My Record vs. Dylan Jordan

Taking a break on the floor

On HB1005 (Data Center sales/use tax exemption): I was the prime sponsor who introduced the bill to bring major investment and economic growth to rural South Dakota with built-in protections. Dylan Jordan actively opposed it, calling it crony capitalism and stating he would be a "no" vote.

On HB1188 (Limit liability of law enforcement and others when removing disabled vehicles from highways, rights-of-way, or public waters. A key public safety and towing measure): I was the prime sponsor/introducer, showing proactive leadership to protect first responders and clarify duties. Dylan Jordan voted YAY but offered only a routine supportive vote with no leadership or sponsorship.

On HB1189 (Establish a greater tire weight limit for mobile cranes moving on any highway in this state. Practical update for agriculture, construction, and industry safety): I was the prime sponsor, delivering another targeted win for real-world highway use in rural districts. Dylan Jordan voted YAY with no leadership or notable involvement.

On the Rural Health Transformation Act (HB 1044): I voted YES to appropriate and implement nearly $190 million in federal funding (first year of the program) to strengthen rural healthcare in South Dakota. Recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, modernizing rural facilities and technology, expanding behavioral health services, EMS hubs, telehealth, and improving access to care close to home. This is vital for District 4’s rural communities, families, farms, and seniors. Dylan Jordan voted NO on this critical rural health funding bill.

On the RAIF bill (SB 240. Rural Access Infrastructure Fund appropriation): I was a House cosponsor and voted YES to deliver $5 million in targeted funding for county and township culverts, small bridges, and rural road infrastructure repairs. This keeps our farms, townships, and communities safely connected. It is exactly the kind of practical rural investment District 4 needs. Dylan Jordan offered no leadership or sponsorship on this key rural infrastructure measure.

On the Prison Vote (new men's prison expansion/funding): I voted YES to address critical capacity and public safety needs. Dylan Jordan voted NAY and publicly urged rejection of the $650 million project, citing concerns over costs and property taxes.

On the Budget Vote (overall state appropriations): I supported responsible budgeting focused on core services and rural priorities. Dylan Jordan voted NAY on the state budget bill as part of the Freedom Caucus opposition.

Additional Contrasts on My Record:

I actively worked on SB210 (ensuring a portion of wind farm revenues stays with local school districts) and SB211 (prohibiting certain ambulance billing practices and setting fair out-of-network reimbursement standards). Dylan Jordan largely ignored these bills with no notable cosponsorship or advancement.

My prime sponsorship of SCR607 (supporting congressional authorization and federal participation in major rural water supply projects through the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems) is especially important for rural water infrastructure and benefits all water systems across South Dakota.

On riparian buffer strips, my record emphasizes voluntary, farmer-friendly conservation approaches tied to water quality and rural priorities (consistent with my broader rural water advocacy like SCR607 and district needs). This stands in contrast to Dylan's relative lack of engagement on these ag-water balance issues. My approach prioritizes practical, locally driven solutions over mandates.

My vote YES on SB96 was a true measure of local control. It authorized counties to impose an optional gross receipts tax (with local decision-making) to deliver targeted relief on owner-occupied property taxes, empowering communities rather than relying on one-size-fits-all mandates from Pierre. In contrast, my NO vote on SB245 was principled. That bill creates a broad homeowner property tax reduction fund using diverted sales tax revenue, but it ignores the needs of schools, state employees, nursing home workers, and tenants. It applies evenly across all owner-occupied properties instead of being weighted toward those who truly need relief. It leaves lower-half owner-occupied taxpayers with less help while giving equal benefit to higher-income folks (including those like me who don't need it as much).

On Education: I have been a strong advocate for practical support of public schools through economic growth and direct local funding. As prime sponsor of SB210, I worked to ensure that a full portion of wind farm revenues stays with local school districts, providing stable funding without raising property taxes. I have consistently highlighted the importance of properly funding schools while promoting development that benefits school tax bases, such as data centers. I also pushed for funding technical and career education pathways (including strong support for a new trades center at Lake Area Technical College) to keep young people in South Dakota with real job opportunities.

In contrast, Dylan Jordan has focused more on cultural and curriculum issues in the House Education Committee. This includes support for requiring the state motto and seal in classrooms and pushing campus carry gun bills. He made pointed criticisms of education policy. He showed no notable leadership or support on funding measures like SB210.

This positions me as the candidate who works for all of District 4 on a practical governance platform. I focus on real results. Economic growth, public safety, education funding, rural water, balanced conservation, targeted tax relief, rural healthcare transformation, and rural road/bridge infrastructure. I avoid social and cultural issues, because folks are best equipped to deal with those things at home.

As Ronald Reagan said, “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor.”