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
New Law a Win for Consumers, Producers, and Innovators
Old Senator John Thune February 26, 2016 0
Honey production is an important part of South Dakota’s agriculture economy. In fact, we’re consistently one of the top honey-producing states in the country. While that’s a badge of honor many South Dakotans wear proudly, and rightly so, the United States produces less than half the amount of honey... Read more
Weekly Column: Justice Scalia: The Gold Standard
Old Senator Mike Rounds February 26, 2016 0
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones, as well as all Americans who share his core conservative values and beliefs. For almost 30 years, Justice Scalia was one of the court’s strongest defenders of our Constitution. His brilliant legal mind and... Read more
State Wrestling Day One Updates
Milbank Area Wrestling February 26, 2016 0
The Valley Express is committed to keeping you informed on everything happening in our community. Throughout the day, continue to check back to see how our wrestlers are doing in Rapid City. Tweets by @MilbankVESports Read more
Week 7 Update
Old Jason Frerichs February 25, 2016 0
Work in Pierre has reached the point where many of the issues have been voted on in each chamber. I enjoyed being able to elevate the issue of the need to close a loophole where oil pipelines don’t pay into any cleanup fund at the Federal or State level.... Read more
Rounds Discusses Future of Hot Springs VA During Veterans’ Committee Hearing
Old Senator Mike Rounds February 24, 2016 0
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today at a joint Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing discussed the proposed reconfiguration of the Black Hills Health Care System with American Legion leadership. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently holding a... Read more
