EMS as an Essential Service: A Lifeline for South Dakota Ambulances on the Brink by State Rep. Eric Emery

When South Dakotans call 911, they expect help to arrive quickly and without hesitation.

However, in many communities, particularly in rural and tribal areas, that promise is not assured. Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which are crucial for public safety, are struggling due to outdated funding models, declining volunteer numbers, and increasing bureaucracy. If we don’t take action now, lives will be lost because no one is available to respond to the call.

Not an “Essential Service”

Unlike other public services, EMS is not considered essential under South Dakota law. This means it doesn’t have to be available in every community, and there is no reliable funding to keep ambulances running. Rural towns and communities, where fewer people live and access to hospitals is already tough, feel the impact the most. Some areas have just one ambulance station to serve hundreds of square miles. In emergencies where every minute counts, residents often wait 30 minutes or longer for assistance, if an ambulance is available
at all.

Cities Feeling the Strain

With South Dakota law categorizing EMS as nonessential, there is no legal requirement for it to be available in every community, and there is no reliable funding to keep ambulances running. Rural towns are hit the hardest, where population density is low and access to hospitals is limited. Some areas have only one ambulance station to cover hundreds of square miles. In emergencies where every minute counts, residents often wait 30 minutes or more for help, if an ambulance is even available. Urban EMS systems like those in Brookings, Mitchell, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls are also under pressure. They increasingly respond to calls outside their city limits in rural areas where local services have failed. Call volumes are rising, stretching crews thin and increasing response times. Cities end up subsidizing neighboring counties, but even the best-equipped departments can do only so much before patient care starts to decline.

The Volunteer Model Has Collapsed

At the core of the crisis is a failing volunteer system. Many small-town ambulances relied on community members who were ready to serve at all hours, often for minimal pay. However, these volunteers are getting older, and it’s hard to find new ones. People can’t afford to volunteer anymore, especially as training requirements keep increasing. A recent rule from the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners that requires an “ambulance operator” certification has made things worse. It discourages willing drivers who don’t have time for extra classes and red tape.

A Summer Study Isn’t Enough

This summer, lawmakers held an EMS summer study. It was a good idea, and the intention was positive, but three meetings wouldn’t solve decades of neglect. The study showed just how big the problem is: the funding gaps, the worker shortage, and the uneven system we’ve relied on for too long. However, without resources or true authority, the committee could only touch on the surface.

The Funding Wall

Meanwhile, EMS providers are being asked to do more with less. Medicare and Medicaid often pay only a small portion of the actual cost of a 911 call. Property tax caps restrict how much local governments can collect. In the current environment, where lawmakers prioritize tax cuts, there is little interest in raising taxes to support EMS. A recent eWort to classify EMS as an essential service and secure stable funding failed in the Legislature. Critics pointed to cost issues and uncertainty about how the service would be funded.

That mindset must change. EMS is not optional. It is a lifeline that should be universally available, just as all other public services are. South Dakota needs to formally declare EMS an essential service and provide the funding to back it up. That may include a mix of state support, revised Medicaid reimbursement rules, and creative revenue solutions, but the commitment must be there.

The days of relying on pancake breakfasts and pig roasts to fund life-saving care are over. The system is broken, and it’s hurting people. If we truly value our communities, families, and the first responders who answer the call, we must act now. Let’s give EMS the recognition, resources, and respect it deserves. Lives depend on it.

Time to Act

We need to stop pretending this is optional. EMS is not a luxury; it is just as essential as the snowplow that clears your roads each winter. Every South Dakotan, whether they live indowntown Sioux Falls or on a ranch in Meade County, deserves to know that when they call 911, trained professionals will show up. Volunteer goodwill cannot carry us anymore. The summer study showed the depth of the problem. Now is the time for the legislature to act with courage, secure funding, and pass the laws that make EMS essential.

Here’s the blunt truth: if lawmakers keep prioritizing property tax politics over public safety, South Dakotans will pay with their lives. Every ambulance that shuts down means longerwaits and worse outcomes. Every delay puts families at risk. We must fund EMS now, or we will stand by as South Dakotans die waiting for an ambulance that never arrives. There is no middle ground. Lives are on the line.

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Eric Emery represents District 26A in the South Dakota House of Representatives and serves as Program Director of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Ambulance Service. A career paramedic, he brings front-line experience in rural and tribal healthcare to the legislature, advocating for stronger EMS, public safety, and access to care

 

It appears that Justin McNeal is setting himself up for a shellacking:

Mcneal 2026 by Pat Powers

McNeal has filed paperwork to run in the Republican primary against incumbent United States Senator Mike Rounds.

If you’ve already forgotten, President Trump already made a strong endorsement of Senator Rounds in late July.

Good luck with that, Justin. (That was sarcasm).

Jeff Monroe Announces Run for South Dakota State Treasurer

PIERRE, S.D. — Jeff Monroe, a former state legislator and longtime advocate for conservative, common-sense leadership, announced he’s running for South Dakota State Treasurer. Monroe says he wants to continue the solid financial management and transparency South Dakotans have come to expect from the Treasurer’s office.

“As a legislator, I always tried to make decisions that respected taxpayers and kept government accountable,” Monroe said. “The Treasurer’s office has done great work under Secretary Haeder, especially with unclaimed property, and I want to keep that progress moving in the right direction.”

Monroe served in both the South Dakota House and Senate, earning a reputation as someone who listens, works hard, and stands by his principles. He says his goal as Treasurer is simple — to protect taxpayer dollars and make sure every cent is handled responsibly.

“I believe in honesty, good stewardship, and doing what’s right,” Monroe said. “That’s what South Dakotans expect from their leaders, and that’s what I’ll bring to the job every day

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From the Washington Reporter, President Trump has nothing but praise for the job that Senator & Majority Leader John Thune is doing in Washington:

As America careens towards the second month of the Schumer Shutdown, the Washington Reporter’s sources on the Hill have been remarking about the strength of the relationship between President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) — which was recently put on full display when the White House invited Thune and Senate Republicans over for lunch.

and..

“I want to thank the outstanding leadership team,” Trump told the assembled senators, “and you really do have that. Majority Leader John Thune, who’s been my friend. He really has done an amazing job. Thank you, John. Thank you…I didn’t get to know John as well in the first term, and I’ve gotten to know him very well over the last nine months, John, and you’re doing a fantastic job.”

and..

Thune’s partnership with Trump has cemented his status as the head of the Senate GOP, but it is also paying off for his constituents in South Dakota.

Read the entire story here.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Solution to Support Airport Expansion

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced a solution to support the expansion of the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports. This upcoming legislative session, the Governor will bring legislation to provide 0% interest loans of up to $15 million for each airport to support their current expansion efforts.

“This investment will make a huge difference – not just for Sioux Falls and Rapid City, but for all South Dakotans,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We’ve seen huge increases in travelers coming through these airports. With more gates, more flights, and more destinations, we’ll able to draw more visitors and keep our state Open for Opportunity!”

Since the start of the Noem-Rhoden Administration in 2019, travelers through the Rapid City airport have increased by 30%, and travelers through the Sioux Falls airport have increased by 25%.

Governor Rhoden’s proposal utilizes the same funding approach that supported the Douglas School District during the 2025 legislative session and will not create any additional costs for South Dakota taxpayers.

In 2023, the Noem-Rhoden Administration set aside $200 million to support career housing in South Dakota – $100 million in grants that were quickly invested and $100 million in loans that have been partially utilized. That investment drove substantial growth in career housing across South Dakota. Of the original $100 million in loans, approximately $65 million remains. Governor Rhoden’s proposal moves this remaining funding into the Revolving Economic Development and Initiative (REDI) Fund, and some of that will support this airport investment.

From this funding, the Board of Economic Development may make 0% interest loans of up to $15 million for each airport. The loans must be closed and funded by June 30, 2030.

“Smart economic development involves doing the right thing, at the right place, at the right time. This proposal is a prime example of smart economic development, and it will lead to big wins for South Dakota,” said Bill Even, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

This announcement was made at a press conference at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, where the Governor was joined by both Sioux Falls and Rapid City leadership.

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SECRETARY OF STATE MONAE JOHNSON WILL HOST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECRETARIES OF STATE 2026 CONFERENCE

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson is proud to announce that the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) has selected South Dakota to host its 2026 Summer Conference.

The event will bring Secretaries of State, senior election officials, business service leaders, and policy experts from across the nation to the Mount Rushmore State for several days of collaboration, networking, and discussion on key issues affecting state governments.

The 2026 conference will showcase South Dakota’s national leadership in modern election administration, business services innovation, and civic engagement, while also highlighting the state’s unique culture, hospitality, and natural beauty.

“It is an honor to welcome my colleagues from across the country to South Dakota,” said Secretary Johnson. “This conference is not only an opportunity to share best practices and strengthen partnerships, but also a platform to demonstrate the strength and transparency of our state’s election system, the excellence of our public service, and the incredible beauty that makes South Dakota a destination worth experiencing. We are excited to promote our state and show the nation why South Dakota is such a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.”

Secretary Johnson attended the NASS 2025 Summer Conference in Mississippi. The NASS Summer Conference serves as a platform for state leaders to exchange ideas, develop bipartisan solutions, and address challenges in elections, business services, and other areas overseen by Secretaries of State. South Dakota’s selection as host reflects its national reputation as a proven leader in secure, transparent, and efficient governance, and its commitment to promoting the state’s values, people, and opportunities on the national stage.

New candidate rumors are popping up, and I’m getting a sense of deja vu with some of the names involved. As noted in the title, everything new is old again as there are two former legislators who appear to be considering jumping into statewide legislative races.

Former State Senator Jeff Monroe‘s name is starting to pop up in connection with running for South Dakota State Treasurer, a contest that had been completely wide open with Deputy Jason Williams going to work for Attorney General Marty Jackley in recent weeks.

Jeff served in the SD House from 1995-2002, and in the Senate from 2013-2020 for 16 total years of service. Long known as an indefatigable door-to-door campaigner, Jeff’s most recent stint in the legislature had him chairing Senate taxation during his most recent time at the State Capital.

Public Utilities Commission has had a lot of chatter this week as well; There is talk that Senator Jim Mehlhaff who had been favored to run started to tell people this week that he plans to remain in the Senate.  But, at the same time, former State Representative John Teupel, who served from 2001-2004 and was a Majority Whip during his second term has apparently started calling people (I’ve spoken with two) to set the stage for entering the race for the Public Utilities Commission contest.

Teupel has apparently been at a number of the GOP Lincoln Day Dinners as of late, attending in Mitchell, Canton, Springfield, Meade County, and potentially others. And people had wondered why? Well, now you know that he’s looking at jumping in.  Interestingly, Teupel was a member of the Farmhouse fraternity at SDSU during the same period of time that both current PUC Commissioner Kristie Fiegen was a “little sister” affiliated with the group, and PUC Commissioner Chris Nelson was a member as well. (It’s a small state.)

If there was doubt about Governor Rhoden getting into the race for his current seat, this weekend‘s events in connection with the State of South Dakota‘s annual Governors Hunt should remove those questions.

For the Governor, this week kicks off a dual effort; including both a formal fundraising letter from his campaign, and a fundraising event this afternoon for a political action committee supporting him.

This afternoon’s pre-Hunt PAC event for the Arch Beal/Mike Derby fronted “Strong, Safe, and Free PAC” has no formal invitation noting major sponsors, but at least some people found themselves personally invited not by PAC sponsors, but the Governor himself calling them from his personal cell phone asking for their attendance.  (Update – hearing $5k a pop is the ask being made.)

This comes simultaneously with a fundraising letter dated 10/23 that went out from the Rhoden for Governor campaign:

With a light indication of his plans, and lamenting that “campaigns are too long,” but that “we would like to continue to serve,” Rhoden asks for “help” and asks recipients to “consider a donation so I have enough money to run a competitive campaign.”

The letter might be one of the lightest asks that I’ve ever seen in modern politics, omitting any indication of what he will use it for, eschewing a direct ask for a specific amount, or even summarizing the main points with a PS.

I did not receive any enclosures with this piece, so I am unaware if there was a donation card, or indication of a way to donate online which was not included in the main body of the letter. In fact, there is no indication of his website address on the letter at all! (See update – pp)

But clearly the fact this went out is an indication that Governor Larry Rhoden plans to announce.

Separately from this letter, what I am hearing through the grapevine is that an official announcement will be forthcoming in the next 2 to 3 weeks, at which time we will see more on what Governor Rhoden’s election agenda will be and how it could play out.

And it will play out in a competitive field.

Considering that the leader of the House of Representatives, Representative Jon Hansen, is the trailing candidate in the race for Governor and prides himself on opposing nearly all forms of government encouragement for economic development, the governor’s declaration of South Dakota being open for business could find itself stymied when we hit the realities of the legislative session.

This will be a hard fought race, and Governor Rhoden is just getting to the starting line.

**Update**

I’m informed that a card did go out with the letter, and it does have the website address with it:

Thune Joins The Ben Shapiro Show

“[T]his is a real losing hand for [Democrats] to play. It’s certainly costing people all over the country, big time, particularly federal employees. And the longer this thing drags on, the worse it gets …”

Click here or on the picture to watch the video.

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined The Ben Shapiro Show.

Mike Crane Announces Campaign for Sioux Falls City Council

Trusted Community Leadership Focused on Safety, Sensible Growth, and Good Governance

Sioux Falls, SD — Community leader and longtime public servant Mike Crane today formally announced his candidacy for the Sioux Falls City Council in the Southeast District. With years of experience in city planning, business development, and public service, Crane is running to ensure Sioux Falls remains a place where families can thrive, neighborhoods are strong, and citizens’ voices are valued.

“As Sioux Falls continues to grow and change, we need leaders who understand where we have been, and who have a clear vision for where we can go,” Crane said. “I am ready to continue working for a city that listens to its people and puts them first.”

Crane’s campaign centers on three core priorities:

• Safety
  From the youngest to the oldest, residents deserve to feel safe at home and throughout the city. Crane will champion continued investment in police, fire and rescue services, and support programs that reduce recidivism and build trust with youth—like Project POSTCARD—which bring young people and first responders together to build stronger community relationships.
• Sensible Growth.
  Sioux Falls has seen extraordinary growth over the past decade. Crane will work to ensure continued success by strengthening existing neighborhoods and roads, safeguarding fair property taxation, and expanding affordable housing opportunities. “Good, clean growth keeps Sioux Falls thriving,” Crane said. “Not just growth for growth’s sake.”
• Good Governance.
  Crane is committed to transparency, accountability, and public participation in city decision-making. He will work to empower neighborhood associations, enhance access to boards and commissions, and expand parks and recreation opportunities for families. “Everyone who calls Sioux Falls home should feel they have a stake in our future,” Crane said.

About Mike Crane:

Crane grew up in South Dakota and earned degrees from SDSU and USD and served in the U.S. Air Force. A career opportunity brought him back to Sioux Falls as a city planning intern, allowing him to make the community his permanent home.

He has since built a distinguished career in business development, including expertise in both market-rate and affordable housing as Managing Member of Crane and Fowler Investments.

Crane and his wife, Candy Hanson, are members of Calvary Episcopal Cathedral. Together they share a blended family deeply connected to Sioux Falls and beyond.

Proven Leadership in Public Service
Crane is well known for his leadership on the Sioux Falls School Board, where he helped drive transformational improvements, including moving to the middle school model and constructing new high schools and elementary schools to support a growing student population.

His board service also includes:

• Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site (Board Chair)
• Children’s Inn (Chair)  now the SD Children’s Home Center for Family Safety
• Downtown Parking Facilities Board(Chair)
• Southeast Technical Institute Council & Foundation (Chair)
• Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Board (Chair)

Crane has also been a member of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and Main Street Sioux Falls.

“This community is the closest thing to my heart. I am running because our residents deserve leadership they trust,” Crane said.

Contact:
Mike Crane
https://www.facebook.com/craneforcouncil