Category Archives: State

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

When I ran for Senate, I ran on the promise to do everything I could to repeal and replace the unworkable Affordable Care Act (ACA) and mitigate the damaging effects it was having on South Dakota families, health care providers and small businesses. After two years and a Republican entering the White House eager to work with us, the 115th Congress has finally begun the process of repealing and replacing the ill-advised law.

The Senate took the first steps recently by passing a repeal resolution, a necessary component that will allow us to repeal the law later this year by a simple majority vote. Meanwhile, the Senate continues to work on a replacement that is affordable, market-driven and truly centered around the patient. These are the fundamental principles that Obamacare has failed to deliver to the American people.

As the repeal timeline is established, there will be a transition period before its replacement is fully implemented. We recognize the need to protect healthcare benefits during this transition. There is agreement that continuation of coverage is an important part of any replacement plan. We anticipate that there will be many options made available for health care design and coverages through this replacement legislation. However, all will include a guaranteed renewal of coverage, portability of coverage and children remaining on their families’ plans until the age of 26.

Since the partisan law was enacted seven years ago, Americans have been painfully aware of its shortcomings. Supporters of the law promised that premiums would go down. Instead, they continue to skyrocket, increasing 37 percent in South Dakota this year alone. Supporters also promised that those who liked their coverage could keep it, yet since the ACA was enacted nearly 5 million Americans lost the health care plans they enjoyed.

Americans are also left with fewer health care options when seeking coverage. Because insurers are losing so much money on Obamacare, many have left the marketplace altogether. Over half of the Obamacare co-ops have already failed. South Dakota is one of nine states which have only two health care providers offering insurance plans on the exchange. Five more states have only one provider in their state, a dramatic decrease from the pre-Obamacare era.

Countless South Dakotans have contacted my office to share their problems with Obamacare. One father of three from Rapid City wrote me recently to explain that his family’s premium was rising 357 percent for 2017. “I do not know what my next year will bring,” he wrote, “but I do know that I will likely be unable to afford my premiums or my needed health care.”

Another gentleman, from Sioux Falls, is facing a 47 percent increase in his premium this year, on top of an increase in copays and the deductible. A South Dakota veteran also wrote asking Congress to provide Obamacare relief to small business owners after seeing his premium more than double from $800 a month to more than $1,600 between 2014 and 2016. Hard-working, middle-class South Dakotans “are falling through the cracks,” he pleaded. I couldn’t agree more.

Since the law was being debated in 2009, I have warned that Obamacare is unaffordable and unsustainable, and that it would eventually crumble under its own weight. That is what we are seeing today, and that is why the 115th Congress acted swiftly to begin the process to repeal it. As we continue the march toward repeal, we will also work on a replacement that is truly affordable, patient-centered and market-based.

By Sen. John Thune

The Republican-led Congress heard the American people loud and clear on Obamacare. The law is broken beyond repair, and Americans are looking for a better, more patient-centered approach. According to a recent poll, eighty percent of Americans want to see the law substantially changed or repealed and replaced entirely. In South Dakota alone, I’ve heard from hundreds of people who have been negatively affected by Obamacare, and it is heart wrenching to read some of their stories.

One person in particular told me the premium for his family’s health insurance spiked by 357 percent this year. Stories like this one are why South Dakotans are upset and why they feel let down by a political party in Washington that sold them a lemon of a health care system. Obamacare was supposed to drive down costs, but premiums and deductibles have skyrocketed. It was supposed to increase choices, but some Americans have been relegated to a single option for coverage. That’s not choice, and it’s not affordable either.

The law isn’t working, and the sooner my Democrat colleagues accept that reality, the sooner we can move toward a health care system that actually works for the American people. Democrats have been so focused on the number of people they claim have signed up for Obamacare that they forget about the millions of Americans who lost the coverage they had and liked before the president signed the bill in the first place. They also forget that when it comes to Obamacare, “coverage” and “affordability” aren’t exactly synonymous. The deductibles for some plans are so high that it’s hard to even call it coverage at all.

That’s why Republicans have for years pledged that when we had majorities in both houses of Congress and a willing partner in the White House, we would repeal this failed law once and for all and replace it with common-sense reforms that put the American people first. Congress has already taken some important first steps that have laid the groundwork to fully and finally repeal and replace Obamacare, but there’s more work ahead.

It’s important to know that when we send a repeal bill to President Trump, we won’t be pulling the rug out from under the American people. Our plan will include a transition period to protect Americans with existing Obamacare coverage from being left high and dry. While we’re still determining how long that transition period should be, Republicans are unified in our goal to repeal Obamacare, which is why we’re using it as a starting point.

When it comes to replacing Obamacare, you’re not going to see Republicans roll out a massive government-knows-best bill that takes over the nation’s health care system. Democrats tried that with Obamacare, and it failed miserably. Republicans will work toward replacing Obamacare with step-by-step reforms that actually lower costs and increase access to care. It’s what the American people deserve and have been asking for, and I hope Democrats join us in working toward this important goal as well.

Greetings to everyone in District 21. Another year has come and gone, and once again legislators have gathered in Pierre for the 92nd Legislative Session. I pray that everyone had a very blessed year.

During the first week, we heard the State of the State address, the State of the Judiciary from Chief Justice Gilbertson, and the State of the Tribes from Chairman Robert Flying Hawk.

Governor Daugaard delivered his State of the State address on the first day of the session and highlighted his top priorities for the session, as well as progress made in specific programs. One of the biggest lows for South Dakota is that revenue is down an additional $5.8 million from the time of the Budget Address. This totals $31.9 million from what was expected. This drop in revenue was due to a down farm economy, low inflation, lower tourism numbers compared to a record in 2015, cautious consumers, and online purchases. With regards to revenue, Governor Daugaard’s biggest news was that Amazon will begin collecting sales tax on February 1, 2017. This will help South Dakota fill the gap created with the decreased revenue during the past year. Another piece of good news is that our state obtained AAA bond ratings (the highest possible) from three major credit agencies. Also, the governor was happy to report that teacher salaries have increased 11.9% this year, with the average teacher salary being $46,937.

One of the biggest issues Governor Daugaard mentioned that is facing our state is an increase in methamphetamine trafficking. He listed three goals for 2017 to address this problem: stop meth from coming into South Dakota, educate people to prevent use, and help those addicted to stop using meth. We will be seeing some bills come up this session to address this growing concern. Some of the new proposals we are seeing so far are to make some changes to the Public Safety Improvement Act, incentivize effective completion of treatment, and to propose grants to expand HOPE 24/7 probation to all counties.

Another topic that will be receiving a lot of attention this session is Initiated Measure 22. The governor called on the legislative body to repeal and replace IM-22. Governor Daugaard stated that this signals a need to end out-of-state organizations from experimenting with South Dakota’s Constitution and laws and protect the state from interference from these groups. Regarding this issue, there are a few points I would like to clarify. In December 2016, a South Dakota judge ruled IM-22 unconstitutional and entirely unenforceable. An out-of-state group spent out-of-state money in excess of over $1 million in dark money (meaning they don’t have to disclose their donors) with less than $1000 of SD money used to mislead South Dakotans with a 34 page, 70 section measure they knew was unconstitutional before they put it on the ballot. Also, as it is currently written, IM-22 would cost the state tax payers over $5 million every year to pay for political ads and prohibit teachers, nurses, business owners, and others from serving in the legislature. There are two bills that the Secretary of State has submitted to replace IM-22. SB53 would create a Campaign Finance Ethics Commission and SB54 deals with revising certain provisions regarding campaign finance requirements. There is a lot to iron out with this measure and it will prove to be a source for many interesting discussions.

The ballot measures you voted on this past election were supported strongly with out-of-state money. Only $1 of $10 spent in advertisement and promotion was money from SD in support of the measures. The very reason this process was put in place in the 1800’s when SD was first established was to prevent outside interest groups from running the business of SD. Now, it has turned full circle and out-of-state money is what is driving the ballot issues brought to a vote of the people of SD. This process is being looked at and legislation will be seen to turn this process back to the people of SD.

I look forward to serving you this year.  Please contact me at lee.qualm@sdlegislature.gov with your ideas and concerns. Have a wonderful week and stay warm!

Representative Lee Qualm
Majority Leader
Vice Chairman State Affairs Committee
Legislative Procedures Committee

Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced that he will appoint Doug Sharp of Watertown to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission.

“Doug will be a great addition to the Game, Fish and Parks Commission. He is a lifelong resident to South Dakota and committed to making this state a better place to live, work and recreate for current and future generations,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Also, I would like to thank Jim Spies for lending his service and expertise to the commission over the past six years. He will be missed.”

Sharp is the owner of Sharp Automotive in Watertown. He has provided leadership in a variety of roles and community organizations, including the South Dakota Auto Dealers, Watertown Development Company, Brookings Development Company, Focus Watertown, South Dakota Building Authority, South Dakota Community Foundation, South Dakota Lottery Commission, Prairie Lakes Hospital Board and the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I am excited to serve in this role and appreciate the appointment from the Governor,” said Sharp. “My family and I have enjoyed the outdoor opportunities this state has to offer for years. I look forward to helping in any way I can to continue to maintain and improve the quantity and quality of those opportunities as they align with the mission of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks and my role on the Commission.”

Sharp and his wife Lynn have been married for over 30 years and have four children.
Sharp will replace Jim Spies, also of Watertown, who is retiring after serving 6 years. Sharp’s first Commission meeting will be Jan. 12-13, 2017, in Pierre with his term ending January 2021.

The GFP Commission serves as the advocate and liaison between the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and its stakeholders – the people of South Dakota. The Commission consists of eight members, appointed by the Governor for four year terms.

South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) is pleased to announce the launch of The South Dakota Network at SD.net.

SD.net provides direct access to live webcasts, news, and information from the South Dakota Legislature, state boards and commissions, and the South Dakota High School Activities Association.

SD.net serves as a central hub for SDPB’s coverage of the South Dakota Legislature, the 100+ South Dakota Boards and Commissions, the Legislative Research Council, and South Dakota high school activities. On SD.net, South Dakotans can easily access minutes, public documents, information on members, and agendas for scheduled meetings.

For more than 125 years, BankWest has remained committed to the communities, businesses and people it serves. In keeping with this core value, the bank will award $27,000 in college scholarships this spring. BankWest Chairman, President and CEO Charles H. Burke III said 18 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors and undergraduate college students for the 2017-18 academic year. The $1,500 scholarships may be used to fund tuition at any accredited, post-secondary educational institution. Involvement in community activities, personal character and academic integrity are the three primary areas of consideration during the selection process.

“This is the 24th year BankWest has provided scholarships to our area youth,” Burke said. “Some of the brightest and most community-involved students come from South Dakota and this is one way that BankWest encourages them to pursue their academic dreams.”

To apply for a 2017 BankWest Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a BankWest deposit account holder for a minimum of six months preceding the application deadline.

• Be a United States citizen.

• Be a high school senior or full-time undergraduate student currently attending an accredited post high school educational institution.

• Have not previously received a BankWest Scholarship.

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. Online applications may be found at: www.bankwest-sd.bank and hard copies will soon be available at all BankWest branch locations. Scholarship finalists will be invited to BankWest’s corporate office in Pierre for a personal interview on March 6 or 7, 2017. Awards will be announced in April. Students who are not currently BankWest deposit account holders are invited to visit any BankWest branch and discuss opening an account and/or eligibility for next year’s scholarship program.

South Dakota’s gas price average of $2.23 is the highest it’s been since Nov. 4, AAA reports. Today’s mark of $2.23 per gallon is 28 cents above the price recorded one year ago.

“Heading into 2017, gasoline demand is expected to drop drastically after a record-busting year-end holiday travel season. Pump prices will respond likewise as demand declines,” said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota.

Nationwide, retail averages have increased 28 of the past 31 days and prices have moved higher by fractions of a penny since Friday. The national average for regular gasoline currently sits at $2.29 per gallon, which is four cents more than one week ago, 16 cents more than one month ago and 29 cents more year-over-year.

AAA estimates U.S. drivers have saved about $27 billion at the pump so far this year compared to the same period last year. Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is 29 cents more than the average price on New Year’s Day in 2016 ($2.00). Most U.S. drivers are expected to pay the second-cheapest New Year’s Day gas prices since 2009, when the national average was $1.62.

To start off the new year, all eyes will be on OPEC to see if they, along with partnering countries, will stick to their 6-month promise to cut 1.8-million b/d of crude per day. The Oil Price Information Service projects that member compliance will likely be around about 70 percent, with expectations that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and other Arab Gulf countries will stick to the deal while Libya and Nigeria could potentially increase their production output if conflict in both countries continues.

Over the past five years, the average domestic drop in demand during January has been 358,000 barrels per day or about 15-million gallons, according to OPIS. The oil information service estimates a larger dip this year.

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

Two years ago, you trusted me with your vote to serve as your United States Senator. Having seen the damaging effects of our overreaching, broken federal government as a business owner, governor, father and grandfather, I was eager to get to work to fix Washington.

While partisan gridlock in Washington still exists, we were able to make progress in several specific areas. We were able to enact the first major changes to our education laws since ‘No Child Left Behind,’ returning decision-making to the local level where it belongs. We also passed a long-term highway bill for the first time in two decades, allowing us to make long-overdue improvements to our roads and bridges.

While we still have work to do on tax reform, we were able to come together to make permanent sales tax deductions as well as deductions for charitable giving and certain educators. We also made section 179 permanent at the $500,000 level, which particularly benefits farmers and ranchers and could increase U.S. economic output by nearly $19 billion over 10 years. This type of tax relief allows South Dakota families and businesses to plan more efficiently and spend more of their money how they see fit.

While the accomplishments of the 114th Congress are a start, I am also aware of the challenges we continue to face. Despite getting 240 bipartisan bills signed into law, we still have a broken budget system, an over-sized bureaucracy, too much red tape and a tax code that is more than 74,000 pages in length.

The regulatory regime alone is costing Americans nearly $1.9 trillion annually, far more than is paid in individual income taxes. These regulatory costs are taking money out of the pockets of hard-working South Dakotans, stunting economic growth in our country and hurting the citizens our government is meant to serve.

While we have made improvements to agencies such as the VA, too many veterans today are still suffering at the hands of administrative bureaucracy. We have an Indian Health System in need of total overhaul, employing twice as many bureaucrats as actual health providers. Meanwhile, tribal members are literally dying awaiting care the federal government has an obligation to provide. We must seek ways to make these and other agencies more efficient.

In the next Congress, addressing our debt crisis must also be a priority. The long-term driver of our debt is mandatory payments and interest on our debt, currently over $19 trillion. Yet Congress does not even debate the merits of mandatory payments, which accounts for more than 70 percent of our spending today. I have been working with a number of other senators to find ways to revise the budget process here in Congress, so we can address our budget crisis. What we have been working on would open up the entire budget to congressional management, including mandatory payments.

As we move forward to the 115th Congress and a new, Republican administration eager to work with us, rather than against us, I am optimistic in our ability to build on the successes of the past two years. But we must also get serious about bringing real changes that will leave our country even stronger for the next generation of Americans.

By Rep. Kristi Noem

The swearing-in ceremony on January 3 marks the official start of the 115th Congress, but our work to prepare for these next two years has been ongoing for months.

Last summer, House Republicans introduced a once-in-a-generation blueprint for the reforms we feel are necessary to move this country forward. In late December after most of Congress had gone home for the holidays, I – along with just 23 other members of the House Ways and Means Committee – came back to Washington to hammer out two critical sections of this blueprint: tax reform and healthcare reform.

On tax reform, we worked on a framework for a simpler, flatter and fairer tax code. Coming from a state that has zero income tax, I wanted to share a real-world example of the economic benefits of a lower tax rate. As a busy mom, I wanted to speak to the importance of a simpler tax return – one that may even be simple enough to fit on a postcard. As an experienced small business owner, farmer and rancher, I wanted the tax code to incentivize growth in the American economy. And as a taxpayer, I wanted the loopholes to be closed and the IRS to be held accountable. Our work continues, but I’m glad we were able to communicate this vision from the onset.

On healthcare reform, we plan to take immediate steps to repeal Obamacare. While we’re still navigating the best legislative path from that point, we are committed to protecting the healthcare needs of all Americans. At our meeting in December, we worked through a number of ideas for creating a system that no longer relies on mandates, but instead ensures affordable access so families can choose what works best for them. This plan would deliver unprecedented freedom, empowering Americans to purchase the healthcare plan of their choice, manage how they spend their healthcare dollars, and access their electronic health records. Moreover, it would include tools that drive down the actual cost for delivering healthcare, an expense that is higher per person in the U.S. than almost any nation in the world. The only way health insurance is going to be affordable is if the delivery of healthcare becomes less expensive too.

With so much at stake, it was important to get a seat at the table for South Dakota during these debates. After all, there are challenges that come with having just one representative in the House. Places like Texas, for instance, have dozens of congressmen who can represent the state’s interests on any given issue. A state like South Dakota, however, occupies just one of 435 seats, so making our perspective known requires a deliberate effort. Getting in on these types of conversations is one of the reasons I fought for a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee last Congress.

Our state might be small, but we’ve already had a major impact on what’s expected to be an aggressive 2017 agenda. What’s more, those contributions have helped establish the tone for the 115th Congress and set the legislative branch up to hit the ground running on Day 1.

John Lillibridge of Burke is one of 13 former basketball players who will inducted into the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

The eighth annual induction ceremony will be at 1 p.m. on March 25 at the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls.
Lillibridge achieved career totals of 1,984 points and 1,008 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

At the University of South Dakota he played basketball and was a record setting discus thrower.