On Sunday, February 2, I attended the walk for life at the state capital along with many other legislators and families. It was wonderful to have my twin granddaughters Rebecca and Rachel sing with our speaker of the house and fellow seatmate Jon Hanson for the program at the Capitol rotunda.
It was an eventful week in Pierre, both in committee and on the House floor. In the House Health and Human Services Committee, access to effective medical care was at the forefront of everyone's mind. With healthcare providers being difficult to access, bills attempting to alleviate this issue have been brought before the committee.
House Bill 1071 was presented to the House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday. It sought to allow physician assistants greater freedom to practice privately. While there was agreement that healthcare is difficult to access in remote areas of South Dakota, the committee was split on the bill.
The committee did not question or deny the professionalism or skill of licensed physician assistants, but they did raise concerns about the types of procedures these assistants would be allowed to perform without supervision. The committee passed the bill onto the House floor with a 9-3 vote.
Following HB 1071 was House Bill 1098, which aimed to reimburse the cost of respite care services for caregivers of individuals with dementia and to declare an emergency. The committee heard heartfelt testimony and the stories of those affected by this terrible disease. In unanimous agreement, they passed the bill on to the Appropriations Committee for funding and approval.
In the House State Affairs Committee, voting security and campaign finance law have been relevant issues. Although every member agrees that South Dakota should have free and fair elections, they have differing opinions on how to conduct them. They are actively working toward a solution that ensures no voter is left out and are considering safeguards against fraudulent ballots. They have also passed bills aimed at closing loopholes in South Dakota’s campaign finance law.
On the House Floor, there have been several engaging debates. I introduced a motion calling for an Article V convention of states. I raised major concerns with Washington, D.C., emphasizing that the federal government has encroached on states' rights, greatly expanded the national debt, and that Congress has shrunk from its responsibility as lawmakers. While all members of the House agreed with the spirit of the bill, they disagreed with calling for an Article V convention. The motion was defeated with a vote of 38-29.
Some of our district constituents were out here for association get togethers, so it was good to connect with them. Also, we were able to tour the telemedicine available on ambulances which they said Flandreau has on their ambulance.
You can reach me with any comments or questions at
Or call 605-773-3851 or my cell 605-864-1274.
