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Iamveryimpressedwithall the emails and letters regarding potential legislation and how it could, if implemented, impact your life. While time consuming, I am sure to read them all. As stated last week we do have a new Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Governor Larry Rhoden has been a public servant of the state for almost 20 years and one I have called a friend for many of those years. Never in South Dakota history has the transition of Governor taken placeduringthelegislativesession. Withthetransitioncomes a Lt. Governor nomination; Rhoden has chosen Armour native, Representative Tony Venhuizen to fulfill this role. Representative Venhuizen has served in many capacities in the executive and legislative branches, he is a wealth of knowledge and will be missed intheHouse.Venhuizenunanimously wontheapprovalofthe legislature, and I know he will serve us well. Best wishes to both in their new roles.
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DAYS OF SCHOOL CELEBRATION
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The most recent survey of teen mental health by the Centers for Disease Control in 2023 revealed that 20.3% of adolescents in the United States have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. This reflects a 35% increase since 2016. The survey also found that 40% of teens reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and, tragically, 9% attempted suicide.
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Tom Studelska was a pioneer in the sport of wrestling since the late 1950s. He was on the first wrestling team in Parkston in 1959. After high school, Tom played a significant role in starting wrestling at the University of South Dakota Springfield where he wrestled as part of the team for three years in addition to being a four-year letter winner in football.
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Hello District 19 – Tuesday marked the start of the second week of the 100th Legislative Session, and with that, the pace and workload have increased. As of Friday, we only have 30 days left of the session, so I anticipate some long days ahead as we wrestle several major issues.
Read moreWe have completed our 2nd week of the 100th legislative session. Things are picking up in the second week. There are almost 200 bills introduced already. IserveontheCommerce and Energy committee and the State Affairs committee. State Affairs typically covers the hot topic state issues and Commerce and Energy covers a wide variety of issues related to all business happenings, licensing, insurance, utilities, alcohol, tobacco, gaming and muchmore.Ibelievethebigger issues we will be facing this session are education savings accounts, eminent domain reform, a potential new prison, statelibraryfundingandSouth Dakota Public broadcasting funding. HB 1052 an act to prohibit theexerciseofeminentdomain for a pipeline that carries carbon oxide passed in State Affairs 10-3. The bill will move to the House. I supported the bill. This has been the biggest issue in the legislature while I haveservedyou.ReferredLaw failed in every county I represent. HB 1022 an act to prohibit themisbrandingofanycellcultured proteinproductpassedin the House. I supported the bill to protect livestock producers and their consumers. I had the honor to sponsor several high schoolers to serve as pages: Kendra Endorf, Brooke Endorf and my son, Brayden Bahmuller. We should all be proud of their service to South Dakota they have represented us well. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to be a part of the legislative process and developabetterunderstanding ofgovernment.Bythetimeyou are reading South Dakota may haveanewGovernor.Icongratulate GovernorKristiNoemon her new position and wish her well. This should be a smooth and quick transition. Once Governor Noem is approved by the Senate she will resign as Governor and Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will automatically become our next Governor. I would like to thank the Bon Homme County 4-Hers, Freeman Academy High School, FFA District Officers, thehomeschoolstudents and many constituents who visited the capitol and reached outregardingbills.Likealways visiting with you is always the best part of my week. When reaching out via emailplease include our District or your hometown we received many emails and I want to know I am working for my people. It is an absolute honor to serve you.
Read moreThe second week of Session began Tuesday, Jan. 21, with a voteonSenateJointResolution 502 which applies for a convention of states to impose fiscal restraints, limit the powers of the Federal Government and impose term limits on members ofCongress.TheNational Debt continues to grow, and burdensome regulations are being created all the time. SJR 502 passed the Senate, 23-9. I voted in favor.
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