-standing agriculture and environmental regulatory programs while taking advantage of opportunities for our producers, conservationists, and environmentalists to work together towards our common goal: protecting and preserving agriculture and natural resources. By having our agriculture and environmental experts in one department, we will achieve the best outcomes for South Dakota.

Agriculture, conservation, and natural resource protection go hand-in-hand, and this new structure streamlines these functions in one department. For example, DANR will have a Livestock Services Program managing CAFO permitting, inspections, manure management planning, and dairy and egg licensing. These functions used to be split between two departments. Now, we will have a one-stop shop for producers, providing consistent regulatory oversight and assistance with permitting, engineering, compliance, and waste management. It also allows us to cross-train inspectors and field staff, which would result in eliminating redundant inspections from multiple departments. By providing more effective and efficient services, we can help our producers focus less on government requirements and more on getting their work done.

We all know conservation is critical to successful agriculture and natural resource protection. It makes logical sense for SDDA Conservation staff to work with DENR’s Watershed Protection Program. Both programs provide on-the-ground resources for ag producers to protect our state’s environment. Also, by merging portions of the two agencies, we can create efficiencies and streamline the regulatory process. Combining inspectors and spill response resources from both departments makes DANR more responsive to environmental emergencies and complaints while also reducing redundancies.

Lastly, the merger will save taxpayers money. By reducing duplication of services, we can eliminate five full-time positions including a high-paying cabinet secretary position.

As you know, I’ve asked DENR Secretary Hunter Roberts to lead the new department. Hunter is a fifth generation South Dakota farmer and rancher. He loves South Dakota, understands the value of our natural resources, and knows our producers are the best conservationists.

This merger is good for South Dakota, our families, and our future. It puts us in the best position to protect and preserve South Dakota’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources, today and tomorrow.

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From Governor Kristi Noem via twitter:

It’s remarkable how quickly Democrats have embraced socialism. When I served in Congress, I knew that some members were socialists, but they’d never say it publicly. They do now.

We need to educate our kids on how socialism destroys lives, how it is contrary to American values.

— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) January 4, 2021

For Republicans who have attended GOP dinners for years, autographed Kristi Noem memorabilia has been selling for some time to help raise money for the local organizations while she served in Congress and during the first two years of her administration as Governor.

If you were one of those who have purchased those items in the past – you might want to review what you have on your shelf or in your memorabilia collection in the closet, as the possibility that the South Dakota Governor might enter the 2024 Presidential election has her autographs and other items selling for hundreds of dollars on websites such as eBay.

Searching on the popular Internet auction website for “Kristi Noem” brings up several dozen items currently for sale at prices ranging from $12.50 for a glossy poster that might have been produced from a file photo of the Governor to an autographed and authenticated photo of Governor Noem being offered for nearly $300, as well as a signed and certified baseball being sold for just under $250 (plus shipping).

Think it’s just “overeager” sellers thinking they have potential gold and putting a high price on items? Guess again, as in the last 60 days, a number of the Noem items are selling at generous prices, with disclosed sales of autographs of $75 and $85 each, and undisclosed sale prices that may be higher than listed.

Kristi isn’t the only South Dakota politician whose fame is being traded on the internet, with items from John Thune, Dennis Daugaard and others having their memorabilia regularly bought and sold. In fact, McGovern presidential items are quite commonly traded for.

But given Governor Noem’s increased national profile due to the Governor’s insistence on South Dakota being open for business during the COVID pandemic, as well as acting as a very popular campaign surrogate for Donald Trump and others, her memorabilia seems to be enjoying increased sale prices as supporters and speculators do their best to drive up demand for items associated with one of the state’s most popular political figures.

So dig out those Kristi Noem buttons and autographed cowboy hats – you might be sitting on a hot political collectible in the lead up to the 2024 presidential contest!

 

Johnson Sworn In to Second Term in Congress 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement following his swearing-in as South Dakota’s Representative for the 117^th Congress. This is Johnson’s second-term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Today, on January 3^rd in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, I’ll be sworn into my second-term in the U.S House. The last few months have been a tumultuous time for our country, and we face real challenges in the months and years ahead. We have a China and a Russia that are not our friends, and they work every day to destabilize and weaken our country. We have an economy that is softer than we want and a pandemic that continues to rage. It will be the honor of my life to spend the next two years working for you. I will do the hard work. I will honor my oath to the Constitution, and I will work with all good people to do good and strengthen our country. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Rep. Johnson addresses South Dakotans following the 117^th congressional swearing-in.

 

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Optimism for the New Year
By Sen. John Thune

It was a year unlike any other, and as it comes to a close, I’ve been taking time to reflect on both the incredible challenges we’ve faced and the opportunities for the New Year. There’s no way around the tough economic hardships, the lives we’ve lost, and the difficult moments in 2020 because of the coronavirus. But there are also plenty of good stories worth remembering that could bring light and joy to the darkest of any times.

In the face of incredible challenges and uncertainty, South Dakotans stepped up every day to help our communities. Nurses, doctors, and health care professionals across the state fought the coronavirus on the front lines, whether it was in a rural hospital in South Dakota or in New York City. Essential workers from law enforcement to farmers and grocery store employees showed everyday patriotism by doing their jobs. South Dakotans delivered food to nursing homes and volunteered to help others. And as the son of two educators, I have a particular gratitude for the teachers who have taken great lengths to help their students succeed this year, despite the pandemic.

The year comes to a close with other reasons to celebrate: coronavirus vaccines are being delivered throughout the state, and more are on the way. The virus remains serious and we aren’t in the clear yet, but the safe and effective vaccines bring hope to 2021. We should all begin the year with the same spirit we began the pandemic with, and continue to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of the virus.

As we look ahead to a new year and the 117th Congress, Congress will also need to work together. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I ultimately have the same goal— to improve life for all Americans. We may have different views or approaches on how to do this, but if we keep our constituents’ needs in mind, I am confident in what we can accomplish.

The year 2020 was a testament to the resilience of the American people. During these unprecedented and uncertain times, some of the best of humanity showed itself in South Dakota and across our country. I am counting these blessings as I reflect on the past year, with optimism for what 2021 has in store.

In this new year, my commitment to South Dakotans will remain the same: making sure they have a strong voice in Washington. I’ll continue to work hard and fight for what really matters to the people of our state – you have my word.

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Grabbing the Bull by the Horns
By U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

I heard a story recently about a government bureaucrat from DC visiting real America for the first time. He worked on agriculture policy but grew up in the city so his only experience with food involved his plate. He bought a pair of shiny new boots and headed off to cow-calf country.

When his plane touched down, he was greeted by a man with a cowboy hat and a firm handshake. They jumped in the rancher’s F-350, a vehicle so big the city slicker couldn’t figure out how you’d parallel park it, and headed out to his ranch. When they arrived at the rancher’s pasture, the bureaucrat thought he’d ask a tough question to impress the tough cowboy: “Why doesn’t that cow have any horns?”

“Well,” the rancher said, “there are many reasons why a cow doesn’t have horns. Ya see, some don’t have horns because we dehorned them as calves and some, like Angus, are a polled breed that naturally never grow horns. But the reason that cow doesn’t have any horns is because it’s a horse.”

This joke illustrates a broader point: ranchers in cow-calf country work hard every day to produce the best beef in the world, but continue to lose hundreds of dollars per head because the deck is stacked against them. DC lobbyists and bureaucrats, who have never been to a sale barn or stepped foot on a ranch but still think they know better, continue to rig the system and line the pockets of the big packers. They’re ripping off our ranchers, small processors and, ultimately, our consumers. That needs to stop now.

As we enter a new year and a new Congress, it would be easy to get discouraged, see the situation not changing and give up. But these issues are too important to quit on. There is fire in my belly and I’m going to fight like hell until we get this done.

When I meet with ranchers in South Dakota in places like Wall or St. Onge or Ft. Pierre, it’s clear they know what’s best for their operation. They demand greater market transparency, new markets for state-inspected facilities, Product of the U.S.A. labeling and Mandatory Country of Original Labeling (MCOOL). Those are the people I am fighting for in Washington.

Over the last year, I’ve introduced bipartisan, commonsense legislation that touches on each of these issues. We formed coalitions with folks on both sides of the aisle who care about the needs of our ranchers and processors. And while you’d think that’d be enough, it’s not. When we attempted to force votes on these issues, our attempts were denied. The stranglehold on certain members of Congress is still too strong. DC dysfunction at its finest.

But the good news is that momentum is on our side. Every day we are continuing to win senators and members of Congress over to our way of thinking. They are beginning to understand that what’s best for the consumer, in this case, is also what’s best for the producer. It’s going to take all of us working together to get this done. I don’t care who I have to talk to – Republican or Democrat.

This is a priority for me now more than ever. We cannot stand idly by and watch our ranching community continue to suffer. As we enter a new year, it’s time to discard DC dysfunction, grab the bull by the horns and deliver results.

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