Details from the District 2: Opening week of 101st Session filled with traditions
Greetings, District 2!
The 101st session of the South Dakota Legislature is underway! On Monday, my family and I joined landowners from across the state in the Capitol Rotunda for the fourth annual Rally for Property Rights, held just one day before the session began. During the event, Senator Mark Lapka announced that he is partnering with Representative Karla Lems to propose a state constitutional amendment that would strengthen protections for landowners – affirming, “No Eminent Domain for Private Gain.” It was a large and energetic rally, with strong support for those who spoke.
On Tuesday, Governor Rhoden delivered his State of the State Address. I appreciated his comments about improving education in South Dakota. He announced that phonics will return to reading instruction and that Common Core will be removed from mathematics classes – both positive steps, in my view. He also spoke about his efforts to prevent the abortion pill from getting into our state, where it is illegal. I value his diligence on this matter. The governor also discussed the Department of Corrections’ work to expand faith-based programming to restore hope, build character, and strengthen our correctional system.
That same day, the Appropriations Committee held its first meeting of the session. In these early weeks, each department presents its spending reports to the committee. With the fraud and corruption coming out of some surrounding states, I’m grateful to serve alongside good, attentive colleagues to ensure South Dakota departments remain accountable with taxpayer dollars.
On Wednesday, we heard Chief Justice Steven Jensen deliver the State of the Judiciary Address. He announced a pilot program to provide pretrial services – including supervision, treatment, and court oversight – earlier in the legal process. This will allow courts to gather and use information more effectively. We also heard Rosebud Sioux President Kathleen Wood Knife present the State of the Tribes Address. I appreciate the governor’s efforts to rebuild trust and communication with the tribes after some strained relationships with our former governor.
On Thursday, the Legislature passed a resolution celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – complete with a visit from a Thomas Jefferson impersonator!
Policy committees began meeting Thursday and Friday, so we are now in full swing. Stay tuned as your District 2 legislators take turns providing weekly updates throughout this year’s session.
