Groundbreaking News!

SD Property Tax Study

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 20:21:08 GMT

Gets a Green Light

At a meeting on May 16 ^th in Pierre, the Executive Board and the Legislative Research Council approved the “Property Tax Structure and Tax Burden Study” that was proposed last March. The study will take place over the summer with the first meeting scheduled for June 27 ^th in Pierre. Trish Ladner was appointed the Committee Chair and Senator Mary Duvall as Vice-Chair. West River committee members include Representatives Kirk Chaffee, Oran Lesmeister, Tim Goodwin, Mike Derby, and Senators Jessica Castleberry, and Gary Cammack. East River committee members include, Representatives Lance Koth, Larry Tidemann, Mike Weisgram and Senators, Casey Crabtree, Jack Kolbeck, Reynold Nesiba, and Larry Zikmund. Will Steward, a Research Analyst, has been assigned as the lead staff of this committee representing the Legal Research Council for the legislature.

The scope of the study is to, “examine the existing property tax structure; consider means by which the total property tax burden of South Dakotans could be decreased; and to compare the property taxation of similar states by examining those states’ property tax assessment guidelines, their respective definitions of the tax base, and determination of tax rates.” Per the Executive Board’s general policy, the committee will have five meeting days to hold three meetings to conduct the study. Agendas will be posted on the LRC website. All meetings will be open to the public to attend in person or via “Teams”. If you’d like to attend remotely via “Teams” you will need to call and register with the Legislative Research Council (605.773.3251), in order to be invited to attend the forum.

Property taxes are a primary concern of South Dakotans across the state. We are receiving many letters and e-mails asking us as legislators to find a solution to their property tax increases. A gentleman from Harrisburg, South Dakota closed his letter by saying, “Please don’t let legislative law penalize us long-standing residents and property owners because of the area’s growth!” The study group is looking forward to working together to consider the means by which the total property tax burden of South Dakotans can be addressed.

Amendment C

Mon, 09 May 2022 20:31:50 GMT

A Taxpayer Protection Amendment

This June, on the ballot, we are facing a vote on Amendment C, a taxpayer protection amendment. Amendment C upholds our conservative principles by requiring 60% of the voters to agree on the ballot measures that raises taxes or spends more than $10 million dollars. Currently, new spending programs on the ballot can pass with a vote of a simple majority (50%+1). I have always appreciated the fact that in the legislature there is a 2/3 (67%) vote requirement from both the House and Senate Chambers in order to pass increases and create a new government spending program. A 60% vote to pass tax hikes and new spending programs is more in line with the legislature’s 67% vote currently required, a requirement that has helped to prevent higher taxes and escalating spending. I believe that the timing of this ballot issue is significant in light of the fact that we will be voting on a Medicaid expansion bill on the November ballot. I have spoken with other legislators and county commissioners, and they all agree that the upfront money offered by the U.S. Government could cease after the first few years, leaving the state with a permanent expenditure and perhaps an eventual cut in the federal funding. Once the federal money tapers off, we could see cuts in other things in order to balance the budget.

Your vote does matter. Please vote on June 7th!

Property Tax

Mon, 09 May 2022 20:25:35 GMT

Legislative Property Tax Summer Study

Property taxes are the prime concern of South Dakotans, especially in the Black Hills where the large number of people moving here, has resulted in a housing shortage and our property assessments skyrocketing! Last session we passed some great legislation increasing the income and property value requirements for seniors and disabled to qualify for a property tax freeze and a bill correcting the classification of soil types for Ranchers that could have resulted in up to a 300% increase in their taxes without the correction of soil types.

Between sessions, the legislature conducts interim studies that usually result in some great legislation. Last year two of the studies we focused on were workforce housing and marijuana. Last March, as a member of the Executive Board, I proposed an interim study on property tax reform. I am happy to report that the property tax study was approved by the Executive Board, and I have been named Chair of that committee along with Senator Mary Duval as co-chair. I have to admit that the committee has its job cut out for it. This summer we will begin by looking at the existing South Dakota property tax structure, compare taxation methods of similar states, and examine tax assessment guidelines. The committee will be comprised of 15 Representatives and Senators from across the state. We will work together to consider means by which the total property tax burden of South Dakotans can be decreased. Obviously, this is not going to be a quick or easy fix, but big, important issues never are.

Our vote does matter and if we believe in the conservative principles of low taxes and limited government, I would like to encourage you to turn out and vote on June 7 ^th .

Mid way through session!

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 23:07:50 GMT

It is hard to believe that this week we hit the half way mark for the 2022 Legislative Session. This year we have over 500 bills that the committees will be reviewing and voting on. If they make it through committee, it is then presented to the House body for a vote. I am currently serving on the House Commerce & Energy and the AG and Natural Resources Committees. This past week in the AG and Natural Resources Committee we heard testimony regarding HB 1181-A, a bill to prohibit the use of cyanide for the purpose of mining for uranium. This is a serious subject in District 30.

The committee listened to both the proponent and opponent testimony. During committee discussion and/or action, I brought up the fact that in 2016 a study was released by two South Dakota School of Mines and Technology scientists and a scientist from California State University-Fresno that showed that uranium levels at Angostura Reservoir are elevated and caused by runoff from mining. The study looked at stream sediments along the Cheyenne River watershed and found that the human activity that contributed to the elevated uranium levels could be traced to abandoned uranium mines across the area and mill near Edgemont. The water in the Cheyenne River helps to irrigate fields and provide water for livestock across Lakota Country. In the article it was noted by Gena Parkhurst, President of the Black Hills Chapter of Dakota Rural Action that, “This impacts people throughout western South Dakota. The Cheyenne River runs along or through two reservations and five counties and impacts agriculture and tourism. We need to clean it up.” I couldn't agree with that statement more. I believe that we need to find a solution to the uranium levels in our water supply and I voted against the bill. It was defeated in committee and sent to the 41st day. Make no mistake, uranium mining has had an impact on the quality of our water and our underground aquifers.

On Thursday, I had the honor and privilege to be invited to the signing of Senate Bill 46; the Fairness in Woman's Sport Bill. This was the first bill that Governor Noem signed in 2022. The Governor noted that this bill will guarantee that our daughters and granddaughters have the same athletic opportunities as previous generations.

I also wanted to update you on HB 1039; a grass land tax relief bill. There was a fiscal impact note requested on January 20th. I have been told that the note has been difficult for LRC to generate because the Department of Revenue and the individual county assessors do not have the information available in order for them to produce the impact numbers. It surprises me that the Department of Revenue does not have the information for the impact study, but they don't have any problem knowing what tax to assess our property owners ... that is a little concerning to me. The fiscal note should be released this week. I am looking forward to revisiting HB 1039 and presenting it on the floor of the House. Just to remind you, the bill passed in Ag and Natural Resource committee with 10 yes and 3 no votes.

I am sure I will have a lot more news to share with you about HB 1039 next week. Until then, thank you for your emails, phone calls and support. You voice really does matter!

Trish Ladner, Representative District 30

Looking Forward to 2022

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 23:57:35 GMT

Where did 2021 go?!?

Well, here we are just days away from ushering in 2022 ... where did 2021 go?? As I look back over the last 12 months, it has been a year of learning and growth. I have met so many amazing people across South Dakota and the United States, gaining knowledge from them along the way. As part of that learning experience, I have had the opportunity to champion and support bills that were important to those living in District 30. It is amazing how a bill at first blush, can look like a great bill. However, as you dig deeper into the bill, you discover that buried deep within it is language that changes the entire meaning. Having the ability to call and speak with my constituents at home to discuss issues has been invaluable to me, and has helped me to better represent you in Pierre.

This year, as we gear up for the 2022 legislative session, there are two hot topics for me with many more to come as session gets underway. The first issue, as you might have already guessed, is Draft Bill 50. This is a grassland tax relief bill for our ranchers. The bill does not change any current law. The bill specifically stipulates that this is an additional avenue with which ranch landowners may use to categorize their land as noncropland regardless of the soil classification of the land as long as they meet the bill’s criteria.

The second issue that is absolutely imperative for us to address is affordable workforce housing. District 30 is not the only area experiencing a housing shortage. This is a problem being experienced throughout the state. I have heard many stories from business owners across industries (ie., construction, hospitality, tourism and medical). Every one of them has told me that if they are fortunate enough to find a qualified candidate and offer them a position, it is more often than not, turned down because the new hire is unable to find housing.

Governor Noem recognizes the severity of this issue and in her budget address earlier this month, she proposed a $200 million dollar investment in workforce housing and a partnership between developers, municipalities, and the state. Each partner would invest one-third of the total dollars needed (one-third investment by developers, one-third investment from municipalities and one-third investment from the state). This partnership increases the total investment in workforce housing to $600 million dollars. The state has pledged to work with cities, counties, and developers to invest these dollars wisely and facilitate growth in every corner of the state.

This past week I attended a roundtable meeting in Custer, organized by Jeff Prior from Dakota Greens Nursery, to discuss affordable workforce housing. There were community leaders representing the financial, construction, hospitality, and medical fields as well as representative from the City of Custer, the County of Custer, and Qusi Al-Haj the West River Director overseeing all West River operations for Senator John Thune. All agreed that the biggest challenges that our communities are facing is the lack of skilled workers and the lack of affordable housing for them. It was a very productive meeting and before it ended, the group decided to form a Black Hills Housing Group to work on identifying federal and state programs that already exist that could assist in solving the housing problem. Qusi noted that it is easier to adjust existing programs than to create new ones.

Recognizing that there is strength in numbers, the group is hoping to bring in other counties such as Fall River, Meade, and Lawrence counties (to name a few), to work together and participate in finding solutions. There were many great ideas and strategic conversations around the table, and I am looking forward to working with this motivated and focused group of professionals to work toward a plan and solution to the lack of housing that we are experiencing in our communities.

As we move forward to 2022, I’d like to wish you and your family a wonderful New Year filled with good health, and prosperity in every area of your life!!

Counting my blessings this holiday season

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 17:26:19 GMT

What a year it has been!

As we begin the holiday season, I am compelled to count my blessings. Wow, where do I begin? This past year has been a year of phenomenal experiences; being sworn as a State Representative (truly, an experience I will never forget), serving on the Ag & Natural Resource and the Commerce & Energy committees as well as the honor of being elected to the Executive Board by my peers. Being a representative in the House, representing District 30 is a “responsibility” I do not take lightly.

Even though I came from a corporate background, I quickly realized that I was a novice to the inner workings of the political machine. Frankly, all of the newly elected are. My fellow representatives knew this, and they reached out to support, educate, and show me the ropes. I am so thankful for their tutoring. They have helped to make me a representative that effectively represents you in Pierre today and into the future.

After session ended in March, I have been zigging and zagging across the state meeting with ranchers, legislators, statewide organizations, and county officials asking for support of Draft Bill 50 for our ranchers. If you haven’t explored the rural ranch land throughout South Dakota, you really should. It is quite eye opening!

This past week we drove to Reva, South Dakota for a meeting hosted by the SD Stock Growers Association that was attended by about 100 ranchers. Why did they drive to Reva, a town with a population of 147 people to meet with us? Because land taxes are becoming a real problem for them, and they are looking for a real solution. During the meeting, one rancher shared that his Grandfather had told him that the only way he would lose the ranch, is if the government taxed him off the land. He isn’t the first rancher to share concerns about that. One rancher wrote to me and said that if the new soil tables are implemented, he would run the risk of losing his ranch because the taxes would soon exceed his income. We also heard stories of big conglomerates approaching ranchers across South Dakota to sell their land to them. As South Dakotan's, I can’t believe that any of us would want that to happen ... I know I don’t!

All the ranchers we have spoken to and those who have “skin in the game,” are 100% on board with Draft Bill 50. There have been two other attempts to pass grassland legislation; 2010 Noem/Peterson Bill HB 1202 and in 2016 Ag Land Task Force Bill SB 4. In both instances, the Department of Revenue asked them to table the bills. Well, two pulled bills and a few lawsuits later, the ranchers are still facing the same problem; some of their grassland is being taxed as cropland when the only possible use is for grazing/grassland. After traveling over 18,000 miles throughout South Dakota over the past eight months, I’ve seen the “highest and best use” discrepancies for myself and I don’t agree with that standard which is currently used to determine agriculture taxes. It may work for the growers that crop the land, but it is not working for the grassland ranchers, particularly in western South Dakota where the elevations are higher with rugged terrain, less rainfall, and shorter growing seasons.

Senator Castleberry and I are encouraged by the progress we have made garnering support for Draft Bill 50, but bottom line, we can’t do this by ourselves. Please consider dropping in at your county assessor’s office to sign two petitions; one in support of tax reform in South Dakota and one to support Draft Bill 50 for our ranchers. Remember, there is strength and influence in numbers!

Well, it's time for the Christmas slow down to begin but before I go, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my home to yours. It has been a true honor and pleasure serving you and District 30 in Pierre and I am looking forward to 2022.

Representative Trish Ladner

District 30

Twelve Legislative Years Later ...

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 18:07:12 GMT

Our ranchers are still waiting for a solution!

I have been asked what the potential economic impact could be if the newly proposed soil tables are implemented, and ranchers see a significant increase in their taxes. I have spoken to many ranchers across the state and have personal testimonies stating that if the new soil tables are implemented, and their land that has always been assessed as grassland is reassessed as cropland, they would be at the point where their taxes would exceed the income generated by their ranch and could risk losing their ranches and homes.

If ranchers are forced out of business, the financial impact to our cities, towns, and rural communities could be significant. The ranchers who currently buy locally; machinery, equipment, trucks, fuel, feed, veterinarian services, etc., would no longer have the need for those goods and services. Our local economies would dramatically be impacted if that occurs.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. My husband grew up on a farm in Eureka, South Dakota. With the farmers came prosperity and it was a thriving community. In the early 1900’s Eureka was known as the wheat capitol of the world! Slowly, but surely over the years, small farms and ranches sold to larger local landowners and eventually many sold to corporate conglomerates who didn’t live locally or buy goods from local businesses. Today, if you drive through Eureka, there is only a remanent left. They have one small locally owned grocery store, one café/bar that is open a couple days a week and one small (card only) gas station. They have gone from a thriving, prosperous town that could field a high school football team to a largely retired community with a high school graduating class of 5.

Even with the drought and low market prices, our ranchers continue to raise their animals for market even though many are just breaking even or paying out of their own pockets when all is said and done. This illustrates to us exactly who the ranchers are! And that is exactly why Senator Castleberry and I are introducing Draft Bill 50 during the 2022 Legislative Session. We have been told that the beauty of this bill is in its simplicity. It does not supplant or replace any existing laws currently in place. This bill simply provides an additional avenue with which ranchers and growers may apply to designate their land as non-cropland, if their land meets the criteria stated in the bill. The bill states that, "Agricultural land may also be categorized as non-crop land, regardless of the soil classification of the land. If the elevation of the land is greater than one thousand nine hundred and fifty feet above sea level, it has been seeded to perennial vegetation for at least 20 years and used for animal grazing or left un-harvested, or if the agricultural land is native grassland.”

In the latest edition of the South Dakota Stock Growers Association magazine, Jeremiah Murphy, Lobbyist for the SD Stock Growers Association recalls testimony to the Tax Committee by Michael Kenyon from the Department of Revenue after the Noem-Peterson Grassland Bill HB1202 was tabled in 2010. He stated that, “This is a significant problem. It is a serious problem.” Kenyon also predicted that, “If the tools aren’t adequate to fix the problem, the bill would be back in a few years.” Well, here we are approaching the 2022 legislative session, twelve legislative years later, and the issue remains unresolved.

This is our chance to stand up as fellow citizens and help champion the rancher’s cause. All of the ranchers I have spoken with are more than willing to pay their taxes .... they just want them to be fair and equitable. I believe that fairness is worth pursuing. If we join together, we can make a difference!! Email your legislator and ask them to support this important piece of legislation. Drop by your local county assessor’s office and sign the petition supporting tax reform in South Dakota and Draft Bill 50. This is South Dakota and your voice and you vote still matters!

Review of Draft Bill 50

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 21:20:21 GMT

A Grassland Tax Relief Bill

During the upcoming legislative session, Senator Castleberry and I will be introducing Draft Bill 50 , a bill that states, “Agricultural land may also be categorized as non-crop land, regardless of the soil classification of the land. If the elevation of the land is greater than one thousand nine hundred and fifty feet above sea level, it has been seeded to perennial vegetation for at least 20 years and used for animal grazing or left unharvested, or if the agricultural land is native grassland.” The provisions of this bill are not to supplant or replace any preexisting methods that are used to categorize land as cropland or noncropland. The bill specifically stipulates that this is an additional avenue with which property owners may use to categorize their land as noncropland.

The beauty of Draft Bill 50 is in its simplicity. By defining the elevation, we take into account the cooler temperatures, shorter growing season, and historically less rainfall in the higher elevations. For example, the elevation of Aberdeen is 1,304 feet above sea level and the elevation of Edgemont is 3,458 feet above sea level. In Aberdeen it takes 3 to 5 acres to raise one cow/calf for market. In Edgemont it takes 60 to 80 acres to raise one cow/calf for market. If we take a random figure of $10 tax per acre (not the actual tax figure, just an easy figure for the calculation), in Aberdeen it would cost the rancher $30 to $50 in taxes to raise that one cow/calf for market. In Edgemont, that same cow/calf would cost the rancher $600 to $800 in taxes in order to raise it for market. As you can see, the elevation/rainfall and soil type dramatically impact the rancher. According to the Fall River County Assessor, this bill would correct up to 85% of the tax assessment issues facing our ranchers.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) recognizes that the inaccuracies in the new soil reassessment is a statewide issue that effects every county in South Dakota. The Secretary of the Department of Revenue issued a statement to their assessors stating, “We are working diligently to roll out new soil tables, but it has to be right, and the data needs to be accurate ... at the present time, however, we simply are not ready to roll out the soil tables.”

To Recap

· In 2016 a new soil reassessment was requested by the Department of Revenue. Dr. Elliott from SDSU conducted the soil survey via Artificial Intelligence (AI) without one boot on the ground. This survey reclassified land that has historically been grassland to cropland which is then taxed at a higher tax rate.

· As an example, in Fall River County, as a result of the new survey, the soil types went from 91 soil types to 270 soil types. Soils categorized as 'cropland' had previously comprised 14% of Fall River County's Ag land. The new table increased that to 28% cropland.

· A Rancher from Hermosa sites many assessment issues on her parcels of land. One example noted is Parcel 1114: Indicated crop acreage is 25.5 of 38 acres. The 24-acre patch lies between a railroad and a gully and broken by fencing. A 1.5-acre patch lies alongside the railroad track.

· There are 43 million acres of AG land in South Dakota. Although the assessor is given the ability to reclassify soil types, to physically walk the land to make the readjustments would be an impossible task. Even if we had the assessors in place to do the job, they couldn’t.

We have a window of opportunity to pass legislation that would give the rancher the option to request the newly designated cropland be put back to a grassland classification. To introduce and promote this piece of legislation, we have met with organizations and county commissioners throughout South Dakota and have garnered the support of the South Dakota Stock Growers Association, Fall River/Custer County Farm Bureau as well as the Fall River County Commissioners, Custer County Commissioners, Bennett County Commissioners, and ranchers throughout South Dakota with more meetings scheduled.

Agriculture is South Dakota’s largest industry, and we need to ensure that it not only survives, but it can thrive. One rancher in Hardening County stated, “I am at the point where the land taxes will exceed the income produced by the land. I risk losing my ranch because my grassland is designated cropland. Cropland that I cannot crop because of terrain and lack of rainfall.”

Ladies and gentlemen, our taxes are meant to be fair and equitable. This situation is neither fair nor equitable. We would appreciate your organization’s support and your help in passing this timely and essential piece of legislation in 2022.

A Legislative Road Trip

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 16:56:17 GMT

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It is Sunday and I am on my way home from a whirlwind week of travel across the beautiful state of South Dakota and what a week it was! On Wednesday, at 9:30 a.m. I had the opportunity to present our Grassland Tax Relief Bill to the Bennet County Commissioners in Martin, SD. The meeting was very well attended including the Bennett County Director of Equalization, and local ranchers. We had enthusiastic support for our bill and the commissioners issued a resolution of support for the legislation.

From Martin, SD we headed east to Pierre for the Executive Board Meeting Wednesday and Thursday at the capitol. In this two-day session, we reviewed and approved the final reports from the interim committees including Marijuana Task Force, Workforce Housing, Mental Health of First Responders, AG Land Assessment Task Force, Code Commission, Joint Committee on Appropriations, Government Operations and Audit Committee, Interim Rules Review Committee and State-Tribal Relations. I appreciate and applaud all of the committee’s hard work during the interim session.

Friday, we headed to Sioux Falls. Legislators from across the state were invited to attend the Legislative Breakfast hosted by the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation. It was titled “Table Talk: Food and Climate Conversations.” Table Talk was meant to emulate conversations we have around the kitchen table with family and friends. As I walked into the banquet room it was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces of fellow legislators from across the state. The morning’s discussion panel included Senator Duval, Senator Crabtree and Representative Soye. As members of the recent redistricting committee, they reviewed the redistricting process and the final map that was eventually signed by the governor. My primary purpose for making the trip to Sioux Falls was to support our Agriculture community and to take the opportunity to speak with the Farm Bureau’s President about Draft Bill 50 and I did just that! It is exciting to see the enthusiastic momentum for Draft Bill 50 building (more news to follow) and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the people and organizations for their support of Draft Bill 50 and for our ranchers.

Next on the trail was to take the short trip across Sioux Falls to attend the GOP Campaign training course at the South Dakota Military Alliance. This is a training opportunity for current and prospective office holders throughout the state to listen to the newest, latest, greatest information on campaign strategies. I know, it’s seems too early to be talking about the next election, but when you are a candidate, the plans begin months ahead of the actual voting cycle. Once again, good information and time well spent.

That brings us to Sunday, our final travel day on the road (for this week anyway). Beginning the day the right way, we joined our friends Rick and Joyce Vasgaard, for breakfast at the Original Pancake House in Sioux Falls. Rick is a fellow Legislator from District 17, so we knew that a lively conversation and a delicious meal was in store for us, before turning our attention to heading home.

I have to admit that I am looking forward to getting home to friends and the peace and quiet of the southern black hills. But first, I’d like to wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to remind one another of the many reasons we have to be thankful. I am thankful for my husband and grateful that he is my partner in every aspect of our life together, for my children, my granddaughter and for the freedoms we are afforded by living in South Dakota. As you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, I pray that you too will take the opportunity to count your blessings and appreciate the amazing gift of freedom we have by living in South Dakota AND don’t forget to turn your bathroom scales back 15 pounds Wednesday night at 1:00 AM for Thanksgiving!

Critical Race Therory

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:58:10 GMT

A growing concern in South Dakota

In a time when we would like to believe that as South Dakotans we are insulated from the harsh realities currently facing our nation, there are times when issues arise that shine a light on just how precarious our cherished way of life is. I received an email from one of my constituents that is a wake-up call for all of us. Because of the importance of this growing concern in our state, and our nation, I am deviating from my series to address once again the issue of Critical Race Theory (CRT). What follows are excerpts of quotes from an email I received from Tyrell W. I believe that his concerns need to be thoughtfully heard by all of us.

Tyrell W. is one of my constituents in District 30. He is a resident of Hot Springs, SD, and an active duty Marine. He is also a student at Dakota State. He emailed me about a concern he has with a class he is currently taking online at the University of South Dakota. As a student at Dakota State, he needed to take a fine arts credit and USD was offering a class online that fit his schedule: THEA201 – Film Appreciation. He noted in his email that , “I wasn’t overly surprised when some of the initial movies that we were required to watch, and discuss were somewhat progressive/liberal. However, the most recent film that was assigned for the midterm exam was very concerning to me. The film in question is titled “13th”, it is a documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.” He also stated that, “the film is offensive towards conservative Americans, demonizes Republican Presidents and conservative policies.”

Previously, I researched Critical Race Theory (CRT), and wrote an article on the subject, so I am not surprised by his concerns. I echo his observation that , “it is concerning that this is being taught in the state of South Dakota’s flagship university to 18- and 19-year old’s without any context and with only one side of the political spectrum’s view and message.” He also noted that, “If such a topic is going to be taught in our schools, it would be more appropriate for this material to be presented in a class on Government or History or Political Science, not Film Appreciation.” I couldn’t agree more!

Tyrell W. believes that this film must have been added recently to the curriculum. His girlfriend had taken the class a few years earlier and this movie was not in the syllabus. He observed that, “critical race theory seems to be becoming more and more prominent in our schools and universities. I don’t think 18 and 19 year old’s have the life experience or wherewithal to discern when they are being force fed propaganda nor do they have enough life experience to stand up and say “this is wrong”, but I have, and I wouldn’t be doing what I swore an oath to do if I didn’t raise my voice. I don’t think things like this should be a part of a film appreciation class.” All I can say is, “Amen!” However, I would take it one step further. CRT should not be taught in our schools or universities. Race, crime, and culture have been a topic of conversation for decades. However, what CRT is doing is teaching one viewpoint. The discussion is and should be multi-faceted and presented to students reviewing both sides of the issues.

Tyrell’s courage to speak out is admirable. I ran for office to protect our state from becoming incrementally more progressive and liberal. It happens one subtle step at a time. I will do everything legislatively that I can do, in order to fight against this happening in South Dakota. Thank you, Tyrell W., for your service, and for your courage to speak out on behalf of all of us in South Dakota.

Rep. Trish Ladner.

District 30

A 3rd Generation Rancher’s Story

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:13:20 GMT

” Our ranchers and farmers are the backbone of our country.”

In the legislature we often discussed the fact that many of our children grow-up and move away to the big city and have asked the question, “what we can do to help bring young South Dakotans home?” After COVID-19, and the amazing job Governor Noem did to protect South Dakotans and keep us free, we are beginning to see children who grew up and moved away to the “greener pastures” of the big city, are beginning to move home. You see, they discovered that the big city can’t even begin to measure up to what they have waiting for them in South Dakota and this is where they want to raise their family! Many are moving back, stepping up, and taking over their third and fourth generation ranches that they grew up on. This week we will hear a personal story from a family in Custer, South Dakota who has done just that and now find themselves concerned about the future of farming and ranching in South Dakota.

“My husband and I just moved to his family ranch in July 2021 to help his Dad run the ranch. We are the third generation! We have children; one who is 12 and has grown to love working the ranch and wants to continue the tradition. We also have a two-year-old who is happy as can be living on the ranch with the cows. We moved from the city knowing that we would be going to a new adventure. When we moved two different people had approached my husband's father to buy the land to develop more houses.

The proposed tax is completely unsustainable for any family ranch. The suggested tax would take the family rancher out of the equation leaving big industry to come in. We need to let ranchers raise our cattle! This is truly the American way. Ranchers and farmers are the backbone in our country! The shake of hand doing business, helping during branding season, the sense of community that comes with ranching would be gone as well. The country NEEDS ranchers!”

Ladies and gentlemen, it appears that we are at a crossroads. Our state is growing, and that is a good thing. Yet, with the new growth, there comes the need for more housing and more infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, etc). As South Dakotans we are committed to help meet the needs of our neighbors whether it is creating new infrastructure for new communities or solving the land tax issues that our ranchers are facing. As the 3 ^rd Generation Rancher stated above,” Our ranchers and farmers are the backbone of our country.” As a community, we need to fight to ensure that their ranches and farms survive the population growth of our state and that their land taxes are fair and equitable in order to ensure that they will be able to continue their family’s industry going forward.

Draft Bill 50 will help to do just that. As the Fall River County Assessor stated, “Draft Bill 50 would solve 85% of the issues currently facing our ranchers.” I don’t know about you, but I think that is a good start!

Rep. Trish Ladner

Proudly Serving District 30

trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov

A South Dakota Rancher's Story

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:42:37 GMT

Grassland -vs- Cropland Soil Assessment

Our ranchers are facing the possibility of their land taxes increasing anywhere from 60% to 280% if the newly proposed soil reassessment and tax tables are implemented. The Department of Revenue has pulled back the proposed reassessment in order to work “all the bugs out” before formal implementation occurs. That is a good thing, but even the “possibility” of the rancher’s future land taxes going up anywhere from 60% to 280%, depending on their soil type, is neither fair nor equitable and definitely not acceptable.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, “Suitability of land for extensive grazing is normally measured in terms of the number of animals that can wisely be allowed to graze a land unit for all or part of a year the 'carrying capacity'. This depends mainly on the amount of feed and water that will be available to the animals on that land in all but exceptional years.” When discussing the number of animals that can wisely be allowed to graze a land unit, or the “carrying capacity”, South Dakota has very diverse regions. For example, in Aberdeen it takes 3 to 5 acres per cow/calf, in Mobridge the average is 10 acres per cow/calf. As you head west, the number of acres increases dramatically to 30 to 60 acres per cow/calf. Quite a profound statistic that speaks volumes to the difference, not only in elevation, soil type and rainfall, which affect the density of grassland productivity that supports each cow/calf and illustrates the difference between what the east and west river rancher experience.

I’d like to share with you a few excerpts from emails I have received from our ranchers. These firsthand testimonials are from a few of the ranchers who have reached out to me:

“I have been a rancher for over 45 years and my land has always been grassland. The tax situation is so burdensome that in some cases, taxes are approaching or at the same total as the income.” Orval Frahm, Rancher

“I have a third-generation operation in the south west corner of South Dakota. The proposed soil reassessment, if implemented, would redesignate large portions of my land to cropland even though, for three generations, has always been grassland. This reassessment of the soil could increase my taxes up to 280%.” Joe Falkenburg, Rancher and Fall River County Commissioner

“Please, as far as you can at the State congressional level do what you can to stop this nonsense. We are taxed enough for
our property taxes now and I hear something about taxing the cows also. Who comes up with these crazy ideas anyway?” Donald Anderson, Rancher

These are just a few of the emails I have received from ranchers from all over the state asking for legislation that would alleviate this situation, one they have been fighting for over ten years! According to Susie Hayes, the Fall River County Assessor, “Draft Bill 50 would solve 85% of the issues facing our ranchers.” The bill in a nutshell says that, “Any land that has been grassland for 20+ years shall remain grassland.” Pretty straightforward. I have been told that the beauty of the bill is in its simplicity.

So, what can we, as individuals and a community do to help our ranchers? Join me in supporting them and Draft Bill 50. Call or write your local legislators and organizations asking them to support the bill. I will be continuing to meet with ranchers, county commissioners and organizations throughout the state about the bill prior to the 2022 legislative session beginning in January.

United our voices can make a difference! Together, we can work towards the common good of our ranchers throughout the State of South Dakota, and help to ensure that they will not face unfair and inequitable taxes in the future.

Representative Trish Ladner

District 30

Removing roadblocks for ranchers

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 13:03:29 GMT

Grassland Tax Relief Bill

Today, our growers and ranchers face many roadblocks, and obstacles such as fluctuation of prices and costs related to production. However, the Agriculture (AG) community is facing an even more dangerous problem; the proposed soil reassessment that the Department of Revenue (DOR) is working on with SDSU. Though currently on hold, this new soil reassessment, was conducted via artificial intelligence; not one boot on the ground, and without taking into consideration rainfall. The new soil tables, if implemented, would change the soil designation for a vast number of acres from grassland to cropland. The rancher’s future land taxes could go up anywhere from 60% to 280% depending on their soil type. This is not sustainable and could result in many ranchers paying more in taxes per acre than the land produces in income.

One rancher I met with from Fall River County told me that his ranch is a third-generation operation located 27 miles southwest of Edgemont in Fall River County. He explained that as a result of the soil reassessment, large portions of his land that have always been grassland, have been reassessed as cropland. If the new soil tables are implemented, his taxes would go up 280%.

This is not a new issue. In 2010, then Rep. Noem and Sen. Peterson introduced HB 1202 mandating that native grassland and land which had been seeded to grass for at least ten years be categorized as noncropland. HB 1202 was passed 48-21 by the House. However, in the Senate Tax committee, the sponsors agreed to table the bill in order to give directors of equalization a chance to fix improper classifications using tools in the new productivity system. At that hearing Michael Kenyon, then with the Revenue Department acknowledged, "This is a significant problem. It is a serious problem ... it’s about equity. It’s about a fair tax system. But, … The legislature has given our directors of equalization all the tools that are needed to address this problem. With the passage of the productivity valuation system, we’ve got all the tools to fix it.” In 2016 the Ag Land Task Force Committee introduced a similar bill, SB 4. It had enthusiastic bi-partisan support, but once again, DOR asked them to table the bill because the new soil reassessment formula and tax tables would fix everything within two years.

Well, that was 6 years ago! At this time, producers are still waiting for a solution. During the 2022 Legislative session Senator Castleberry and I will introduce a Grassland Tax Relief Bill, Ladner/Castleberry Draft Bill 50 in an effort to mitigate the inequities in ag land valuation for property tax purposes. The bill, in a nutshell, identifies the actual use of the land stating; “If the land has been used as grassland for 20 or more years, it shall remain grassland.” In other words, the land that ranchers have utilized as grassland for 100, 50 or at least 20 years, could not be reassessed as cropland protecting our natural grasslands for generations to come.

Last Thursday we had the opportunity to discuss the bill at the AG Land Task Force Committee in Pierre. The staff of the Department of Revenue also attended. During their presentation DOR acknowledged that the implementation of the new soil assessment has been pulled back and put on hold, in order to find a solution. The ranchers and I appreciate that. They also stated that Draft Bill 50 would cause a shift in tax revenues. Yet, according to my sources, this bill would actually correct a shift that occurred with the passage of the productivity bill in 2008. According to Susy Hayes, the County Assessor from Fall River County, Draft Bill 50 would actually solve up to 85% of the tax issues facing our producers.

So, where do we go from here? As an agriculture community we need to join forces to get this piece of legislation passed so that our producers can continue to grow product for America and the world. How can you help? We need more testimonials from ranchers who could be facing significant land tax increases if the proposed soil and tax tables are implemented.

Will the 3rd time be the charm? The ranchers sure hope so ... and so do I!

Rep Trish Ladner, District 30

Trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov

Grassland Tax Relief Bill

prmarketingroup@gmail.com (Bobby and Trish Ladner) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:12:41 GMT

Earlier this month, I was invited to participated on a panel for the South Dakota Stock Growers Convention to discuss the new soil re-assessment and tax tables proposed by the Department of Revenue (DOR). The Assessor from Fall River County was also on the panel. She explained how she had discovered that there were errors in the soil reassessment formula that calculates the new taxes. As a result, DOR has decided to pull back the implementation of the tax assessments until all the “bugs” are worked out.

Land tax assessment has been an ongoing problem that our ranchers have been dealing with for decades. In 2016 the Agriculture Task Force drafted a bill that would have addressed these issues. The bill had strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. However, the Department of Revenue asked them to table the bill because the new soil re-assessment and tax table would solve all the problems within 2 years. Six years later we are still facing the same problems.

The latest soil reassessment was tasked to Dr. Elliott from SDSU and was conducted via artificial intelligence (without 1 boot on the ground). So, last week we decided to take the opportunity to walk land East River. The grass was very lush, dense, and green. The terrain gently, rolling, and flat that goes on for miles and miles. The next day, we walked land West River. There is no comparison. The terrain is a mixture of hills, valleys, and rocky cliffs. As we looked out to the horizon, we saw segments of grey/black soil riddled with patches of grass stubble. The land is mixed with prickly pear cactus, slate, and rocks. To compare the two regions, both of which are experiencing a draught year, would be like comparing apples to oranges!

There has always been a difference between the soils East River and West River. As an example, in East River, Brown County takes an average of 3 to 5 acres of grassland per cow/calf. In Walworth County it takes an average of 10 acres per cow/calf. However, West River, the average is 30 to 40 acres per cow/calf and up to 60 acres per cow/calf in the Edgemont area of Fall River County. Quite a difference! The settlers who came to South Dakota in the late 1800’s learned their lesson when they tried to farm the land West River. Without the rainfall needed to produce crops, the topsoil was blown away by the prairie winds and the land was scarred. This scarring still exists today. We recognize that there is irrigated crop land West River, however, it is a very small part of the total land mass in the West River region.

Up until now, any legislation or potential solutions presented seem to have been met, in my opinion, with the kick-it-down the road mentality. With the newly proposed soil reassessment, we don’t have the luxury of doing that anymore. Our ranchers could be facing a tax increase of between 280 to 300%. Many ranchers have told us that their family ranches, that have been operating for 100+ years, may not be able to survive the increase. I’ve been asked, “how do I survive this type of increase and still be able to hold on and pass the land down to my children?”

We are currently meeting with ranchers and agricultural organizations to garner support for a Grassland Tax Relief Bill we will be presenting to the legislature during the 2022 session. This bill could potentially solve 80 to 85 percent of the grassland assessment issues facing our ranchers. If you are a rancher who could be affected by the newly proposed soil reassessment, please contact us. We need to get your message out, and help our legislators understand the differences between East and West river agriculture and the financial difficulties they face if this soil reassessment is implemented.

Rep. Trish Ladner

District 30

Trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov

COVID 19 - Do We Have The Whole Story?

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:35:05 GMT

What about survivors with Natural Immunity?

The media tracks and reports on COVID-19 statistics. They list the number of active cases and total number of deaths. They go even further updating the number of vaccines received; how many received their first dose and how many have received their second dose of the vaccine. All good information, but I am constantly amazed that there is very little information if any, in the media about “natural immunity” for those of us (38+ million Americans), who have had COVID-19 and survived. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO), released a scientific update stating that, “most people who have recovered from COVID-19 develop a strong protective immune response. Within 4 weeks following infection, 90-99% of individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus develop detectable neutralizing antibodies. Available scientific data suggests that in most people immune responses remain robust and protective against reinfection for at least 6-8 months after being infected with the virus.” Emory Vaccine Center at Emery University supports this information. They looked at 254 patients with mostly mild to moderate symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection over a period for more than eight months (250 days) and found that their immune response to the virus remained durable and strong. It appears that recovered COVID-19 patients retain broad and effective longer-term immunity to the disease.

On a personal note, I am living proof that natural immunity to COVID exists. Last December my husband and I were both diagnosed with COVID. Each day we could feel our health slipping away so we called our doctor. She told us that because we were in a “Free” state (thank you Governor Noem), she could prescribe a new artificial antibody infusion. It basically provided synthetic antibodies to fight the virus while our bodies produced our own. It was like someone flipped the switch and every day we were 100% better than the day before! A month later we were tested for antibodies and we were positive and good to go. Natural Immunity!! We just passed our eighth month mark since contracting the virus and decided to get retested for antibodies. I am happy to report that our antibodies are still present and going strong. Our doctor has asked us to retest again in 4 to 5 months and we will gladly do the follow-up test. Talk to your doctor and see what the best choice is for you.

I am not an “anti-vaxer,” but I have to ask the question .... why would those of us who have survived COVID and developed natural antibodies and have immunity to the virus be mandated to take the vaccine? Why aren’t the number of survivors with immunity tracked in the statistics? Doesn’t make sense to me!

With vaccine mandates being issued by states requiring proof of vaccinations to return to work or school, we need to take a serious look at what we, as Americans will agree to comply with. There are states who are mandating that all students, athletes, coaches, janitors, teachers, and staff get the vaccine. If they don’t “comply,” they run the risk of being fired without the right to apply for unemployment benefits. They are not acknowledging those with natural immunity or being given the option to mask up, modify their workplace or take precautions. I am beginning to believe that the mandates are more dangerous to the wellbeing of our freedoms than COVID is to our health!

In an article by Austin Goss from KOTA, Governor Noem was quoted as saying, “requiring vaccine passports could ultimately lead to improper disclosure of private health information.” Currently legislators are calling for a special session to address the COVID vaccine mandates and the violation they may pose to our medical information confidentiality rights (HIPPA), Undoubtedly there will also be new bills introduced during our next legislation session and a great many debates, and I welcome them!!

Rep. Trish Ladner

District 30

Renewed Hope

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:19:12 GMT

Rikki Schlott Speaks Up for Gen Z

There are those special moments in life when you meet someone who renews your faith in the next generation and gives you hope for the future. That is exactly what happened to me at the closing of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Annual convention in Salt Lake City a couple of weeks ago.

One of the keynote speakers to close out the conference was a young woman named Rikki Schlott. Rikki, is a beautiful, articulate young woman who is a 21-year-old junior at New York University. Six months ago, she was just your typical college student keeping her head down and as she put it, simply trying not to get “cancelled!”

She was always quietly political, but after the pandemic hit, simply going along, to get along became impossible for her. For the first time in her young life, she saw the liberties and freedom she had always taken for granted, suddenly in question and ultimately, in jeopardy of being taken away and she found herself speaking out more and more.

Gen Z’s were raised in the “lessor of two evils” era where communities and Thanksgiving tables were torn apart by partisanship and as a result, Gen Z’s political widow is very narrow however, they are still open, receptive and independent thinkers and are actually more moderate than we are led to believe by the radical fringes. Did you know that forty percent of Gen Z college students consider themselves moderate and over half are registered Independents?

As the pandemic dragged on, Miss Schlott became a bridge or moderator between Zoomers (Gen Z born between 1997-2012) and Boomers (born between 1946-1964). Her message resonated with many and her role began to quickly expand with speaking engagements around the country and writing articles for the NY Post and the Wall Street Journal.

After listening closely to her, I had to wonder if this upcoming Gen Z generation could be the catalyst that restores critical thinking and normalcy to our nation? Something that we have all been longing for.

I share this story of new found hope with you because you have a chance to judge for yourself. Rikki will be the key-note speaker at the upcoming Pennington County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner on 9/11 in Rapid City. This is an amazing opportunity for you and our young people to hear her speak and learn what the next generation values, thinks and believes. It gave me new hope in the upcoming generation, and I believe that it will encourage you too.

Rep. Trish Ladner

District 30

Never Give Up!

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 19:46:30 GMT

I hope you all had the opportunity to read Rep. Goodwin’s article last week. He shared some great news! Game, Fish, and Parks has come to an agreement with the Fall River Commissioners to get Sheps Canyon Road paved. Below is a snapshot of what happened during session and behind the scenes.

Last year at the beginning of the legislative session, Bill HB-1170 was introduced to pave Sheps Canyon Road (Prime Sponsor- Ladner, Co-Sponsors - Goodwin and Frye-Muller). This gravel county road is an inlet into the west shore of Lake Angostura recreational area run by the SD Game, Fish and Parks Department. This road is the only access to the west shore of the lake with traffic consisting of trucks, RV’s, trailers, boats and residents alike. As a result of the increased traffic, the road is in very bad shape causing safety issues to the residents and visitors using the road. The danger is exacerbated during the rainy seasons in Spring and Fall. Unfortunately, HB-1170 was defeated in the Transportation Committee hearing with a vote of 5 to 8 and was sent to the 41st day. We only have 40 days in our legislative session so basically that means the bill was thrown out. Well, that was a setback, but we didn’t stop there. Since “no” didn’t seem like a good answer, Rep. Goodwin and I carried it further. We met with the Joel Jundt, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Secretary Kevin Robling of the Game, Fish, and Parks as well as Scott Simpson, Director of Parks and many others. In the end, they understood that the problem we were facing was a real safety issue. We let them know a new bill would be brought forward in the 2022 session and if that didn’t pass, we would need their help in order to correct the safety issues and the condition of the road. Several residents who live on Sheps Canyon Road and the Fall River Highway Superintendent also worked with us on getting this done. We met with Fall River County Commissioners, keeping them informed on our progress and asked for them to consider their financial commitment for supporting this project. It is very important for state officials to see that our county has “skin in the game” and are committed to the maintenance and upkeep of the road once repaired. That was one important point brought up during the Transportation Committee hearing that we couldn’t answer at the time.

Long story short, an agreement was reached! The estimate to repair and pave Sheps Canyon Road came in at $500,000. Game, Fish, and Parks has committed to pay $250,000 (half) of the bill and the Fall River Commissioners stepped up and voted to pay the balance of $250,000. Not knowing if this agreement was going to come to fruition, a follow-up bill for the next legislative session was in the works. I am happy to say, I get to pull that bill!

Bottom line? When pushed came to shove, Rep. Goodwin and I didn’t give up or stop fighting for the safety of our constituents within our District. We are fighters and know when something is right and should be done. It doesn’t really matter how many bills you introduce or whether they pass or fail. What matters is that you don’t give up and you help to facilitate a local solution or compromise in order to get it done. The fact that our residents, locals, and recreational visitors are going to have safe passage to their homes and the west shore of the lake ... Simply PRICELESS!!

In closing, this issue was brought to our attention by local constituents. If you are of aware of any safety concerns within District 30, please bring it to me or Rep Goodwin. It would be helpful if you would include some facts surrounding the issue, pictures and others who support your concerns. Feel free to contact me at trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov.

Rep. Trish Ladner

Are you ready to hit the reset button?

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 20:10:46 GMT

We have the right to rise!! Abraham Lincoln

This past week, I attended the Midwest Legislative Conference hosted in Rapid City. The conference was attended by over 600 legislators from 11 Midwest states and 4 Canadian Provinces (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Alberta, Manitoba & Ontario). It was an amazing opportunity to hear from industry professionals, meet with other legislators to discuss policy, problems, and potential solutions. There were many breakout sessions led by experts in their field covering a wide variety of topics from the changing fiscal landscape, to the post pandemic challenges going forward.

Most workshops addressed issues that we, as a society, are now forced to address. This includes our state’s fiscal policies, and on a more global scale, our relationships with people and governments across continents. It has made us face the reality that life is fragile. Political and economic systems including supply chains and “on-shore” production of all essentials can, and were disrupted.

The conference’s opening keynote speaker was Journalist, Ben Hammersley. My takeaway from his talk can be summed up in an example he cited about Kodak. At one point this iconic company had the chance to embrace the digital camera, but refused. By not resetting their vision and direction for Kodak, they ultimately failed. His question to all of us was profound, “We are post pandemic and are we willing to hit the reset button?”

Elaine Dezenski and John Austin presented a breakout session on “Ally-Shoring” A Path to Rework Supply Chains and Rebuild Economies.” In a nutshell, Ally-Shoring addresses broken supply chains that became apparent and provides an option for countries to disengage from existing supply chain agreements with China and other states that seek to undermine American interests and forge strong working relationships with Western-led trade countries like the USA, Canada, Mexico and South America. Austin noted that, “By strengthening long-standing relationships with Western Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia we could restart and lean into our relationships with those we trust.”

A local presenter, Deni Amundson, Program Manager from Build Dakota Scholarship Program presented information about an innovative model that fosters greater collaboration among education and workforce programs with a goal of helping residents become prepared to take advantage of promising careers in emerging and high-demand economic sectors across South Dakota. With this program, you can earn a full-ride scholarship at one of four South Dakota technical colleges. Recipients of the scholarships commit to working in South Dakota, in their field of study, for three years following graduation. For more information visit BuildDakotaScholarships.com

It appears that Ms. Amundson and Ms. Dezenski are on the same page. Ally-Shoring would bring good jobs, to the industrial Midwest with new opportunities and the South Dakota Scholarship program educates and creates the workforce needed to fill those jobs.

But, what can I do? I’m just one person. The simple truth is that each and every one of us can help to facilitate change. We can help “reset” our economies by standing up and making the decision to begin supporting our local growers and ranchers. By buying goods from those we trust, each of us can make a concerted effort to strengthen the United States and the free enterprise system in America.

As Abraham Lincoln said, “We have the right to rise!” Our goal as American’s should be to see our local Mom & Pop shops reopen and not just survive, but to thrive once again. We the people, united together, can help facilitate an economic recovery within our communities, and across the American Heartland!

Representative Trish Ladner, District 30

Agriculture:

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 22:04:28 GMT

The Backbone of South Dakota

I had the opportunity to attend the 2021 Governor’s AG Summit in Sioux Falls. The Summit began with a field trip to visit two very different farms: Alderson Farms and Cherry Rock Farms.

Alderson Farms is a feed lot operated by Brian Alderson, a fourth-generation farmer who graduated from University of South Dakota and came home to take over his families’ cow/calf operation. He began to think outside the box and transformed the small feed lot into a large pit confinement barn. We all want our fresh beef, but if you are like me, the smell of a feed yard precedes itself, especially when the wind is mixed with a little rain! I was pleasantly surprised that while visiting the Alderson’s pit confinement feed barn, there was very little smell, no flies and the cows were so content that I didn’t hear one peep out of them for the 90 minutes we were there. Did I mention that it was a windy, rainy day? As town and cities encroach on our rural farms, I believe we will need to take a serious look at this type of innovative thinking. Alderson Farms currently manages a 600-head above ground pit confinement operation that includes a center conveyor belt that automatically feeds the cattle each day, saving Mr. Alderson thousands of hands-on work hours per year.

Our second stop was Cherry Rock Farms, a family owned, and operated produce farm founded in 1925. Located on the banks of Split Rock River in Brandon, South Dakota, the Patzer farm continues to grow produce that is non-GMO, pesticide, and herbicide free. Marco and Laura are 4TH generation growers who moved back to South Dakota to take over the family farm and carry on the tradition of providing responsibly grown, high quality produce for Sioux Falls, Brandon, and surrounding areas. Their hope is that their children will be the 5th generation to carry on the legacy. They also promote other local growers by partnering with them to offer customers top quality products such as free-range eggs, honey, jams, salsas, meats, mushrooms and more.

These are just two examples of our amazing South Dakotan families whose children have gone off to college and/or left the state and have returned to carry on the legacy that is South Dakota! A trend that I believe will continue to grow as metropolitan areas become overpopulated, and more restrictive.

As South Dakotans, whether 4th or 5th generation or brand-new residents, we need to understand and support the different facets and industries within all of our communities.

The list of benefits that the AG Community provides to South Dakota is long, but here are just a few reasons why the AG industry is important to our state:

• Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry with more than a $21 billion impact each year.

• Agriculture employs 115,000 South Dakotans.

• Agriculture contributes $645 million to the state’s tax revenues.

• Ultimately, agriculture is a national security issue because it supplies a safe, abundant, and affordable food source for our state and our country.

• Our ranchers and growers are the caretakers of the land, safeguarding it for generations to come while helping to preserve South Dakota’s economy and lifestyle.

We, the general consumer, need to proactively support our AG community!! Buy local and say thank you to the AG producers and growers in your community. If you ever have a chance to attend the Governor’s AG Summit or take a tour of a local agricultural operation, please, seize the opportunity... You won’t be disappointed!

Representative Trish Ladner

District 30

I Can Do These Things Too!

prmarketingroup@gmail.com (Bobby and Trish Ladner) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:12:48 GMT

I spent this past weekend working with the Main Street Arts and Crafts Festival in Hot Springs, SD. This Festival has been happening in Hot Springs for the past 44 years and thanks to its dedicated board of directors’ hard work and dedication, this event is showcased within the state as one of the premier events of the summer in South Dakota. This year, after a year hiatus due to the pandemic, over 57+ vendors converged on Centennial Park bringing with them their hand-crafted wares. The excitement and enthusiasm to be back together selling their treasures was palpable. There were vendors from eight states including South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Ohio. This diverse group of entrepreneurs didn’t let the pandemic stop them. Instead of throwing in the towel and getting discouraged, they spent the last 18 months of isolation refining their designs and producing more inventory. These are true American tradesmen who are proud of their workmanship and were anxious to restart their businesses and their participation in the free enterprise process once again. Ronald Reagan said it best when he said, “Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in the United States. We that live in free market societies believe that growth, prosperity and ultimately human fulfillment, are created from the bottom up not the government down.” This weekend proved to be a testimony to just how true his statement was then and continues to be now!

Friday morning found Centennial Park buzzing with enthusiasm from the visitors who couldn’t wait until Friday afternoon for the festival to officially open and arrived early, ready to buy the treasures and custom hand-crafted items they discovered, booth by booth. Visitors to the festival included families from Texas, Iowa, North Carolina, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Oklahoma (just to name a few), all anxious to restart the adventures in their lives once again! The festival included something for everyone; A Native cultural presentation, fun activities for the children like building their own birdhouses. and food vendors who served up delicious food , while live music, provided by local musicians, filled the air. One little girl emerged from the crafts tent after building her birdhouse, looked at the vendor’s products as they walked by and said, “Mommy, I can make those things too. Can we buy some nails on the way home?” An entrepreneur is born!

So, why share this event with you? What does all this mean? Today, we are led to believe by “the powers that be”, that a corporate, socialistic society is not only the best option for us as a nation, but is the only option for us going forward. The government will supplement and provide your daily needs ... don’t worry! You don’t need to make a way to succeed by the efforts of your hands, or take pride in what you do. All you need to do is behave, and obey the rules and you will receive your monthly stipend that is allotted to all who comply. No thank you!

What I experienced this weekend at this event gave me new vision and as a legislator, renewed by hope in America’s free enterprise system. It is refreshing to remember that we are more alike, than we are different. Most of us, as Americans, want to live free lives independent from the government and create a life that provides for our family’s needs, (and a little more if possible), keep our families safe, and thrive. This weekend gave me a hope for the future for America, and I wanted to share that hope with you.

Wishing you all an amazing 4th of July this weekend as we celebrate the end of monarchy and tyranny and the rebirth of liberty. Liberty that gives us the freedom to exercise our American qualities – even the freedom to stay at home and barbecue!

Critical Race Theory in Our Schools

prmarketingroup@gmail.com (Bobby and Trish Ladner) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:35:13 GMT

As a legislator, I’ve been concerned for quite a while about what our children are being taught and that they are not being taught “history” as it actually occurred, but a rewritten fabrication of our history that reflects a political/social economic agenda that is not factually true nor accurate. Because of the pandemic lockdowns, parents have taken the opportunity to look at what their children are being taught. As a result, parents of all social economic backgrounds and races are standing up against Critical Race Theory. I decided to take a look for myself and got a hold of a “new” revised history book and read the account of the Battle of the Bulge during WWII. My Uncle Paul was one of the only surviving servicemen from that battle. We spent many hours at family gatherings recalling war stories from uncles, relatives and family friends who fought in WWII in both the European and Pacific Theatres. Their stories transported us to the battle. We were like sponges soaking up the challenges, hardships and the victories. Unfortunately, after reading the “new” version of our history, my greatest fears were realized. The recount of the Battle of the Bulge was nothing like I learned from my uncle.

Critical Race Theory seeks to teach American history in a way that elevates the role of racism in the nation’s history, and the impact they claim racism still has on the nation today. CRT is referred to as “project-based civics,” or “action civics.” We can draw a comparison between CRT and Hilter’s indoctrination of the German youth. According to ushmm.org, “Education in the Third Reich served to indoctrinate students with the National Socialist world view.” Hitler’s plan was aimed to indoctrinate the younger population through reforming the education system. His plan went undetected and succeeded. Children were turning against parents and families in order to support the goals they were taught in school.

Xi Van Fleet, a Virginia mom who immigrated to the US after enduring Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution recently came against CRT stating, "We are teaching our children to be social justice warriors and to loathe our country and our history." She added: "Growing up in China, all of this sounds very familiar. The Communist regime uses the same critical theory to divide people. The only difference is that they used class instead of race. This is indeed the American version of the Chinese cultural revolution."

A number of state officials, including Governor Noem, have indicated that they would like to ban “Critical Race Theory” (CRT) at the next possible opportunity and I support that. The debate over the curriculum is not just happening in South Dakota, but in several states across the country. A number of Republican controlled states have already committed to banning Critical Race Theory and it is likely that South Dakota will be addressing this during the upcoming 2022 state legislative session. I’m proud to note that during the 2021 legislative session, Governor Noem signed a bill into law that allotted $900,000 to additional civics instruction in the state.

At this point, we can’t afford to be complacent. We need to be proactive which isn’t always easy in this “Woke” culture of correctness; a culture that makes it unacceptable to discuss our country’s freedom or the amazing opportunities America offers to every citizen (if they choose). Heaven forbid we teach our children about them or stand up against radical movements that put our children, our freedoms, and our safety in jeopardy. I am unapologetically proud to be an America, proud of the men and women who have fought for our freedom and who continue that fight and I am committed to fight alongside you to the best of my ability.

Representative Trish Ladner

District 30

AG Land Values ...

prmarketingroup@gmail.com (Bobby and Trish Ladner) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:51:32 GMT

Is There a Fix!?!

As you know, last month I had the opportunity to attend the Black Hills Association of County Commissioners for their countywide meeting. Stacey Martin from Fall River County, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator presented an excellent overview of information to the commissioners and guests regarding the flaws in the state’s new soil reassessment table and how it drives tax assessments up higher than we have seen in over a decade. In a nutshell, the state’s new table moves easily soil over to cropland status doubling and, in some cases, tripling the value of the land and thus the taxes.

That meeting led to an open forum last Wednesday, that was attended by AG Producers from across West River to discuss the problems and possible solutions for the over valuation of Agriculture rangeland within the State’s AG Productivity System.

Joining in on the meeting via Zoom was David Wiest, Deputy Secretary of Department of Revenue, and Wendy Semmler, Director of the Property Tax Division. After a lengthy presentation from the Department of Revenue, the take-away for me and many others was that not only are the soil tables wrong, the formula is “broken” (it doesn’t calculate properly).

These tables were generated by Dr. Elliott at SDSU using artificial intelligence. It is my understanding that there never were boots on the ground to visually verify the data or to inspect the land. Instead, these new soil tables are also based on soil surveys from the 1970’s and 1980’s. The adjustments were significant! For example, Fall River County has gone from 91 soil types to 270 soil types. Soils categorized as 'cropland' currently comprise 14% of Fall River County's Ag land. The table proposed in July 2020 increased this to 42% of the county's ag land; an update to the proposed table has since dropped this to 28% heading in the right direction. New increases won’t take effect until 2024 but it is the hope of Susie Hayes, Fall River County Assessor, to work with SDSU and DOR to, at the very least, navigate back to something similar to the original table currently in place.

During a two-hour meeting I had in Pierre with Deputy Secretary Wiest and Director Semmler they felt that the issues we were experiencing were an, “anomaly” specific to Fall River County. The DOR now recognizes that it is a statewide problem that effects every county in South Dakota and acknowledges that the new soil tables need to be put on hold until they can find the “bugs”, be properly vetted, identify the problems and fix them. The DOR’s new goal is to have better information. I’d like to see accurate, verified information!

Where do we go from here? How are we going to solve this?

First and foremost, fill out your AG Applications and paperwork.
New laws are requiring the filing of updated Ag Applications. The deadline is November 1st.
Owners in need of Ag soil Adjustments have only until August 31st to file the new state application for those.
Check with your county Assessor’s Office for deadlines and requirements specific to your county.
Next, it was suggested that AG Producers get actively involved by reinstating the AG Coalition across all counties in order to stay informed, advocate for legislation and have a united, stronger voice in Pierre.
As Legislators we need to get involved. I contacted my counterpart, Tim Goodwin, and as your legislators for District 30, we will be working on re-introducing SB 4. This was a bill that was originally introduced by the Senate in 2016, but was tabled because the new SDSU tables were going to “fix” the issues. We now know that the new tables didn’t fix it! The bill we will be introducing, is a piece of legislation that will address the issues of soil use, soil types, and native grassland protection.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank both Stacey Martin and Susie Hayes for their exhaustive research into this problem and their grit to stand strong against opposition. Because of them, our ranchers and producers statewide will benefit from their hard work and tenacity.

Under God the People Rule!

Rep. Trish Ladner

District 30

Update on IM-26

prmarketingroup@gmail.com (Bobby and Trish Ladner) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:41:16 GMT

Update on the Implementation of IM-26

This past Wednesday, I attended the Executive Board Meeting in Pierre. It is an amazing honor to have been elected by my peers in the House to the Executive Board and I take my role very seriously. Being on the Board, allows me to stay informed and up to date on the most important, crucial issues and then pass that information along to you.

Many of you have contacted me asking where we stand on the implementation of IM-26. As many of you know IM-26 passed with 70% approval by the voters. The measure is effective July 1, 2021 with a 120-day window to get dispensaries set up, finalize protocols and rules. Perhaps the most timely and informative report of the day came from the Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health and Jim Terwilliger, Secretary of Revenue regarding where we are in the process of establishing the protocols, requirements, and implementation of IM-26.

Here is what we learned. The South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH) is the lead state agency to implement the medical marijuana program. Part of the extensive requirements IM-26 (per SDCL 34:20G) include:

• Registration of “establishments”, which includes cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries

• The development of criteria for applicants to qualify

• Determine and define the amount individuals can possess (the current law has minimum of three plants for home grown)

• Issuance of cards by SDDOH to qualified individuals (including patients and caregivers)

• Guidelines to allow non-residents to use medical marijuana in South Dakota

• Development of patient verification system for use by establishments and law enforcements (i.e., It is illegal to transport across state and tribal lines)

• Development of testing criteria

• Development of fees and sliding fee scale for patients

• Implementation of administrative rules for each of these areas.

According to the SDDOH report, the law will become effective July 1,2021. The projected date for cards to be issued to patients and caregivers is by November 18, 2021. South Dakotan grown marijuana crops are not likely to be available before the summer of 2022.

The process to qualify for a SDDOH issued card, seems pretty straight forward: 1) The patient has a medical complaint and schedules appointment with their physician for an in-person assessment (required) 2) The patient sees their physician and the physician determines whether the patient is likely to receive therapeutic benefit from the medical use of cannabis 3) Patient applies with the SD Department of Health for a medical certification 4) If application is approved, the patient shops at Dispensary. The card issued by the DOH is not a medical prescription. It does not detail dosage, frequency, etc. It is simply a medical certification. When the members of the Executive Board asked about monitoring and/or enforcing the regulation of frequency that a card holder can obtain medical marijuana, the Secretary of Health stated that they hope to have a tracking/verification system in place that tracks the amount purchased and notes an amount that cannot be exceeded within a specific timeframe. Much like the prescription renewal used by pharmacy’s today.

When implementing a new “industry”, the administrative rules that need to be in place are daunting to say the least. The list includes (but not limited to), outlining qualifying conditions, application renewal process, criteria to score establishment applications, establishment of oversight, security, manufacturing standards, taxing the product, health and safety requirements, transportation of product, employment and training requirements, packaging and labeling and more!

In order to get current information and updates to interested parties in a timely manner, the SD Department of Health has launched a new webpage for easy access to information and updates as well as answers to frequently asked questions that promises to be very helpful. Please visit https://doh.sd.gov/news/MedicalMarijuana.aspx for more information.

The more I study IM-26, the more I realize the immense task ahead of us with a very short amount of time to accomplish it. This new “industry” being created within our state is definitely a multi-faceted issue with many, many moving and interlocking parts. I am so impressed with the hard work being done by those in the South Dakota Department of Health and Department of Revenue, as well as the excellent job that our summer study committee is doing to help create, establish and implement this new Medical Marijuana Program. Thank you for all your hard work on our behalf!

Remember ... always, “Be someone you look up to!” Emily N. Kansas

Rep. Trish Ladner, District 30

trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov

We Have to Stand Up To The Bullies!

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 16:49:12 GMT

As a society, we have ragged war against a world-wide pandemic and have come out the victors! In South Dakota we are fortunate. We had Governor Kristi Noem in charge. She came to us as a community of South Dakotans and told us we would not be sheltering in place or shutting down our economy. She knew we’d be responsible adults and make allowances for our fellow citizens, ensuring that we would do all we could to safeguard each other and work to keep our small businesses and towns open, healthy, safe, and well.

Other states were not as fortunate as we were. They were mandated and bullied by their governors and later the White House, via executive orders to remain in lockdown and to comply with mask and vaccine mandates without question. As a result, many have experienced depression, isolation, anxiety, financial devastation, and a decline in academics just to name a few. As a society, we have witnessed the escalation of violent cancel culture groups whose goal is to create paralyzing fear amongst the people, in order to control, divide, and silence us. A tactic that has been used throughout history even in the days of the Roman Empire.

Living in South Dakota, we sometimes lose sight of what other Americans are going through and the real challenges they are facing every day. This past week when my husband and I ran into a young couple who were visiting the Black Hills in the hopes of relocating here. They told us that in their metropolitan community, they live in fear every day. If you don’t have a Black Lives Matter sticker on your car, it is assumed that you are not supportive of the movement and you will be targeted. Their employers are now tracking whether or not they have received the vaccine. If not, they will not be allowed to work! They stated that, all they want is to do is to move to a red state and feel safe again. Are they intimidated? Yes! Are they living in fear? Absolutely! This no way for an American to live.

Do you remember as a child, that one guy who was the bully on the playground? Sometimes you just had to take a stand, challenging the dreaded bully in order to stop him and feel safe again. Well, our values as a nation and a society are being bullied and challenged from every side, including the right for us to have a simple conversation with each other. Heaven forbid we agree to disagree. Social media has played a huge role in these changes to our culture because we now have access to the world with the stroke of one key. As an unfortunate consequence, we have cultivated a bunch of keyboard cowboys who can sit home in their basement, posting “opinions” as facts, passing along whatever rhetoric that they want to. We no longer know what to believe, what is fact or what is fiction.

But don’t forget when challenged, the bullies always cower and run away. Together our voice is strong! As a people united, we are resilient. Never, never, forget that we have looked a world-wide pandemic straight in the eyes and have emerged victorious! It’s time to stand up to the bullies around us and help to facilitate change from within. Run for the school board, write your state and federal legislators, or attend your chamber, city council and commissioners’ meeting and give your input. Last, but not least, turn off the noise from social media and TV outlets and pick up a good book or read your favorite column and enjoy a newfound peace.

AG Land Reassessment

Mon, 17 May 2021 14:56:18 GMT

Fixing the formula

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Black Hills Association of County Commissioners for their countywide meeting hosted by the Oglala Lakota County at the Prairie Wind Casino. We had the honor of meeting with tribal officials including Close to Earth (Kevin Killer) Oglala Sioux Tribe President and Representative, Peri Pourier, from District 27. Close to Earth, a former state representative, encouraged our rural areas to work together as good neighbors and build rural South Dakota together. I appreciated their warm welcome, and support. This was a great opportunity to meet with our west river commissioners and get their insight and feedback on the current issues facing all of our county’s west river. Several issues were addressed including the new soil survey in relation to agricultural re-assessments and the American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Stacey Martin from Fall River County, Geological Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator presented and excellent overview of information to the commissioners and guests regarding the flaws in the state’s new reassessment formula and how it drives tax assessments up higher than we have seen in over a decade. In a nutshell, the state’s new formula moves damaged soil over to cropland status doubling and, in some cases, tripling the value of the land and the rate it is taxed at. GIS does have the ability to adjust the assessment accordingly, but the new formula is not recalculating as it should. Her entire presentation to the Fall River County Commissioners can be viewed on the Fall River County Commissioner’s YouTube channel for the meeting held on May 6th (1:45 min into the video). I highly recommend that you watch her presentation. Stacey Hayes, Director of Equalization for Fall River County has been in contact with Wendy Semmler, the Property Tax Program Manager the Department of Revenue and they plan on meeting towards the end of this month to see if there are any anomalies in the table and to discuss the AG reassessment and the formula calculations. It is my hope that they will be able to determine if this is a county, west river or statewide problem and then fix the formula. After their meeting at the end of May, they will schedule a public meeting to bring the entire community up to speed on their findings and hopefully solutions. Agriculture is the largest industry in South Dakota and the lifeblood of our economy. We all need to be advocates at the county and state levels for our ranchers and growers and solve this problem.

Jennifer Sietsema, Executive Director, BH Council of Local Governments gave an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act funds. On May 10th, the Federal Treasury opened the portal for applications for funding to counties across the United States (available at this time, only to the counties). She explained that after a county submits a successful application, 50% of the allocation will be sent to the counties. The second payment will come no earlier than 12 months after the first payment. Eligible projects include public health emergency personnel premium, small business assistance, travel, tourism, government services, to the extent of decrease in revenue as well as investments in infrastructure: water, sewer & broadband. No funds may be used for pension funds. The Council of Governments will not be involved this time around with the application process or troubleshooting of the application process like they were for the CARES Act. Arron Scheibe, the new Chief of Staff for Governor Noem, was involved in the CARES Act process and she was confident that he will have a good handle on the process going forward.

When leaders in our communities reach out to me, I listen and work to get answers and/or direction for them and I will do the same for you! I truly believe that if we work together, we can accomplish anything!

Representative Trish Ladner

District 30

trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov

Groundbreaking News!!

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:27:57 GMT

On Friday, April 9th, I had the privilege of attending the Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Liberty Center in Box Elder that is scheduled for completion in 2022. As the ceremony began, I quickly realized that this could be a model for some of our towns in our district and an opportunity to examine what we can do to accomplish renewal and redevelopment. Just look at what Box Elder accomplished when Federal, State, city and local businesses joined together to accomplish a common goal that benefits their citizens.

The 60,000 square foot project (phase 1 of 3) will provide Ellsworth Air Force Base Airmen, the Box Elder community and the public in general, a state-of-the-art recreational area suited for a variety of activities, including physical training, sports tournaments, military ceremonies and more. The new facility will serve as a crucial replacement for the Pride Hanger on the base which is currently utilized for physical fitness activities. Due to the impact of the growth on the base and within the community of Box Elder with the B21’s arrival, it will revert back to its original use creating the need for a new fitness facility for the base. Ellsworth Air Force Base, the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority (SDEDA) and the City of Box Elder joined together to discuss what options could benefit both the base and the community. This was the beginning of plans that centered around a facility with dual usage by both the base and the community. With the ultimate financial buy-in by the significant parties at the table (ie., $6.3 million by the Department of Defense, $3.2 million by the State Legislature, $2 million by a TIFF with Pennington County and the remainder by the SD Ellsworth Development Authority), the project moved forward and they strategically enlisted a team of professionals from Dream Design International out of Rapid City, South Dakota, headed by Hani Shafai, P.E. to create and design the project.

The Liberty Center, a state-of-the-art recreational/training facility is just the beginning of a larger Liberty Plaza Project that ultimately will provide 224 townhomes, 84 single-family homes and 400,000 square feet of retail and offices on the main floor of the plaza and three floors of loft apartments.

I am proud to say that I have been an enthusiastic supporter of the Ellsworth Airforce Base expansion, the Liberty Center project, and the expansion and redevelopment of Box Elder. I believe that this project is a shining example (on the hill), of what can happen for many of our small-town communities in South Dakota. When a group of committed businesspeople, along with city, state and federal entities come together to move a good thing forward from concept to reality, anything is possible!

We should all be asking the question; how can we enhance our community? What is unique about our town that we can feature and highlight? What is possible for our town if the “movers and shakers” came together with a common goal and a common vision? What could actually be possible if we reach out and enlist a great team of professional planners and designers? Ladies and gentlemen, the example set by Box Elder tells us that change and growth is possible. If we are not afraid of hard work and if we can come together with a common goal and design a plan, then I believe can improve our cities and communities. There isn’t anything we can’t accomplish together.

With new redevelopment and growth of our small towns, coupled with Governor Noem’s Broadband Initiative, the Black Hills could offer our young professionals and families a reason to relocate to, or remain in, South Dakota. Congratulations to the State of South Dakota, the City of Box Elder and Ellsworth Air Force Base. I am looking forward to enjoying the new amenities of your town and the Liberty Center!

Under God, the People Rule!! Thank you all for your support and God Bless

You! God Bless the great state of South Dakota and the United States of

America!! I value your comments. Please indicate in the subject line that you

are from District 30 and contact me at trish.ladner@sdlegislature.gov.

Rep. Trish Ladner

District 30

Veto Day Leads to Executive Orders

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:32:35 GMT

Monday, March 29th, marked the last day of the 96th Legislative Session, better known as Veto Day. Legislators returned to the Capitol to readdress HB 1217, the Women’s Fairness in Sports Bill.

The Governor reviewed the bill and returned it to the legislature with a recommendation for Style and Form changes. Historically, Style and Form changes involve simple changes such as typos, grammatical errors, etc. Governor Noem returned the bill with substantive content changes and exclusions.

She stated, “the changes were needed in order to achieve the legislative intent of protecting girls’ sports, while simultaneously avoiding potential unintended consequences.”

In last week’s article, I noted that I was likely to vote “No" on the Style and Form changes proposed by Governor Noem… and after seeking legal counsel, I did just that! I was told by counsel that, “there was a concern about setting a bad precedent for the use of the Style-and-Form Veto. The constitution provides the Governor authority to change a bill to correct an error in style or form. The proposed changes exceed that authority, setting a new precedent for all governors going forward.” Only the legislature can write bills. The Governor can approve them, signing them into law or not. If we were to allow the Governor to re-write bills in a substantive way, it would be a massive deviation from what our Constitution affecting how laws are made in South Dakota."

I’m sure that by now, you have read all about the ins-and-outs of the day. Frankly, the day left me wondering what is the legislative body for? If we, as elected legislators, vet bills in committee, that pass the scrutiny of the House and the Senate, only to be overridden by an executive order, why are we here? After we voted against the Governor’s Style and Form changes, the dominos began to fall. There was a lot of back and forth between the Governor and Leadership while the legislators waited for hours. Finally, late afternoon the Senate adjourned rendering whatever we did in the House irrelevant. Subsequently, the Governor issued two executive orders:

Executive order #1 directed the State Department of Education to enforce rules allowing only females based on their biological sex at birth, to participate girl’s & women’s sports. Executive Order #2 suggested that the Board of Regents “should” (not shall), enforce rules allowing only females based on their biological sex at birth, to participate in girl’s and women’s sports.

Bottom-line, can the Governor tell the board of regents what to do? According an article by Professor Michael Card, of USD Political Science Department, “It’s not clear the governor has a great amount of authority over the South Dakota Board of Regents to direct them to do much of anything. The Board of Regents was created by the constitution, subject to limitations placed on them by the legislature.” In addition to this, the South Dakota Secretary of State verified that executive orders, as issued by the Governor, are not laws. Executive orders are usually based on existing constitutional or statutory powers of the Governor and carry the most weight when they are issued during an emergency. An Emergency declaration isn’t warranted in this case and is likely headed to court.

The Supreme Court of the United States has recognized that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, allows for the law to treat women and men differently, and that equal protection afforded women should apply to all of our state’s schools including institutions of higher learning. After spending hours of to find the answer my question, “Why am I here?” The answer became crystal clear… I am here for you: to be your voice and to stand up for all our rights provided by our constitution.

Thank you all for your support and God Bless You! God Bless he great state of South Dakota and the United States of America!!

I value your comments. Please indicate in the subject line that you are from District 30 and contact me at trish.lader@sdlegislature.gov.

Rep. Trish Ladner

District 30

any reaction to login.

Social Distancing Comes Naturally in South Dakota

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 22:12:26 GMT

The pace of life on the prairie is always slow and steady, so few are panicking about the coronavirus.

Rapid City, S.D.

The prisoners were panicking in Pierre. On March 23, an inmate at the Pierre Community Work Center, South Dakota’s minimum-security prison for women, was taken to be tested for Covid-19. Her fellow prisoners decided they were doomed. At 8:43 p.m. they jimmied open an exterior door, and nine of them escaped into the night, fleeing the disease.

The escapees were among the few Dakotans showing much sign of concern. Reading about China, New York and Italy, it’s tempting to believe the end times have come. Prairie people aren’t so apocalyptic.

In February, government officials and newspaper columnists were mulling the possibility of riots and looting, as though the Great Plains were about to become the set of “Mad Max.” A few weeks later and things have settled. These days the mood is surprisingly relaxed. Chalk it up to a simple fact: South Dakota has seen few cases of coronavirus. As of April 3, it had some of the lowest numbers in the country, with 165 confirmed cases, two deaths, 57 recoveries and 4,217 negative tests.

Perhaps something more elemental explains the lack of alarm. “Midwesterners aren’t really panickers,” says José-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University. South Dakota is an agricultural state, a place where the foundation of local culture remains the old farms and ranches. People are taught from an early age to keep their feelings to themselves, work hard and expect that something will go wrong. A deadly pandemic threatening lives and livelihoods only confirms everybody’s worldview. The social expectation is impassivity.

This sangfroid irritates some. “We’ve been sitting here for two hours listening to public comments, and the majority of them were against taking harsh actions,” complained Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender at a City Council meeting on March 22. Nonetheless, Rapid City did order the closing of some public businesses, even while Mr. Allender tried to reassure his constituents that he was not planning a citywide shutdown. Sioux Falls, on the other hand, has prohibited gatherings in bars, restaurants and city-owned property.

With well under a million people spread across 77,000 square miles, South Dakota was practicing its own form of social distancing long before the coronavirus came along. Most of the state’s current measures are prophylactic, drawn more from national and international news than from anything local. What works in a big coastal city may not be helpful in a place like Custer, population 2,067. South Dakota’s population density is around 11 people per square mile. For comparison, New York City has more than 26,000 people per square mile.

Even in a place where life moves slower, things are slowing down. “We are seeing huge increases at the state level in unemployment, people that do not have jobs, that are needing help to pay their bills,” Gov. Kristi Noem said on Thursday. Still, the rural Midwest may suffer less than other regions, with demand for livestock, wheat and corn likely to remain strong.

It’s no consolation to the business owners and workers who are already suffering to say that things aren’t as bad as they could be, but the real effect on the state’s economy won’t be felt until summer. Tourism supports roughly 55,000 jobs in South Dakota, and last summer visitors spent $4.1 billion. Note that the total state budget in 2019 was only $4.9 billion.

Tourists won’t be coming from overseas to see Mount Rushmore or the Badlands this year. Americans from other states might not risk visiting either. Hundreds of thousands could skip the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, which usually puts a bulge in state coffers. Businesses that cater to tourists typically carry winter losses in anticipation of summer sales. Their lines of credit are already stretched as far as they will go.

For now, at least, South Dakotans seem to be pressing on in their usual way. After 150 years, something of the prairie—the open spaces, the distant horizons—has worked its way into the stoic souls and laconic speech of those who live here. People here know how to keep their distance. It comes naturally.

By the end of the week, seven of the nine women who escaped the Pierre Community Work Center had been recaptured. The warden resigned, of course. But even at the women’s prison, life goes on pretty much as usual.

Ms. Bottum is a civil-engineering student at the South Dakota School of Mines.

Michigan Democrate Rep. Karen Whitsett

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 22:03:15 GMT

Praises Trump and Hydroxycloroquine

A Democrat state representative from Detroit, Michigan, has given credit to hydroxychloroquine and President Donald Trump for saving her life as she battled the deadly coronavirus.

Michigan state Rep. Karen Whitsett, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, said she began taking hydroxychloroquine once her doctor prescribed it to her on March 31 after she and her husband sought treatment on March 18 for an array of symptoms.

Whitsett said she experienced shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes, and somewhat of a sinus infection. According to Whitsett, “It was less than two hours” when she started to feel relief.

The representative also said she was familiar with “the wonders” of hydroxychloroquine after an earlier battle with Lyme disease, but claims she would not have thought to ask for it if President Trump had not touted its benefits as a possible coronavirus treatment.

“It has a lot to do with the president … bringing it up,” Whitsett said. “He is the only person who has the power to make it a priority.”

Whitsett went on to say that she believes her husband, who works as an engineer at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, was exposed to the virus at work. Whitsett’s husband has not yet received the results of his coronavirus test.

“This is a very uncertain time,” Whitsett said. “As a lawmaker, I want to be sure, but I’m not always sure.”

“There have been pandemics before, so we do know that there will be an end to it,” she added.

The Michigan state representative also stated that people in Detroit are not taking the quarantine seriously. “I see it in my own community — not being quarantined and still having house parties,” Whitsett said.

Whitsett also credited Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan for his relationship with President Trump for helping to get Detroit what it needs to fight the virus more effectively.

President Trump highlighted Whitsett’s recovery Monday evening.