Legislative Update with Chesney

Times and locations updated for the upcoming South Dakota CU Legislative Day on January 15, 2025.

by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs

Review the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Day Details
The 2025 South Dakota Legislative Day is just around the corner, taking place on Wednesday, January 15, in Pierre! This annual event gives a unique opportunity for credit union professionals to engage with state legislators, ensuring our collective voice is heard in shaping South Dakota’s legislative landscape. With over 70 legislators expected to attend, your participation is more important than ever.
 
Please make sure to review the event schedule below, as times and even meeting locations have been updated!
 
Event Schedule

•  10:00 am (optional): State of Judiciary
  
  • If you arrive in town early, attend the State of the Judiciary at 10:00 am for a critical update. (Open to all)
    
• 10:30 am – 11:30 am: Donuts for Legislators at the Capitol Building
  
  • The South Dakota GAC will provide coffee and donuts at the Capitol to kick off the morning engaging with legislators. (SD GAC only)
    
• 11:45 am: SD GAC Meeting
  
  • This SD GAC will hold its annual meeting at Oahe Federal Credit Union Board Room. (SD GAC only)
    
• 12:45 pm: State of the Tribes Address
  
  • Please be at the Capitol by 12:45 pm and meet in the Rotunda. Due to the first week of session, please plan accordingly for parking. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear an important tribal update. (Open to all)
    
• 1:45 pm: Group Photo at the Capitol Rotunda
  
  • Meet at the Capitol Building in the Rotunda for a group credit union photo. (Open to all)
    
• 2:30 pm: Break
  
• 4:00 pm: South Dakota Legislative Leadership Panel
  
  • Location: Red Rossa (Hills + Highlands Rooms).
    
  • Introduction by DakCU CEO/President Jeff Olson and moderated by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs (Open to all). This panel will feature:
    
    • Senator Casey Crabtree, Former Senate Majority Leader
      
    • Jody Gillaspie, Director of Consumer Protection, South Dakota Office of the Attorney General
      
    • Senator Steve Kolbeck, Supervisory Committee Board Member, Service First
      
    • Kim Olson, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ Office
      
• 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Legislative Social
  
  • Location: Red Rossa (Hills + Highlands Rooms)
    
  • Join us for a networking reception to wrap up the day and continue building relationships with legislators and fellow credit union advocates. (Open to all)

Event Reminders

• Hotel: Our current hotel block has been filled. If you are looking for a hotel, it is best to reach out to a hotel in Pierre or Ft. Pierre directly.
• Transportation: Transportation will be available from the Legislative Social to nearby hotels. For details, please contact SD GAC member Jaymason Bramblee on the day of the event for assistance.

 
I look forward to seeing you all in Pierre next week for a day of meaningful discussions and advocacy!

​Reach out to me directly with any questions.