Release: Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members

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Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the membership of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for the new prison.

“Securing a new prison was a major win for our state. Pairing our new facility with strong programming will lead to the best outcomes for inmates and result in safer communities for generations to come. This task force will prioritize reducing recidivism and getting offenders back to work,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.

This task force was established through Executive Order 2025-07 following the passage and signing of SB 2, which provides for a new prison in Sioux Falls. Both SB 2 and EO 2025-07 were signed at the conclusion of the special session on September 23.

The Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will assess the programming needs of the inmate population, understand options for faith-based and Native American-focused programs, study best practices for re-entry models, and make recommendations on how to best use the expanded space of the new facility.

“I am a strong believer in bringing voices from broad perspectives to the table. The task force’s diverse membership will ensure sound programming for our inmate population,” continued Governor Rhoden.

The members of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force are:

  • Mayor of Sioux Falls Paul TenHaken;
  • Judge Pat Pardy, Third Judicial Circuit;
  • Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-District 11;
  • Senator Tamara Grove, R-District 26;
  • Senator Joy Hohn, R-District 9;
  • Senator Paul Miskimins, R-District 20;
  • Senator Ernie Otten, R-District 6;
  • Senator Sue Peterson, R-District 13;
  • Senator Jamie Smith, D-District 15;
  • Representative John Hughes, R-District 13;
  • Representative Greg Jamison, R-District 12;
  • Representative Chris Kassin, R-District 17;
  • Representative Brian Mulder, R-District 11;
  • Representative Tim Reisch, R-District 8;
  • Representative Tesa Schwans, R-District 9;
  • Representative Eric Emery, D-District 26A;
  • Representative Kadyn Wittman, D-District 15;
  • Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Danial Haggar;
  • Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller;
  • Southeast Tech President Cory Clasemann;
  • Minnehaha County Jail Warden Mike Mattson;
  • State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn;
  • Sioux Falls City Council member Rich Merkouris;
  • Founder of I.Am.Legacy Erik Brings White;
  • CEO of Great Plains Tribal Leader’s Health Board Jerilyn Church;
  • Executive Director of SD Council of Mental Health Centers Terry Dosch;
  • Sioux Falls School Board Member Dawn Marie Johnson;
  • Secretary of Labor and Regulation Marcia Hultman; and
  • Department of Corrections Deputy Secretary Brent Fluke.

The task force will begin its work later this month.

14 thoughts on “Release: Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members”

  1. Pretty skewed group right out of the chute. First off, looking at the list of participants, this should be called the Minnehaha County Rehabilitation Task Force. Excepting rural legislators, where are the State’s Attorneys from the rural counties? Secondly, Tamara Grove? Really? The State Senator who said meth use was a victim-less crime in two different committee hearings this last legislative session. You really want her to participate?

    Never in favor of a dog-and-pony show, but if this group has substance, I fear for the safety of the public.

    1. I agree. West River legislators are not included in anything. It’s all Sioux Falls. It’s a RINO list. No rural prosecutors, no rural law enforcement of any kind. Their goal is to do the opposite of President Trump. No more accountability. Crime will go up with group.

  3. What a boring list of elected and appointed officials. Maybe think about switching Ten Haken out for a mental health professional (he won’t be mayor for too much longer and he’ll keep talking about mentoring (which is great and all, but there’s more to it than mentoring), maybe include some jailors, parole officers, etc.

    1. and? It’s called separation of church and state. just because you don’t like the listed people’s faith doesn’t mean they don’t have a faith. get a grip.

      1. Separation of church and state limits government’s role in religion, not religion’s role in government.

        1. It’s a two way street. Leave your politics out of church and leave your religion out of politics. You have no right to impose your beliefs on anyone.

          2. It’s not a two way street; the constitution restricts the government’s role in religion, it does not restrict the influence of faith on legislation.

            1. Yeah it is and breaking news your church doesn’t teach you: separation of church and state isn’t in the constitution.

              And by your point that means Muslims, Hindus, Jews, etc also have the right to influence the government.

              Bonus fact for you: most of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence and the constitution weren’t ardent people of faith as you’ve been taught or believe. Look of their religious affiliations.

  5. You know it may sound crazy, but I would like to see the criminals represented on the board. Do we have any success stories, or is it just punitive? Seems like a bunch of people who have no direct knowledge of facing punishment (or rehabilitation if you will). Sure, many are criminals, but how can they set the path for rehab with their experience?

  6. This is a power packed list of good people of strong personal character and faith.
    We now have ONE DEFINITE GREAT GROUP taking up the important work of this state and we should quietly celebrate.

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