This week marked the start of the 99th Legislative Session and we’re already off and running! We heard from Governor Noem on the “State of the State” Tuesday, the Chief Justice on the “State of the Judiciary,” and Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Vice President Cyndi Allen-Weddel on the “State of the Tribes” Wednesday. Prior to the “State of the Tribes” address, the annual State-Tribal Relations Day was held in the Capitol Rotunda where the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Rosebud Sioux Tribe presented their flags to Governor Noem for permanent display there. I hope we’ll see all nine tribal nations’ flags flying in the South Dakota State Capitol by the end of this session. I’m proud of the trajectory we’re on as it relates to State-Tribal Relations in South Dakota.
Along those same lines, my first bill this session is HB1041, which grants tribal eligibility to participate in the $200M Housing Infrastructure Finance Program through SD Housing. It passed out of House State Affairs on Friday and will go before the full House this coming Tuesday. I’m proud of the support this legislation has and it’s a testament to our progress of working together. Read more on HB1041 HERE and HERE.
On Friday, I introduced House Joint Resolution 5001 (HJR 5001), which would let the voters decide if some more partisan nominations should be made in the June primary election or if it should be left to a few hundred folks to decide for us at a partisan state convention. The resolution, if adopted, by the people of South Dakota, would require that anyone elected on a statewide general election ballot is nominated on a statewide primary election ballot (other than Supreme Court Justices).
Currently, registered voters get to vote in the June primary for the offices of Governor, U.S. Senators, U.S. House Rep, county Sheriff, Auditor, Treasurer, Commissioners, and all other offices, and, of course, the Legislature. This would expand the voters’ authority to also nominate candidates for Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer, School and Public Lands Commissioner, and Public Utilities Commissioners.
In my opinion, this conversation on HJR 5001 is worth having. You deserve a say. If you want to learn more on my thoughts about this, please check out my op-ed HERE or feel free to reach out to me directly.
I can tell it’s going to be a busier session with the amount of bills we’ll discuss. I have a few more of my initiatives I’ll share as they get introduced and work their way through the process but know I’m always going to keep my focus on the people first, promoting strong and healthy families, and promoting the quality of life in our communities.
I hope you’ll keep in contact with me throughout this session should you have any questions or suggestions. My contact information is below. Let me know what’s important to you and what you’re hoping to see this session.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve District 14 and our state. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep in touch!
-Tyler
Text or Call: 605-610-8884
Email: Tyler.Tordsen@sdlegislature.gov