Tapio on Chinese Tariffs: Trump Fighting Back in Decades-old Chinese Trade War

(Wednesday, April 5, 2018) State Senator and GOP Congressional candidate Neal Tapio today issued strong support for President Trump in the escalating tariff and intellectual property trade skirmish with the Chinese and urged agriculture organizations to direct their energy toward helping President Trump fight back against unfair trade practices China has employed for decades.

“President Trump is right, this isn’t a war. We’ve already lost the trade war with China,” Tapio said.  “The President is addressing trade imbalances that simply can not be kicked down the road any longer.

Annual trade deficits with China are not sustainable, but when combined with currency manipulation and the theft of intellectual property, the current trading relationship with China must change.” Tapio said.

Trump tweeted Wednesday blaming decades of terrible decisions by quote: “foolish or incompetent people,” for surrendering American trade supremacy and allowing China to decimate the United States manufacturing base through years of outright theft of American designs for products ranging from jetliners to microchips. On Tuesday, Trump announced tariffs on 128 Chinese exports to the American marketplace, touching off fears that retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural products like soybeans would threaten to destabilize the ag sector of the U.S. economy.

“Now China is pitting President Trump against the American farmer,” Tapio said. “This tactic from a stale Communist playbook will no longer work. Patriotic American farmers understand that America needs a fighter like President Trump to right the ship. The future of America depends on tougher trade negotiations with China,” Tapio said.

Tapio urged farm organizations to publicly acknowledge the devastating trade imbalances, currency manipulations and intellectual property theft in any public comments surrounding trade negotiations. He further urged these organizations to condemn China for unfair trade practices and to talk tough against communist China’s attempt to divide the American farmer from President Trump. Tapio reassured them President Trump’s polices will benefit the American farmer by having a secure and prosperous America and that Trump has their back in these complex negotiations.

“China’s retaliations of soybean exports are part of a larger negotiation which is necessary to defeating the Chinese economic warfare of tough negotiations, currency manipulation and intellectual property theft that has created a $500 billion trade imbalance and has left us vulnerable to an aggressive Chinese imperialism in the Asian Pacific,” Tapio said. “These problems are compounded by China’s ability to blackmail the US economy by threatening to stop buying US Treasuries.

“The American people understand the complicated dilemma facing America. We  run massive trade deficits and huge annual federal budget deficits which are then piled on to massive piles of federal debt, yet we continually grow social welfare and entitlement programs while fighting a costly and endless war on Islamic terrorism. These terrible policies leave America vulnerable to blackmail. President Trump is willing to face these problems head on.”

While it isn’t easy, President Trump deserves our respect and support.” Tapio said.

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Rounds Urges VA to Make Timely Payments to Community Providers 

PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today sent a letter to Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie to request the VA address its reimbursement process for community providers, and to reimburse old claims dating back to September 30, 2016, and older that the VA has rejected as ineligible.

“According to the VA’s policy, claims from September 30, 2016, and older are no longer eligible for reimbursement,” wrote Rounds in his letter. “This is disappointing and unacceptable. Community providers deserve to be reimbursed for services provided at the VA’s direction, and TPAs [Third Party Administrators] must have clear and simple processes for community providers to follow for prompt payment.”

“Despite a strong, patriotic desire to serve veterans, I am concerned that community providers may be reluctant to participate in the next VA community provider network due to their negative past experiences with the Veterans Choice Program. This may, in turn, impact our nation’s veterans’ ability to access health care, especially rural veterans.”

Full text of the letter:

April 4, 2018

The Honorable Robert L. Wilkie Jr.
Acting Secretary
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420

Dear Acting Secretary Wilkie:

I write to you today with great concern over the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to improve timely payments to community providers.

On January 3, 2018, the VA announced a series of immediate actions to improve the timeliness of payments to community providers. I welcomed this announcement as several South Dakota-based community providers have continuously struggled with receiving prompt reimbursements from the VA’s contracted Third Party Administrator (TPA) for services provided at the VA’s direction. However, I learned that a part of this VA effort included setting deadlines for Veterans Choice Program and Patient-Centered Community Care (VCP/PC3) claims from years past. I understand those deadlines were November 13, 2017, and October 2, 2017, for VCP/PC3 claims from January 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016, and VCP/PC3 claims with dates of service prior to January 1, 2016, respectively. In response, several constituent providers made efforts to resubmit old claims prior to the deadline. However, some providers had claims rejected again or did not receive feedback following a submission. During my exchange with then-Secretary Shulkin at the March 21, 2018, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, he stated that as a part of VA’s January 3, 2018, announcement, VA deployed “Rapid Response Teams” to assist community providers with outstanding claims. To date, I have not heard from a constituent community provider that has had contact with a VA Rapid Response Team to troubleshoot outstanding claims.

Prior to this deadline, constituent community providers have anecdotally shared with me and my staff their countless efforts to troubleshoot and fix these older claims with their TPA contact, but without success. To compound this struggle, providers have been limited to troubleshooting only three claims at a time with a TPA representative, struggled with long wait times to reach a TPA representative and received deposits for services they did not provide. These issues must be remedied. According to the VA’s policy, claims from September 30, 2016, and older are no longer eligible for reimbursement. This is disappointing and unacceptable. Community providers deserve to be reimbursed for services provided at the VA’s direction, and TPAs must have clear and simple processes for community providers to follow for prompt payment.

Due to the aforementioned issues experienced by community providers, I ask that the VA proactively reach out to community providers and provide an opportunity for them to be reimbursed for claims from September 30, 2016, and older. Further, I request that the VA provide clear feedback as to why a claim is not eligible for reimbursement and, if applicable, convey what needs to be corrected for reimbursement. Also, the TPA processes remain unclear, slow, bureaucratic and broken (e.g. deposits to providers for services they did not provide). These processes also need to be reviewed and improved. I understand the VA is looking forward to the next version of community care, but I insist that the current community care program is still in need of considerable attention.

Despite a strong, patriotic desire to serve veterans, I am concerned that community providers may be reluctant to participate in the next VA community provider network due to their negative past experiences with the Veterans Choice Program. This may, in turn, impact our nation’s veterans’ ability to access health care, especially rural veterans. Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration to this request.

Sincerely,

M. Michael Rounds
United States Senator

CC Thomas G. Bowman, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

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From my mailbox, Republican Candidate for State Treasurer Josh Haeder has announced the support of the vice-chair of the Pennington County GOP for his candidacy:

Jackley Releases Third Statewide TV Ad: “Trust”

PIERRE, SD: Attorney General Marty Jackley launched his third statewide television ad of the primary election this week.

“We want the people of South Dakota to know that our vision for moving our state forward comes from them,” Jackley said. “We’re visiting every corner of the state on our Hometown South Dakota tour, and the policies that we’ve developed—our Commitment to South Dakota Veterans, our initiatives for Faith and Family, Open and Honest Government, Pheasant Hunting, Destination South Dakota, and Main Street Fairness—they’re all part of our campaign by and for South Dakotans.”

The ad highlights Jackley’s record of fighting for states’ rights, as well as his positions on protecting human life, defending the Second Amendment and attracting new jobs and businesses to South Dakota. The endorsements of 62 local sheriffs are also featured.

“Our incredible volunteers have put solid momentum behind us going into April,” said Jackley for Governor campaign manager Jason Glodt. “We’ve set records for fundraising and petition signatures while attracting large crowds to events even in our smallest communities. The grassroots energy is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a gubernatorial primary.”

Watch Jackley’s new ad on youtube

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Chad McKenzie from over at KSOO Radio educated me on something I did not know this morning:

I believe we’ve reached the breaking point. I think it’s time the Sioux Falls City Council pull the plug on televising the public comment portion of its meetings. It was funny at first – but now has become nothing but insulting and embarrassing for EVERYONE.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, before each Sioux Falls City Council meeting there’s a time when the public is invited to step up to the microphone and offer input. But thanks to a small group of “bullies,” it’s gotten to where it’s embarrassing.

This past Monday night I tuned in only to see a video about to the recent train derailment in downtown Sioux Falls – complete with a re-creation using toy trains and ending with a photo of the Three Stooges doing some sort of Nazi salute.

Just weeks prior to that the City Council was forced to sit through a music video put together by one-time Mayoral candidate David Zokaites. Zokaites ended up falling short of getting the necessary signatures to get his name placed on the ballot.

Read the entire article here.

Wait.. What? The public plays videos for the councilors, and the city broadcasts/records it? I literally did a double take when I read that, and contacted a couple people involved in the process to verify the truthfulness of that statement.

Yes, they actually allow people to play vanity videos in addition to actual matters of public interest. Wow.

So, the candidate for mayor who didn’t get to be on the ballot because he spent his time making an awful video (as opposed to collecting signatures to get on the ballot) was able to force councilors to sit and watch his awful video.  How on earth did the Sioux Falls City Council come to that?

Greg Belfrage at KELO AM is also reporting on the Public Input portion of the Sioux Falls City Council meetings turning into a circus last night, where someone was yelling F* the police, and the Mayor is a SOB, etcetera.

It’s sounding like the public input portion of the meetings has become a free for all. And they’re going to have to address it sooner than later.

Most of my experience has been with legislative hearings which are conducted with far more decorum. Can you imagine Representative Larry Rhoden permitting some whack-a-doodle to play a music video in a legislative committee hearing because they felt like it? Me neither.

So why would the SF City Council permit it?  Kudos to them in allowing an open forum for public input in the first place. But there really should come a point where they have to draw a line just for the sake of getting things done on a timely basis.

How could they fix what seems to be a circus?

Anything more complicated than paper handouts should be eliminated or presented in a manner where councilpersons/interested parties can review them outside of the public input time to prevent the few from monopolizing the time meant for a variety of interests.

Barring that, McKenzie has an extremely valid point. The Sioux Falls City Council should pull the plug on televising the public comment portion of its meetings, and save it for the official business portion because that’s what they have a responsibility in preserving for posterity.

Some dude’s awful zombie video not included.

Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman Endorses Jackley

CANTON, SD: Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman announced his support for Attorney General Marty Jackley’s bid for governor in a new video released today.

“Marty has always been the kind of leader who shows up to get the work done instead of dropping by for the photo opp,” Wollman said. “He’ll be a governor who answers the phone, spends time in our local communities and listens to the people who run our towns and make South Dakota great.”

Wollman received his law degree from the University of South Dakota and has served as state’s attorney for 17 years. He is a past president of the South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association, a current trainer for law enforcement across the state on domestic violence issues, and is a board member on the Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission.

“Tom’s leadership as state’s attorney has earned him the respect and admiration of Lincoln County,” Jackley said. “His work keeps our South Dakota families safe, and we’re honored to have his support for Team Jackley.”

Watch Wollman’s endorsement on youtube here:

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Noem, Liz Cheney in Rapid City Wednesday

Rapid City, S.D. – Kristi Noem will be in Rapid City on Wednesday, April 4.

WHAT: Listening Session on Youth Drug Addiction
WHEN: Wednesday, April 4 – 10:00AM
WHERE: Lifeways (1010 Ninth Street, Suite 2, Rapid City)

WHAT: Noem to Address Veterans Coordination Commission Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, April 4 – 12:00PM
WHERE: American Legion Post 22 (818 E St. Patrick, Rapid City)

WHAT: Women’s Coffee with Kristi Noem and Rep. Liz Cheney
WHEN: Wednesday, April 4 – 1:30PM to 3:00PM
WHERE: Bethel Assembly Church (1202 North Maple Ave., Rapid City)

Noem Announces Rural Revitalization Project

WATERTOWN, S.D. – Kristi Noem today announced her Rural Revitalization Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening rural South Dakota. Noem was raised on a farm and ranch in rural Hamlin County. After her father’s sudden death, Noem returned to farm and ranch full-time, while also starting a hunting lodge, building an insurance business, and growing her family.

“I am proud to be from rural South Dakota,” said Noem. “It’s where I learned the values of hard work and self-reliance, where Bryon and I chose to raise our kids, where we started an insurance business and hunting lodge, and where my family has farmed and ranched for a century. But many small towns like ours are struggling today. As governor, I will work to bring more resources into rural areas, expanding broadband, promoting economic development, enhancing healthcare, and focusing on K-12 schools.”

NOEM’S RURAL REVITALIZATION PROJECT

Rural Broadband

A good internet connection can allow any entrepreneur to sell globally, while hiring locally. By expanding rural broadband and enhancing cell service, area businesses can grow their customer base without leaving town; families can better connect with their doctors; and students can learn from teachers a world away. In many rural areas, however, broadband deployment lags behind, largely because of the disproportionate expense of installation and maintenance.

In the U.S. House, I have pushed the Federal Communications Commission on creating a fairer and more rural-friendly Universal Service Fund formula to accelerate broadband’s deployment in remote areas. This work will continue if elected governor. Additionally, I will look to expand resources in this area, while ensuring state agencies continue to embrace broadband-friendly policies.

Rural Development

To grow families in rural South Dakota, we need jobs in rural South Dakota. As I’ve laid out in my Agricultural Growth Initiative and Build South Dakota Agenda, I will (1) equip students with the skills needed to succeed in ag-related industries, (2) review permitting structures to be sure they promote economic development and respect local control, (3) expand opportunities for value-added agriculture, and (4) improve rural infrastructure.

Rural Healthcare

Local healthcare providers have been relentless in expanding access through a robust network of rural clinics and innovative telehealth technologies, dramatically shrinking the distance between residents and state-of-the-art care. To build on these successes, we must grow the healthcare workforce in rural South Dakota. As governor, I will work directly with state professional organizations to develop forward-thinking recruitment and retention strategies, while also reviewing licensing requirements. Additionally, I will pursue federal waivers and grants, as appropriate, to better customize healthcare programs to South Dakota’s needs.

Rural Schools

The school is the lifeblood of many rural communities, but most struggle to make ends meet, recruit qualified teachers, or maintain enrollment numbers. Under my administration, the Department of Education will work to develop a pilot program to fill teacher shortages in high-need areas, exploring options such as new incentive programs for local working professionals and enhanced mentoring of teachers.

While I will also work to improve efficiencies, increase local decision making, and empower schools to share resources, I believe the most sustainable way to strengthen rural schools is to expand economic opportunity. If a family can’t make a living in a rural community, they will pull their kids from the school district and move. I am fully committed to revitalizing South Dakota’s rural culture, so small-town schools and businesses can thrive for generations to come.

From Facebook, Shantel Krebs posts a TV Commercial with an endorsement from ‘Johnny B’ from Reptile Gardens, which talks about her handling snakes:

It’s a beautifully filmed commercial…. but.  I hate to bring it up, but John Brockelsby is a registered Democrat.  While it would be a good general election commercial, I’m not sure how being endorsed by a Democrat benefits Shantel in the Republican Primary.

The Dusty Johnson for Congress campaign is going on the air tomorrow with a 60 second commercial about Dusty’s background. And we have it first!  Check out Dusty Johnson’s first commercial “Stage,” here first at Dakotawarcollege.com