Senator Johnson

The SDDP asks that you keep Senator Johnson and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

The New Team

From L to R, Deb Knecht Vice-Chairwoman, Bill Nibbelink Treasurer, Barb Himmel-Roberts Secretary, and Jack Billion Chairman.

Education Funding Still a Low Priority

Breaking down the Governor's budget address yesterday, and education funding went from $4418 per student in 06 to $4496 in 07. That's an increase of 1.8%. When inflation is 3.9 %, how do we expect our schools to provide a quliaty educaiton?

The Real Reason

The AP/Aberdeen American News is reporting that a language change may be introduced for Initiative Measure 5 to clarify penalities for misuse of state vehicles. This comes after the measure passed with broad support across the state. Instead of listenting to the voters, the Governor has complained that the measure would affect state employees.

It's important to note that the real reason the Governor has been criticized for his misuse of taxpayer owned aircraft is that he took several political and private trips to places like Boca Rotan, Seattle, and Las Vegas, and only paid back the money when called on it by the Argus. What mechanisim did he use to pay the state? The Governor's Club, an unregulated slush fund with zero oversight. That is not good government.

Back on track

After a post election break, look for more posting as we approach the 2007 legislative session.

Democrats Make Legislative Gains

From an SDDP Release:

- Will Use Momentum, Common Ground in ‘08 Push -

Pierre, SD

Though some results have yet to be finalized, it appears that Democrats gained a total of six legislative seats. The gain of five senate seats is especially significant. The entire slate of 89 Democratic candidates unified behind the Common Ground plan, which is a pledge to voters to change the priorities in Pierre from divisive social politics to the issues that affect all South Dakotans.

“Clearly the Common Ground message was accepted statewide, and this return to meat and potato issues resonated with voters,” said Judy Olson Duhamel, Chairwoman of the South Dakota Democratic Party.

“We’re proud of the races our candidates ran. They worked hard and stayed on their positive message for a new direction for South Dakota,” Olson Duhamel continued. “We plan to use this momentum and Common Ground to gain even more seats in the 2008 election.”

Olson Duhamel also pointed to Dr. Jack Billion’s campaign as a contributor to Democrats’ legislative success.

“Jack, while working hard on his campaign, also pushed the Common Ground agenda. He stumped for legislative candidates on his statewide travels and energized voters by talking about the issues that affect all South Dakotans.”

While Democrats Seek Common Ground, Republicans...?

Have no plan. Zip. Nothing. Nadda. Just more of the same. Chronic under-funding of education, 90,000 South Dakotans without health care, state E85 vehicles that didn't even use one full tank of E85 in the past year, and the lowest wages in the region. Their focus has instead been on divsisve social issues like teaching creationism in public schools and absitnance only education.

In contrast, Democrats have a plan. A positive agenda for change in South Dakota. That plan is called Common Ground. Visit www.sdcommonground.org and look at the 11 points that lay out a new direction for South Dakota. The choice today is simple.