by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs Let’s Have a Ball! Over the weekend, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 South Dakota Inaugural Ball for Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. The evening was a nostalgic one for me, bringing back memories of my childhood when I attended the inaugurations of former Governors Mike Rounds and Dennis Daugaard.
 Gov. Rhoden and 1st Lady Rhoden about to take their first dance at the 2025 Inaugural Ball at the SD State Capitol. For those unfamiliar with this event, an inauguration marks the official swearing-in of an elected official, formally making them the incumbent. This historic occasion is often accompanied by a ceremony or celebration, which may include an inaugural address outlining the leader’s vision for the future.
Governor Rhoden’s address centered on a return to South Dakota’s roots—values of service, hard work, resilience, and generosity. He delivered a unifying message, stating, “I will extend a renewed hand to everyone in our state: East River and West River; small towns and big cities; and yes, our tribal communities.” His words reflect the unique and diverse fabric of South Dakota and the importance of working together to build a stronger future for all. As a fifth-generation South Dakotan, I deeply resonate with this vision. My family has always taught me the importance of building a better future for those who come after us. I look forward to seeing this new chapter unfold in South Dakota politics and the opportunities it will bring for our communities. South Dakota Legislative Session: Week 5 It is now Week 5 of our 100th Legislative Session, and the pace has picked up as it typically does following the deadline for bill introductions. The last day for individual bills and resolutions to be filed was Wednesday, February 5, while January 30 marked the final day for unlimited bill introductions. A total of 535 bills have been filed during this session, with a significant focus on education, property taxes, and pipeline legislation. We are closely monitoring and taking positions on 12 key bills that impact the financial industry. You can view the legislation we are tracking this session here. The next major deadline is February 25, known as “Crossover Day”—the last day for bills or joint resolutions to pass their house of origin. National Update: Lawmakers Face Funding Deadline Following GAC Once again, lawmakers are approaching a critical government funding deadline. The current continuing resolution (CR) is set to expire on March 14, requiring Congress to either pass another CR or finalize the FY 2025 appropriations bills to prevent a government shutdown. Additionally, spending caps under the Fiscal Responsibility Act will take effect on April 30, adding further urgency to the legislative agenda. Credit Unions Support Our Vital Ag Communities Last week, our team had the opportunity to send a letter to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s February 5 hearing, Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy – Part 1, with the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). Our letter highlighted how credit unions provide essential financial services to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural communities, many of whom have been left behind by traditional financial institutions. You can view that letter here. We will be submitting a similar letter to the House this week. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Comments are closed.
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