The big debate
Old John Wiik February 22, 2016 0
At the beginning of this year’s legislative session, we brought in a legislative life coach, for lack of a better term. He was a former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives who had a horrible scandal filled fall from grace. One of the points he brought up in the discussion... Read more
Implementing Juvenile Justice Reforms
Old Governor Dennis Daugaard February 19, 2016 0
Under the South Dakota Constitution, the governor is “responsible for the faithful execution of the law.” This is not something I take lightly. In my second term I have been especially focused on executing new reforms passed by our legislators – and not simply executing but executing well. Without... Read more
Week 6 Update
Old Jason Frerichs February 18, 2016 0
Greetings from our State Capitol as we are working through various pieces of legislation. All 105 legislators make the trip to Pierre with ideas from our home districts along with proposals that come from organizations. I enjoyed having the Langford Area senior government class recently visit the Capitol and... Read more
Rounds Looking for South Dakotans to Join Him in Hosting Community Conversations Across the State
Old Senator Mike Rounds February 16, 2016 0
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R- S.D.) today announced his Community Conversations program in which he will travel the state visiting with various communities. Community Conversations will allow Rounds to hear firsthand from local leaders, constituents and business owners to better understand their local interests and concerns. “Strong,... Read more
What happened?
Old John Wiik February 15, 2016 0
At one of the High Schools in our district, there was a sign that reads ‘CHARACTER IS DOING THE RIGHT THING EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING”. I like that sign. I saw it once, and I’ll never forget it. I assume that the converse of that statement on the... Read more
Life and Death Issues in the House
Old Fred Deutsch February 15, 2016 0
First, I need to express my gratitude to Senator Jim Peterson who announced that he will not be seeking another term in the legislature. Jim is a senior statesman and as good a guy as they come. It has been my honor to work with him representing the people... Read more
Noem Statement on Passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
Old-Representative Kristi Noem February 13, 2016 0
Representative Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after the sudden passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: “Today, we lost a great defender of our Constitution – a man whose admirable faith and unyielding candor left a lasting impact on our nation. There are never quite the... Read more
Thune Statement on the Passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
Old Senator John Thune February 13, 2016 0
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia who was scheduled to speak in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, next month: “Today we learned the sad news of Justice Scalia’s passing. With his... Read more
Weekly Column: Innovation over Regulation
Old-Representative Kristi Noem February 12, 2016 0
Just when many of us were starting to feel the relief of lower gas prices, President Obama put forward a plan to increase the price at the pump by about 25 cents per gallon. Obviously, he does not recognize that many people are just trying to keep their heads... Read more
Working To Increase Teacher Pay
Old Governor Dennis Daugaard February 12, 2016 0
This week, the legislative session reached its half-way point. Legislators are working hard as they consider bills on a wide range of topics. Education funding is a major topic of discussion this year. At the beginning of session, I offered a plan to increase teacher pay and to reform the school... Read more
