Democrats’ Shutdown Has Real Consequences
By Sen. John Thune

 For nearly a month, Senate Democrats have kept the government shut down and held government funding hostage to their partisan demands. Their motivation is pure politics, but their shutdown is having very real consequences, including in South Dakota. Republicans are continuing our efforts to reopen the government. But given Democrats’ determination to prolong the shutdown, Republicans and the Trump administration are working to help hardworking Americans who are being impacted by the shutdown.

South Dakota’s agriculture producers are among those who are being hurt. Due to the shutdown, Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices in South Dakota and across the country were forced to close, leaving farmers and ranchers without access to critical services, and during harvest season no less. Producers who take FSA loans have been unable to certify the sale of their products or cash checks from their sales, and that is simply unacceptable.

From the beginning, I urged the Trump administration to keep FSA offices operational during the shutdown. Unfortunately, shutdowns force the government to make hard choices in the face of limited resources. But over the last several weeks, my office has worked with the Trump administration to find a way to reopen FSA offices, and, because of those efforts, on October 23, FSA offices were able to resume operations.

Farmers and ranchers are not the only victims of Democrats’ shutdown. Military families have turned to food banks in “unprecedented” numbers. Nutrition programs are in jeopardy. South Dakotans on Medicare and in rural areas are dealing with the elimination of telehealth services. And federal employees are working without certainty about their next paycheck. But none of this has been enough for Democrats to back down from their partisan demands and reopen the government. They remain dug in, terrified of the backlash from the far left if they don’t appear to be fighting President Trump hard enough.

Democrats have stood in the way of reopening the government and mitigating the pain of the shutdown every step of the way. They have blocked a nonpartisan funding extension a dozen times. They blocked the bipartisan defense appropriations bill, which would have at least supported national security and paid the troops absent a broader funding deal. And most recently, they blocked a bill to pay any federal employee who is working during the shutdown.

One leading Democrat recently told an interviewer, “Of course, there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer…But it is one of the few leverage times we have.” Are hardworking American families just leverage to Democrats? We need some Democrats to show some courage, say “no” to the far-left activists who demanded this shutdown, and vote to reopen the government.

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Business Done Right
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
October 24, 2025  

The right project in the right place at the right time. That’s how we do economic development in South Dakota. More often than not, that means focusing on opportunities for existing South Dakota businesses to grow and expand – whether that be a new product, a new market, or just doing what they do well on a bigger scale. Sometimes that means finding the right partner to move into the state in a way that benefits us as well as that new business.

South Dakota has taken this approach for many years, and it’s worked very well for us. Under the Noem-Rhoden Administration, this approach hit a greater stride. After Governor Noem declared South Dakota “Open for Business” during the COVID pandemic, visitors came to South Dakota by the millions. Freedom-loving Americans moved here by the tens of thousands. And businesses relocated here in huge numbers, as well.

This growth has set South Dakota up well. We have the lowest unemployment rate in America and have won the Governor’s Cup each of the last two years, meaning we have the most economic development projects per-capita. On top of that, we have the 6^th fastest growing economy of any state and the 4^th highest average personal incomes. Over the past several years, there were times when South Dakota even led the nation in income growth!

The economy boomed under the Noem-Rhoden Administration, and we’re working hard to keep it strong since I took the reins as Governor. That doesn’t mean saying yes to every project. We’ll be better served in the long run if we continue to advance the right project in the right place at the right time.

Two such right projects are the expansions currently underway at both the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports. Since 2019, when Governor Noem and I took over in Pierre, we’ve consistently broken records every year for tourism. In fact, the number of folks coming through the Rapid City airport has increased by 30% over that timeframe, and Sioux Falls is up by 25%. Those are staggering numbers, and even over the last year, we’ve seen another steady increase.

I announced a plan to make a wise and targeted investment in these airport projects. The state has leftover housing dollars available that haven’t been used, so if we shift these to our economic development fund, we can offer them to the two airports in the form of a loan that they’ll repay over 20 years. It’ll be a 0% loan so that the projects will remain affordable, and the state will get those dollars back over time once the projects become profitable. That’s a win-win!

That’s how we do business in South Dakota. We invest in our communities. We keep taxes low and regulation light. We pave the road for opportunity and then get out of the way. And that’s how we’ll continue to approach these issues: the right project in the right place at the right time.

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A new poll is out talking about where the candidates are in terms of support for the Republican primary. No big surprises:

Mason-Dixon SD GOP primary: 

• Dusty, 28%
• Rhoden, 27%
• Toby, 15%
• Hansen, 10%

Read more about it at SD News Watch.

The so-called “SD Grassroot Conservative” group which has fought against Republicans for a few elections now is chirping on facebook tonight about the 15 or so people who showed up yesterday at Justin McNeal’s announcement that he would be running against Senator Mike Rounds.

Whoof! That’s a lot of empty seats.  Not sure why they didn’t have this at an area Pizza Ranch meeting room.

If you’ve forgotten (as the chief troll of the group, Julie Korth apparently has), President Trump has already endorsed incumbent Senator Mike Rounds as the Republican Nominee for the US Senate seat:

Which if you think about it makes Korth’s group and McNeal’s candidacy all part of an anti-Trump effort.

Considering McNeal failed in two prior attempts to get on the ballot..  this anti-Trump effort will likely be a very short anti-Trump effort.

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.