We are passed the halfway point of the legislative session. One of the most publicized bills of the sessions was SB 51 which required the display and teaching of the Ten Commandments. I whole heartly believe that God on Mount Sanai scribed with his finger the Ten Commandments in the 2 tablets and gave them to Moses, but I also believe that it is my job to teach that to my children, one of whom is interested in going into seminary. School districts cannot hire teachers based on religion so would one want an atheist teacher having to teach the Ten Commandments to their Christian child? Furthermore, we do not require the posting of the constitution, the bill of rights or any other historical artifact. Being a Christian, this was a difficult vote but I think after the debate and the amendments offered to include other religious postings in our classrooms I think voting no was the right vote to make. In November our ballots were long and, in some cases, multiple pages, causing some voter fatigue (and full mailboxes). Several legislators have focused on putting more stringent requirements on how we get Initiated Measures and Constitutional Amendments on our ballots, and I support those efforts. We have spent some late nights and long days discussing the prison proposal. South Dakota’s current penitentiary was built in 1881 prior to South Dakota being a state. The only thing all sides agree on is South Dakota needs new prison. There is much hesitation about the location from many locals in that area and having grown up there I can see where they are coming but that is not a decision for me to make. My job is to decide if South Dakota needs a prison, if we move forward with the current plan or if start all over with a new plan. We celebrated one of my favorite days at the Capitol Tabor Czech Days with the Czech Days Royalty: Queen Gracie Pechous, Princess Kara Stutzman, and Prince Coltor Manas. Thank you for the wonderful Kolaches and visiting the legislature. This year’s Tabor Czech Days is June 19-21 if you have never gone, please do. It was also my pleasure to visit with the Montrose and Menno High Schools. It is my absolute honor to serve you and Best Wishes to the Parkston, Ethan, Hanson Gymnastics while they compete at the state tournament. God Bless, Jessica Bahmuller (605) 359-9459