Meetings, meetings and more meetings

Greetings! I hope everyone had a blessed thanksgiving. Now onward through the advent season to Christmas. Marcia and I just got home from a sing-along with the various Hill City churches hosted by the Little White Church. It was very well done and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all. And there were cookies too!

Even though the 100th legislative session does not begin until Jan. 14 things are starting to get very busy. Starting Monday, I have an invite to a breakfast with the Rapid City mayor at 11 a.m. That’s lunch time for me, but it’s his event. Then I have a 4 p.m. meeting with some French Creek group at Three Forks, then off to Pierre Monday night.

At 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday Rep. Ladner has a meeting set up to go over a proposed property tax bill in the capital building. We have caucus at noon, followed by Gov. Noem’s last budget address to a joint session, meaning the lower chamber, the senators, come over to the higher chamber, the House of Representatives, to hear Gov. Noem’s budget proposal. Remember the word “proposal,” as nothing happens unless the House and Senate pass it and the governor signs it. And the House and Senate can still override her veto if she chooses to veto anything.

The current Lt. Gov., Larry Rhoden, will be our governor during session, and we will be voting to approve his nominee for the next lieutenant governor. I had responses back from last week’s article about who you the readers thought would likely be the next lieutenant governor. I’m not going over the number of suggestions, but the list included former Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, former legislator/speaker and senate majority leader Tim Rave, former legislator and Sioux Falls City Council member Christine Erickson Vinatieri and former legislator and cabinet member Steven Westra. Topping off the list was former Lt. Gov. Matt Michaels. So...we will see who future Gov. Larry Rhoden selects. Remember, whoever he selects still has to pass the House and Senate.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, I stay in Pierre for new legislator orientation and issuance of our new laptops. I return home on Wednesday evening for church supper and advent service at Community Lutheran.

Thursday at 11:30 a.m. a couple lobbyist groups invited me to lunch. The good part is that I get to lobby them about property tax relief. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, I’m meeting with the Preserve French Creek group.

On Friday I have a meeting with the Adjutant General of South Dakota Air and Army Guard on Camp Rapid followed by a Press Club Christmas social at Murphy’s. Later Friday, Americans For Prosperity have a social at the Ramkota in Rapid City.

On Saturday, Dec. 7 I sit on military academy congressional boards for candidates applying to West Point, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and Merchant Marine. I’ve been on this board the last three years. If you want to see some of the most outstanding high school seniors, male and female, these candidates are incredibly outstanding.

Until next week,

To the citizens of District 30 and the men and women in uniform, in honor of all who served, in respectful memory of all who fell and in great appreciation to those who serve today, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you.