Hello District 19 – The fourth week of the 100th Legislative Session marked the halfway point of what has been a very unique and exciting Session. December’s tax revenue numbers came in this week and were lower than expected from the Holiday Season. This will more than likely means more budget cuts and reduced spending because in South Dakota we do not spend more than we bring in. We will have a better idea in the coming weeks and our appropriators are hard at work to ensure we deliver a balanced budget by the end of the Session. On Wednesday, the House had an intense debate on SB 12, a bill to close a campaign loophole that was against the spirit of our state’s campaign finance laws. Currently, individuals can make avoid the donation limits and allow unlimited contributions to State Political Action Committees (PAC) by simply calling them forgivable loans. I was proud to vote on closing this loophole and believe we need to keep campaign donations limited and open. Thursday was a special day as my wife Lauren and my son Michael made the trip to Pierre for the National Guard Dining Out dinner. This is an annual event that celebrates our members of the South Dakota National Guard. I especially enjoyed having my son Michael on the House floor, as it is always a good reminder of why I serve in the Legislature. I want to make sure South Dakota remains the best place to grow up for him and our future generations. I was in Pierre over the weekend to celebrate the official Inauguration of Governor Larry Rhoden and Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen. Since becoming Governor, Rhoden has outlined his priorities of reducing property tax, bringing civility back to Pierre, keeping our state open for business and being as open as possible with the press. With the events of the last few months, it feels like morning in America, and especially South Dakota. I am always proud to recognize my fellow District 19 residents in Pierre, so be sure to let me know if you are visiting the Capitol as I'd be happy to meet with you. Please reach out with advice, questions, or concerns – I welcome your input. Drew Peterson State Representative, District 19 drew.peterson@sdlegislature.gov