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.

I just heard word from a member of Senate leadership that Senator Brock Greenfield is out of surgery, awake, alert, and already trying to talk politics.

Talk politics? (Did I mention he was well?)

Despite trying to talk politics on his sickbed, I’m told Brock is in good spirits, taking a few phone calls, and doing great.

As noted on Facebook late last night, the Senator had gone into Sanford Heart Center for a bypass procedure the need for which popped up after some testing. That kind of procedure involves a lot of surgery, so he’s going to be down for a bit.

The challenge will be to keep the ever-busy Senator Greenfield down for the amount of time & rest he should be down for.

I was specifically told that Brock wanted to pass on his deep thanks for the tremendous outpouring of prayers and best wishes from so many people across South Dakota, and other parts of the country.

And I would tell my friend Brock to get well soon, so he can return to his duties this next January in the State Senate!

The Argus Leader points out today that the Tri-Valley School District came up with a novel way to boost their school district numbers for state aid to education:

Spend one day in public school and go home with a new laptop.

Tri-Valley Superintendent Mike Lodmel sent a letter this week to every home-school family in the district inviting them to come to school on Sept. 29.

That’s the day the state does its official enrollment count, which determines how much money the district will get from the state next year.

“It’s a win-win for both the high school families and our district,” Lodmel said.

and…

“The governor views this as a tactic to try to scam the state funding formula,” said Tony Venhuizen, Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s chief of staff.

The governor asked Lodmel to rescind his offer to home-schoolers and also removed him from a school finance accountability board created to ensure districts comply with state funding formula requirements. The superintendent was appointed by the governor last year and later elected its president.

Read it all here.

I suppose one could call it creative, if it wasn’t completely unethical.

But I have to ask… Where are the laptops for the kids who already go to school daily?