Legislative Update with Chesney

Tomorrow is South Dakota’s Hike the Hill in Pierre! A packed day ahead for our CU advocates; what’s happening in Pierre, and what’s going on in Congress this week.  ​

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs
 
South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day Agenda 2024
Remaining engaged in the political process and having a seat at the table for legislative matters is crucial for credit unions to maintain influence over their operational methods and member services, both presently and in the future. This is why South Dakota’s Hike the Hill Day, also known as our Credit Union Legislative Day, is a needed day of advocacy for our credit unions. I’m excited for this year’s event, as we have a packed agenda ahead for tomorrow!
 
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Donuts for Legislators (Invitation Only)
Location: Capitol Building
Description: DakCU and SD GAC Staff providing donuts to legislators.
 
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – SD GAC Meeting (Invitation Only)
Location: Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center
Description: Official SD GAC meeting and lunch. 

1:20 p.m. – Meet at the Capitol (All Credit Union Members)
Location: Capitol Building
Description: The official photo with Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden will be taken on the staircase at 1:30 p.m. SHARP. The credit union group will then be recognized in the Legislative Chambers following the photo.
 
2:30 p.m. – The History of our South Dakota Capitol (All Credit Union Members)
Location: Capitol Building
Description: Join Marshall Damgaard, author of The South Dakota State Capitol, and Rick Augusztin, Executive Assistant for SD BOA, who will provide our group with a historical tour of the South Dakota State Capitol.
 
4:00 p.m. – Building Political Relationships (All Credit Union Members)
Location: Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center
Description: Join former Senate Majority Whip, Cooper Garnos for a presentation on building positive relationships in politics.
 
4:30 p.m. – Credit Union Roundtable (All Credit Union Members)
Location: Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center
Description: Receive a brief industry update affecting South Dakota credit unions from the Dakota Credit Union Association Advocacy Team: CEO, Jeff Olson; Director of Political and Grassroots Affairs, Chesney Garnos; and Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, John Alexander. 

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Legislative Social (All Credit Union Members)
Location: Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center
Description: Meet, connect, and share your credit union story with legislators from across the great state of South Dakota.
 
A special “Thank You” to our Legislative Social Sponsors: CU Mortgage Direct; Alloya Corporate FCU; 
Black Hills FCU, and Oahe FCU.
 
South Dakota Legislative Update
The South Dakota Legislative Session continues to move along. As of early Tuesday morning, roughly 260 bills have been introduced. We expect more bills to be filed this week, as January 25th is the last day for unlimited bills to be introduced. While this is the last date for unlimited bills to be introduced, please note some of these bills may take a few extra days to get online on the South Dakota Legislative Research Council’s website. This is a great resource for looking up bills and even watching committee hearings online if you are interested in doing so!
 
Our team will continue to track the flux of bills coming in; if there is a bill you are concerned about or think needs tracking, please contact me. Don’t forget to use our online bill tracking system by visiting this link and filtering by South Dakota bills. Here is a brief snapshot of the bills we are currently tracking.

National Update
Congress passed a short-term funding extension to avoid a partial government shutdown, extending funding until March 1 for four appropriations bills and until March 8 for the rest of the government, including the NFIP. While the House is working back in their represented districts this week, the Senate is in session out in Washington, D.C. and we are monitoring the following hearing this week:
 

• Thursday, the Senate Banking Committee will meet to discuss the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

 
Last but not least, useful links:

• South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day Schedule
• South Dakota Bill Tracking by DakCU
• South Dakota Legislative Research Council
• One Stop Shop for GAC

 
As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any advocacy or legislative questions, comments, or concerns.