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Week 6 is in the books, and it was the busiest week we’ve had in Pierre so far. We had several long floor sessions, and committees met in the late afternoon and evening hours as well on multiple days, which is rare. That’s all in preparation for Tuesday’s crossover day, when bills must clear the chamber the legislation started in order to move or “crossover” to the other chamber. Nothing corrals a legislature’s pace like a deadline looming over the chamber. One bill I’m proud to highlight is HB 1311. It passed out of the House Education Committee on consent and advanced out of the House floor with unanimous support. This legislation is straightforward: it requires state universities and technical colleges to report any gifts or donations from the six countries already identified in state law as hostile governments—-China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela. Transparency matters. Our higher education institutions have not yet received donations from these countries, but I want to be proactive, not reactive, so our education system is not influenced by these bad actors and our taxpayers can trust our colleges and universities. Beyond the bills and the deadlines, I want to take a minute to talk about public education. I am a product of South Dakota public schools and universities. I got a quality education at McCook Central, and I’m grateful for the teachers and staff who poured their efforts into me and helped shape who I am today, like Mr and Mrs “D” Danielsen who I recognized from the floor earlier this session. These educators didn’t just teach me reading, writing, arithmetic, music, etc. They taught me right from wrong, humility, empathy, accountability, and so many other qualities. Many of them also taught me out of the school as every elementary teacher I had growing up also taught Sunday School, CCD, and Vacation Bible school during the summer. While we didn’t open the Bible during classes at our public school, they lived the Bible and showed me what true faith and being Christ-like was through their actions. While that was over twenty years ago, I know the educators in our schools today will teach my children in the same way I was raised in our schools. We must continue to invest in and support our public schools, teachers, paraeducators, administrators, cooks, bus drivers, janitors, coaches, and volunteers who have made a choice to dedicate their lives to improving the lives of our children and prepare them to be adults. Lauren and I plan for our kids to attend public school, too. While I support choice—private schools and homeschooling have a place and can serve families well—public schools are the cornerstone of educating our youth for most families in our rural district and are where our tax dollars should go. If we want rural communities to stay strong, we have to support the schools that anchor them. District 19 is home to 13 school districts and parts of 4 others, employing hundreds of people. Yes, we can always keep improving our education system, and we work to do that every day. But that does not mean the legislative process should be attacking our teachers, administrators, school boards, or the funding systems in place for them. All too often, this occurs in the Capitol from out of state influences and legislators who appear to hate public education and question educators morals and values. We need to have honest conversations that start with good intentions. I will always work to improve our education system, not against those who work for it, but with them. And I will always defend our educators. Thank you to all educators, staff, and school board members, past and present. This week, we had a great turnout from District 19 and visitors from across South Dakota, including socials hosted by the Ethanol Producers Association and Farm Credit Services, as well as a meeting with members of the Agri-Business Association—an opportunity to hear firsthand about the state of the ag economy. Both the Sioux Falls and Mitchell Chambers were also in Pierre, advocating for growth and strong communities, and at the South Dakota Chamber’s annual event, Paul Allen—the voice of the Minnesota Vikings—shared about his faith and, of course, all things Vikings. The highlight of all my conversations was visiting with students from Tripp-Delmont and Tea. These conversations are always the best reminder of who we’re here to represent and why the work in Pierre matters back home. In the weeks ahead, I’ll continue to keep you informed. I also enjoy hearing from each of you—reach out at Drew.Peterson@sdlegislature.gov with your thoughts, concerns, and advice anytime.