“We’ve earned the right to be selective in supporting the right projects that are mutually beneficial for all.” South Dakotans are right to care deeply about the future of our communities. We value self-reliance, common sense, and stewardship of our land, tax dollars, and way of life. Lately, I’ve grown increasingly concerned by the risingContinue reading “Tordsen Op-Ed: South Dakota’s Future Depends on Smart Growth—Not Fear of It”
Author Archives: ttordsen
Tordsen Announces Candidacy for SD District 14 House
SESSION WEEK EIGHT – Coming to a Close
We’re down to the final four days (minus Veto Day on March 25) to settle the budget, pass the remaining bills, and pack up our temporary lodging. When given the opportunity, I brag about our legislative process. We’re still a part-time citizen legislature where we convene in Pierre for 40 days or less, balance theContinue reading “SESSION WEEK EIGHT – Coming to a Close”
I Have Some Exciting News to Share!
First, a heartfelt thank you. I want to start out by thanking you if you’ve ever lent your support, encouragement, and engagement during these last two years. If you’re reading this, odds are you were one of my earliest supporters who believed in me, invested in my first race, or have kept up with meContinue reading “I Have Some Exciting News to Share!”
SESSION WEEK SIX – Taking Care of our Teachers
I’ve been wondering since I was in elementary school why South Dakota was always ranked towards the bottom in teacher pay. I’ve always felt that our educators should be some of the highest paid professionals, period. They’re tasked with educating our next generation including our future doctors, attorneys, small business owners and more. These sentimentsContinue reading “SESSION WEEK SIX – Taking Care of our Teachers”
SESSION WEEK FIVE – Hitting the Halfway Point
This session is finally halfway done with, but activity in the capital is at an all-time high for me. The chronological recap of the week began with House Education Monday morning where we debated a $109M+ school choice/voucher bill in HB1250, while at the same time down the hall I was pitching my primaries vsContinue reading “SESSION WEEK FIVE – Hitting the Halfway Point”
SESSION WEEK FOUR – Video Update
Our only five day legislative week was a busy one! We’re almost to the halfway point of the 99th Legislative Session with more bills ahead to pass (and kill). Check out my video update recapping this last week, sharing updates on my legislative progress, and what’s coming up in the days ahead!
SESSION WEEK THREE – What a week
The increase in bills filed this year is evident by the workload. As of this writing, we’re sitting at 384 bills filed: 192 from each chamber. We’ve hit the deadline for unlimited bill introduction and January 31st is the final day each legislator can introduce individual bills (a max of up to three more bills/each). LastContinue reading “SESSION WEEK THREE – What a week”
SESSION WEEK TWO – Some Wins and Some Setbacks
The whirlwind pace for this session continued into our second week. Committee meetings were stacked with bill hearings, floor sessions included lots of debates, and every day we had lots of visitors! I started the legislative week with a “win” by getting my HB 1041 past the South Dakota House of Representatives. After my floorContinue reading “SESSION WEEK TWO – Some Wins and Some Setbacks”
SESSION WEEK ONE – The Beginning of the 99th Legislative Session
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 toContinue reading “SESSION WEEK ONE – The Beginning of the 99th Legislative Session”