News

I would like to start this week’s recap off by saying thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Tripp and Gregory Country cracker barrels. There were a lot of good questions and discussion. For all of us elected to represent the district well, we need to hear from you. Thank you!

Hey everyone, it’s been a busy week up here in Pierre. This week is our only 5-day week of the session and the most chaotic so far. Because of the busyness and chaos, I have decided to let my intern, Tristen Petrik from Platte, write my article this week about what’s been going on in Pierre.

Bullying is not “kids being kids,' tearing down others emotionally or physical aggression against another person is not “girls just being mean” or “boys being boys”. Harm is harm. The Oxford dictionary defines bullying as: seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce (someone perceived as vulnerable).

PIERRE, S.D. – Sen. Sue Peterson, chair of the Senate Taxation Committee, summed up what others on the panel seemed to think in rejecting a proposed state sales tax increase in exchange for a reduction in local property taxes.

What a special moment for Wagner and for one of its own as Wagner’s Ashlyn Koupal was recently selected to play in the McDonald’s All American Game, becoming the first South Dakota girl in history to earn the honor.

Yes. Though rules differ, several South Dakota reservations allow hunting on tribal lands. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, located in north-central South Dakota and parts of North Dakota, allows hunting on its 1.6 million acres.

RAPID CITY, S.D. – As worldwide demand for rare earth elements and other similar minerals rises – as do tensions among the United States, China and now Greenland – South Dakota is experiencing its own debate over its reserves of what are known as "critical minerals.

The 101st Legislative Session is one third of the way done with the completion of Week Three. The most significant piece of legislation passed was HB1044 making an appropriation for the Rural Health Transformation Program.

You may see or hear of the few occurrences that happen in Pierre that discredit our political process and take away from the real work we are doing. I chose to serve with respect. Politics can get ugly and not all opinions are the same.

Week 2 of the 101st Legislative Session is in the books, and Pierre didn’t just pick up the pace—it hit full stride. With seven weeks ahead, we’ve got a lot left to tackle, including the big one: property tax relief. Before I get into policy, here’s a quick update from home.