Last week was a monumental week in South Dakota. First, I was sworn in by the chief justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court for my second term in the South Dakota Senate. Soon after, our representatives were sworn in over in the House of Representatives. We then took our seats and watched history as Kristi Noem was sworn in as South Dakota’s first female governor.
The inaugural events were amazing, and your South Dakota Capitol was incredibly decked out and the city of Pierre did a wonderful job hosting this celebration of transition.
This term, I was officially appointed chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
This committee typically meets in joint session with the House, and according to Legislative Rules, the Senate is the lead committee on odd numbered years, so I am officially the lead co-chair of the Joint Committee on Appropriations.
I would like to thank President Pro-Tempore Greenfield for the faith and trust he has placed in me and I look forward to a very tough but educational and productive session as we examine and set the official budget for the state of South Dakota.
Last week, we have seen many bills introduced along with resolutions and commemorations. Our Joint Committee on Appropriations is hearing agencies and bureaus’ budget requests and examining how your tax dollars are used.
I was proud to sponsor three of the Senate pages this term, and they are doing a wonderful job.
I would like to thank Camryn MacDonnell of Lake Norden, Claire St. Pierre of Hayti, and Emma Tardy of Henry for your service to the Legislature and the people of South Dakota. We appreciate all your hard work and the incredible attitude. Eli Pieper of Gary is back at the Capitol, this time as an intern in the House of Representatives.
Track all South Dakota bills at sdlegislature.gov.
Listen to all committees and even watch the House or Senate live on sd.net and reach me via email at wiikfor4@gmail.com.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the South Dakota Senate.
