I am sending my fondest greetings to everyone in District

21. Another year has come and gone, and once again legislators have gathered in Pierre for the 94th Legislative Session. I look forward to serving you and this great state again this year. I am honored that you continue to support me as your Representative in the SD House and consider it a great privilege to serve again this year as House Majority Leader.

This past weekend my wife Trudy and I attended the historic event of the Inauguration of our state’s first female Governor on Saturday afternoon. The entire Inaugural event was one that was planned to the most specific details. The Inaugural Ball at the Capitol that evening was stunningly beautiful with trumpets announcing the entrance of dignitaries during the Grand March and Governor Noem was surprised with a huge fireworks display to end the evening. More people attended the Inaugural Ball at the Capitol on Saturday evening than ever recorded in history for past balls. On Sunday AM, Governor Kristi Noem started her first day in office with a Christian worship service hosted in the Rotunda of the Capitol. They anticipated 200 attending but there were over 500 who came to worship God. Trudy was honored to be asked to participate in the service by reading Scripture and praying.

Tuesday was the 1st day of this year’s session. Governor Kristi Noem gave her State of the State Address to the legislature, guests, and those who were watching by TV. She received several standing ovations. Governor Noem started her address by making it clear that fiscal discipline would be the foundation of her Governorship. Governor Noem talked about her plans for Agriculture, to improve habitat for pheasants and for improving broadband internet service across the state. The Governor is committed to partnering with innovative technologies, value-added agriculture, bringing industries to our state, leveraging our expertise in healthcare, crops and applied research, and cyber technology to bring jobs for South Dakotans.

Governor Noem with enforcement, rehabilitation and education plans to battle the family destroying meth epidemic and calls for more foster families to give every child a home. The Governor proposes a centralized site to put agendas, meetings, live streams and minutes for all levels of government and a commonsense Reporter Shield Law. The Governor shared a bold vision for South Dakota and the entire legislative body has a renewed energy looking forward to being involved in unfolding the historic plans and goals for this state.

On Wednesday, the 2nd day of session, Chief Justice Gilbertson gave us his vision of South Dakota in his State of the Judiciary. Some of the key points included changes to the state’s BAR exam passing requirements, the drug problem in SD, concerns of elder abuse and current programs that place attorneys in rural areas. Gilbertson expressed honor in a touching moment for Justice Zinter who recently passed away. Zinter’s outstanding character, professional attitude and extremely fair view were spoken of.

The State of the Tribes was given on Thursday by Rodney M. Bordeaux who is President of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. President Bordeaux spoke of the reservation court systems, of Native American Education and concerns on natural resources. He spent time commending Governor Noem for her outstanding efforts to work with SD Native Americans to better education and her promise to work closely with SD tribes for all Native American people.

We will have several Legislative Meet and Greets across the District on Saturday January 26th. Senator Rocky Blare, Representative Caleb Finck and I will be at each of theselocations to meet with you, answer questions, and take ideas for new legislation needed. We will start in Springfield from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Community Center. From there we will go to Pickstown to Abby’s Convenience Store and Restaurant from 11:15 to 12:15. We will then head to Platte and will be at the Dutch Oven Bakery from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Next we will be in Gregory at the Dayspring Coffee Co. on Main Street from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. And we will finish up in Winner at the West River Tap from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. This is open for everyone to come and meet your legislative team from this District. Hope to see many of you at each of these events. Your legislative team is committed to once again balance our budget, protect our freedoms and represent the good citizens of our state.

I pray that everyone had a wonderful 2018 and are looking forward to a 2019 filled with joy and blessings! Feel free to contact me at lee.qualm@sdlegislature.gov with your ideas and concerns. Also, if you come to Pierre, please stop by my office as it is always a pleasure to see friends from our District. Have a wonderful week!