The main run of the 2016 legislature session has come to an end. I am grateful and humbled for the opportunity you’ve given me to represent you in Pierre. As I reflect back over the full 2016 session, I have mixed emotions. I worked hard to pass a common-sense... Read more
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Old John Wiik March 14, 2016 0
One of the greatest feelings about the legislative session is driving home after the final day. I compare it to the last day of school. It’s bittersweet–you look forward to getting back to your life, but you’ll miss your legislative family. The bonds made with legislative friends is strong,... Read more
Week 9 Update
Old Jason Frerichs March 10, 2016 0
We are finished with the main run of the 91st Legislative Session. Teacher pay along with education funding dominated our entire session, but we also had many other important issues that were advanced for the betterment of our fellow South Dakotans. Unfortunately we will have to be patient until... Read more
Last week was one for the books. Education Funding In a historic vote that will affect generations, the legislature passed the ½ cent sales tax increase for teacher pay. First the House passed the measure by a single vote, and then last week the Senate passed it by two... Read more
Here come the numbers…
Old John Wiik March 7, 2016 0
As we head into the final week of the legislative session, the school funding changes are all but a foregone conclusion and Medicaid expansion is on hold for now. This week will be a busy one, with a number of bills to finalize action on, and the finalizing of... Read more
Week 8 Update
Old Jason Frerichs March 3, 2016 0
Increased teacher pay is an issue that has been front and center this entire legislative session and I am proud to have been a part of the solution. We all know the increased sales tax will affect every South Dakotan, but I am confident we can build from the... Read more
Big Week for Children in the South Dakota Legislature
Old Fred Deutsch February 29, 2016 0
Last week, I joined the majority of House lawmakers to approve Governor Dennis Daugaard’s plan to raise the state sales tax from 4 percent to 4.5 percent. The measure boosts South Dakota’s lowest-in-the-nation teacher pay. Personally, it’s difficult for me to support a tax increase, but, in my estimation,... Read more
The letter…
Old John Wiik February 29, 2016 0
As I was wrapping up a full day of “day job” work on Friday, we received notice that CMS (Medicaid) has reached an agreement with the State of South Dakota. We were forwarded the seven page letter that was written in the most beautifully vague government speak I have... Read more
Weekly Column: Women of Influence
Old-Representative Kristi Noem February 26, 2016 0
Among South Dakota’s “Great Faces” are the pictures of countless women who have had a strong influence over the way we live and work. They may be our mothers, sisters or daughters. Perhaps a coworker, employer, or teacher. Maybe they’re one of South Dakota’s notable female pioneers. Perhaps she’s... Read more
South Dakota Receives Highest Rating Possible From Moody’s
Old Governor Dennis Daugaard February 26, 2016 0
On Friday, February 19, we learned Moody’s has upgraded South Dakota’s lease-revenue bond rating to Aa1. This is great news for South Dakota. Aa1 is the highest rating South Dakota can receive from Moody’s. It is equivalent to the AAA rating we received from Standard & Poor’s last spring. It... Read more
