Legislative Update with Chesney

​Swing into advocacy action with our SD credit union golf outing! Plus, what’s happening in DC, and the final adjournment for the SD legislative session. 

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs

Swing into advocacy action!
Please join us for an exclusive credit union golf outing, Par for the PAC – SD CU Advocacy Golf Classic! Meet local legislators and officials who make policy decisions affecting our industry on July 18th in Lead/Deadwood, SD. Best of all, your support will help provide scholarships for credit union professionals to attend important advocacy and government-focused events! There are multiple ways to get involved in this year’s event, from sponsorship opportunities to golf teams. Be sure to reserve your spot early! A room block is available in Deadwood for this event; click here for more details. Don't miss this opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of credit unions while enjoying a day on the links!

National Update
Last week, both the House and the Senate passed the government funding package amidst proposed Republican amendments in the Senate, including the Credit Card Competition Act by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS).
However, efforts by our team at DakCU, in addition to our advocacy and financial services partners, prevented these amendments from getting attached to any legislation in the Senate, allowing for a peaceful weekend. We are preparing for the CCCA to come up again this year and will be working with you all to engage in grassroots efforts. The South Dakota delegation, consisting of Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, and U.S. Rep Dusty Johnson voted in favor of a $1.2 trillion spending package; this package, approved just past a critical deadline, will fund various government operations.

In other advocacy news, Senator Thune's office has confirmed he will sign on to the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (S. 3502). Senator Rounds also joined onto this bill following our discussions on Capitol Hill during the 2024 GAC. This truly highlights the effectiveness of our credit union leaders' advocacy efforts! Special thanks to all our Hike the Hill participants for their contributions and dedication!

This week, the House and Senate begin a two-week recess. Our SD GAC and South Dakota credit union members will be engaging with our state delegation while they are back in state.

State Update
Governor Noem has concluded the signing of all legislative bills, marking the completion of the 2024 Legislative Session's agenda. Although the session is officially ending, a final adjournment, known as "Sine Die" — a Latin term meaning "without a future date", is scheduled for today, following a "storm day." Reflecting on veto history, the Legislative Research Council's records since 1997 show the total vetoes issued by each governor: Governor Noem, in her 7 sessions, issued 18 vetoes; Governor Daugaard, across 8 sessions, issued 35; Governor Rounds, also in 8 sessions, had 61 vetoes; and Governor Janklow, in 6 sessions, led with 74 vetoes.

Later this April, I will provide a brief recap of the entire 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session, in addition to exploring what’s ahead for the South Dakota primaries.

Have an “egg-cellent” Easter! Contact me with any advocacy questions/concerns at [email protected]. 

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