Service Academies Offer Students a Unique Opportunity to Serve
By Sen. John Thune

President Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” For nearly 250 years, America has been blessed because from each new generation of Americans have come leaders and warfighters who have not only protected freedom and liberty on their watch, but have helped ensure those pillars of American democracy are preserved and strengthened for those to whom they’ve passed the torch of freedom.

South Dakota has been home to many of these leaders over the years – it still is today – and I’m humbled to play a small role each year in helping South Dakota’s future leaders take the next step in life by nominating them to one of the service academies throughout the country, including the Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. Any South Dakotan who meets the requirements (age, marital status, etc.) can apply for a nomination through my office.

There are many well-known leaders and pioneers in their field who graduated from one of America’s service academies. Astronauts like Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, who both flew to the moon, graduated from the Military Academy, as did U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who I’m fortunate to serve with in the U.S. Senate, graduated from the Naval Academy. Generations of other Americans who went on to serve in countless other fields, including business, academia, and athletics, have all gone through the ranks of one academy or another.

If you’re interested in beginning your career at a service academy, now is the time to act. You can find more information on my website, www.thune.senate.gov, under the “services” tab. Once there, you’ll be able to determine if you’re eligible to apply. You can also write, email, or call any of my offices for more information or to discuss this opportunity with a member of my staff.

The class of 2018 has already been selected, but the deadline to apply for the class of 2019 is on October 31, 2017, which is right around on the corner. I’ll review all of the applicants and will announce my selections early next year.

The men and women who choose to pursue this path deserve our respect and gratitude, and those who are selected will have their names etched among some of the most prominent leaders our nation has known. I want to thank all of the young South Dakotans in advance who will consider this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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20 Trillion Reasons to Reform Taxes and Mandatory Payment Programs
By U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

The federal government’s national debt recently surpassed $20 trillion. While there is plenty of blame to go around, the majority of this debt can be attributed to the past decade, as our debt was $10.6 trillion at the start of 2009. In other words, in the past eight years, the federal government has accrued as much debt as it accrued throughout the first 230 years of our country’s existence. It’s no wonder military leaders acknowledge it as being a top threat to our national security.  Even more frightening, there is no sign of it slowing down.

High debt threatens economic growth by driving up interest rates and discouraging businesses and individuals from investing back into the economy. And it breeds even more debt as the interest on our debt must be paid to those who hold it – leaving fewer resources for other priorities such as roads, research and education.

Our broken tax system also plays a role by limiting our ability to collect revenues. Our current tax rates create a disincentive for companies to do business here in the United States, which then leads to fewer high-paying jobs for American workers, and encourage businesses to keep their profits overseas. Lowering tax rates would incentivize companies to repatriate that money and invest it back into our economy. Earlier this year, I introduced a proposal in the Senate to lower the tax rate in each bracket. It is but one step we can take to overhaul the tax code that will provide direct, immediate relief to hardworking families, jolt our economy and increase federal revenues.

While I do believe tax cuts are an important step to controlling our debt, the biggest driver of our debt is the rapid, unchecked growth of mandatory payments on safety net programs including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. If we continue down our current path, in less than ten years 99 percent of all federal revenue will have to be spent on mandatory payments and interest on our sky-high debt. No amount of cuts to defense and other programs such as crop insurance, education, highways and bridges will have a meaningful effect on debt reduction without also controlling the cost of these mandatory payment programs.

Mandatory payments already account for nearly three-fourths of our total federal spending today. This is because Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security have never been properly managed and Congress does not currently appropriately oversee them. They run on auto-pilot. Given that they are our largest federal expenditures every year, it is time for Congress to take an active role in managing their funding levels on a regular basis. This does not necessarily mean making cuts – it simply means giving Congress the authority to review them to make them as efficient as possible and to make sure they are available for individuals who need them, both now and in the future.

Surpassing $20 trillion in debt should be a wake-up call to Washington, which for decades has failed to own up to their responsibility to balance its checkbook. I continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to shake up the budget process in Congress, and open up the entire budget to congressional review – including mandatory payments. It is the only way to slow down the fiscal train wreck. Simply delaying action and looking the other way is not an option.

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Real, Genuine Accountability
By Rep. Kristi Noem

Trust in government is at an all-time low – and who could blame folks? Fraud, mismanagement, and abuse are rampant within government agencies. Taxpayer dollars are too often misspent by bureaucrats. And many people aren’t given basic courtesies when they interact with some federal employees. We need accountability in government – and I mean real, genuine accountability.

A few weeks ago, after speaking to the Watertown Rotary, a local radio commentator summarized my remarks like this: “If you don’t like the IRS, it probably doesn’t compare to Rep. Kristi Noem’s disgust with the agency.” It’s true – and the agency’s lack of accountability has a lot to do with that disgust. This should be a “service first” agency, but customer service at the IRS is appalling. During 2015, only 38 percent of callers could reach an IRS representative. Meanwhile, they targeted conservative groups and wasted millions of dollars on conferences and “Star Trek” parody videos.

Through the House, we’ve passed legislation to prevent the IRS from targeting taxpayers for political gain. We’ve passed a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. And we’ve passed legislation I wrote to stop the IRS from rehiring employees who have already been fired for misconduct. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats and President Obama blocked much of this agenda from moving forward.

Thankfully, we turned a new leaf with President Trump’s election. Alongside the previously mentioned reforms, one of the best ways to hold the IRS accountable is by drastically reducing its role. By simplifying the tax code, we’re hopeful most Americans’ tax returns could fit on a postcard once tax reform goes through. That leaves little room for the IRS to take advantage of hardworking South Dakotans.

But I have a problem with federal agencies beyond the IRS too. Today, a wanted felon can evade prosecution for months – even years – and yet somehow still receive a check from the Social Security Administration every 30 days or so. Let’s be clear: taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to make payments to people who are running from the law. Period.

I’ve introduced legislation to stop these payments, which is making quick progress in the House. This is not simply a fairness issue either. Staci Ackerman, the Executive Director for the South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association points out: “This bill will also limit [wanted felons and parole violators’] ability to avoid justice using taxpayer dollars to evade capture.” On top of it all, the legislation is estimated to save more than $2 billion.

I’ve also introduced legislation to bring greater integrity to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which is the country’s primary assistance program for low-income individuals and families. Today’s program often perpetuates poverty, rather than opportunity. With my legislation, we realign TANF with its core mission: offering upward mobility and the opportunity for greater financial independence to hardworking Americans.

Additionally, I’m fighting to make sure the Indian Health Service (IHS) is held responsible for the care it delivers. Whether it’s a drug testing program for employees or strengthening fiscal accountability measures, greater accountability will better keep the IHS focused on serving tribal communities.

I’ve also voted to expand whistleblower protections within the VA and streamline the process required to fire any VA employee, reforms President Trump signed into law. All of this only scratches the surface of what’s being done, which highlights just how broken the federal government is.

As we continue to work toward fixing agencies across the board, I encourage you to reach out to my office if you need assistance with the IRS, VA, Social Security, or any other federal bureaucracy. We can help you navigate the process and, when necessary, hold them directly accountable on your behalf.

2017 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

On Friday morning, Sept. 29, a few dozen cowboys will put on their boots and saddle their horses. Custer State Park employees will arise before dawn. And thousands from across the state, country and world will gather, all to continue a 52-year tradition.

The Buffalo Roundup is an experience unlike any other. You can feel the ground shake as over 1,000 half-ton creatures stampede across the prairie. Watching the brave riders drive the beasts to their destination is quite incredible. Witnessing the buffalo’s power and speed from such a short distance creates a feeling of being back in the Old West.

At one time, there were about 60 million buffalo roaming North America, but that number fell to fewer than 2,000 in the early twentieth century. Although population levels are nowhere near the historical peak, South Dakota buffalo have made a comeback from near extinction, thanks in part to Custer State Park.

Riders will round up a herd of 1,300 buffalo on Sept. 29, after which about four days are needed to work the herd. Volunteers will vaccinate and brand the calves, check the cows for pregnancy and identify 250 buffalo for November’s sale.

After the Friday morning Roundup, visitors can stay for lunch and watch the volunteers work the herd. There will be plenty of things to do for those who decide to stay for the weekend. The Arts Festival will continue through Saturday, the exhibits at the newly renovated Peter Norbeck Education Center will be open, and Crazy Horse Memorial visitors will be permitted to hike to the arm of the mountain carving during an organized Volksmarch on Sunday.

The Roundup is something every South Dakotan should see at least once. People from all over the world come for this one-of-a-kind experience because there’s nothing like it anywhere else. Consider making this worthwhile journey. I hope to see you there!

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Word out on the street is that Secretary of State/Congressional hopeful Shantel Krebs is being hosted about a month from now for a mid-week fundraiser on October 18th in Vermillion by former State Senator Eldon Nygaard. (How do I know? I heard it through the grapevine – winery joke PP)

I note that I’m still blocked on the Krebs for Congress Facebook page, but looking with an account I use to bypass Shantel Krebs and Lora Hubbel who try to hide what they’re posting, while the other Republicans for Governor or Congress were at yesterday’s beef bowl at SDSU, Krebs was greeting people at the Ft. Pierre Wagon Train:

Dusty Johnson is at SDSU’s Beef Bowl with the goal of handing out 3000 mints to attendees. When I saw him on the way into the game, I had to retrieve his box for him because it had blown away. It was darn near empty at that point.

I did have a chance to chat with Marty Jackley. Although I missed Kristi Noem as she went by, because I was being chatty.

SDSU Football – Not a bad way for a candidate to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Lawrence County State’s Attorney John Fitzgerald spoke at length today to the Brookings County GOP to make the case for becoming our State’s chief law enforcement officer with term limits and a race for Governor preventing Marty Jackley from seeking another term of office.

Fitzgerald explained his background as the oldest son of Judge John Fitzgerald who passed away in 2001, and how his family was affected by an attempt on his father’s life by the mafia, his family’s eventual move to South Dakota, and how he has turned that chapter in his life, a negative, into a positive, and dedicated himself to the law.

In comparing himself to his rivals for the office, Fitzgerald noted that his level of experience sets him apart from the other candidates for Attorney General, and that he has as a determination for serving justice, and helping people.

Fitzgerald also spoke at length of the challenges for South Dakota law enforcement, especially in the face of Colorado’s drug legalization, making the point that a lot of drug problems have arisen because those states have chosen to override the federal government. He noted in particular that the marijuana ballot issues currently being circulated in South Dakota are all unconstitutional, because there is no legal right to legalize marijuana under federal law, just a directive from president Obama that the federal government may look the other way if states regulate it.

He also spoke about the problems that the criminal justice initiative known as (2013’s) Senate Bill 70 have caused for law enforcement.  Fitzgerald indicates that modifications are needed , and that it has removed the discretion of judges by demanding mandatory probation for some crimes.

All in all, it was an informative presentation for the party faithful of his background, his work as state’s attorney, and how this ardent defender of law enforcement is dedicated to protect people on a statewide basis.

Lawrence Co. States Attorney John Fitzgerald is speaking to the Brookings County GOP this AM. I’ll have more on this coming later today.

Fiegen Runs for PUC Re-Election as Consumer Advocate

South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen announced her candidacy for re-election for the PUC in 2018 on Friday evening.   Fiegen announced to a large crowd at the Lincoln County Lincoln Day officially launching her campaign.

“South Dakotans want a PUC commissioner who will listen to them and won’t waver in a commitment to taxpayers,” Fiegen said in her announcement.  “As your PUC commissioner, I will continue to lead in our efforts to keep our utilities accountable to the people and advocate on your behalf for reliable service at just and reasonable rates. I will continue to work on expanding South Dakota’s utility infrastructure to allow for a vibrant economy.”

Since joining the commission, Fiegen has focused her responsibility in three main areas. First is to be a consumer advocate for South Dakota utility consumers to keep rates reasonable while providing reliable service.

Second, to advocate for expanding our utility infrastructure to ensure a vibrate economy in our rural state. Expanding utilities such as broadband, cellular wireless, and transmission are important to South Dakota.  Providing opportunities for agriculture, education, health care, and economic development are important for today’s citizens and future generations.

Third, Kristie does her day-to-day work with the utmost respect for the law and facts in every decision she makes. Her reputation of high integrity and honesty are important as she protects the process and citizens of our great state.

Fiegen must be nominated at the State Republican Party Convention in June 2018, and will then appear on the November 2018 ballot.

Fiegen, the Chairwoman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, was elected to the commission in November 2012, to serve a six-year term.  Prior to serving on the commission, Kristie was the statewide Executive Director for Junior Achievement of South Dakota for 17 years.  She was elected to four terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives, serving the taxpayers of District 11 from 1993 to 2001.  Kristie and her husband Tim of 31 years, have two sons, Alexander (18) a student at SDSU and Jackson (16) a student at Parker High School.

State Representative Dan Kaiser just made a surprise announcement that he will not be a candidate for State Representative in 2018, but will instead be running for Brown County Sheriff:

Current District three representative and Aberdeen Police officer Dan Kaiser has officially announced his candidacy for Brown County Sheriff in 2018.  He will run as a Republican.

Kaiser made the announcement on Dakota Broadcasting’s “In Touch” program and explained why he is running for sheriff…

and…

Kaiser says win or lose the job as sheriff he will not seek re-election to the state house of representatives.  Kaiser has served three terms representing district three but says he wants to stay at home to spend more time with his family.

Read (and listen) to it all here.