Legislative Update with Kenley

Register by May 18 to have a voice in South Dakota’s primary elections and stay informed on federal budget developments.

By Kenley Lamberty, DakCU Director of Political Strategy and Engagement
 
Important Reminder: Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline – May 18
As the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) works through the upcoming primary elections, we strongly encourage credit union leaders, staff, and members to register to vote ahead of the May 18 voter registration deadline.
 
CHECK VOTER REGISTRATION HERE
 
Registering to vote in South Dakota is fast, easy, and makes a meaningful difference, especially in a primary election year. In South Dakota, primary elections are often just as consequential as the general election, particularly when statewide offices like Governor are on the ballot and when voters are selecting the legislators who will represent their communities in Pierre.
 
Participating in the primary ensures your voice is heard early in the process, when many key policy decisions and leadership paths are shaped.
 
DakCU is working diligently to identify and support credit union champions and to ensure Pierre remains a place that works for credit unions and the members you serve every day. Civic engagement is a critical part of that effort, and voting is one of the most effective tools we have to protect the cooperative, not‑for‑profit credit union model.
 
We encourage everyone to check their registration status and be ready to vote by May 18.
 
Lawmakers Look to Budget Reconciliation as Congress Breaks
Congress is out of session for the next two weeks, but lawmakers have signaled they plan to move forward with budget reconciliation once they return. While there has been concern about what provisions could be included to offset federal spending, early conversations around the process have been largely positive. Reconciliation is being considered as a way to advance budget priorities while navigating ongoing legislative challenges.
 
This comes as the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security continues, following passage of two different funding bills by the House and Senate, one including ICE funding and one without it. The inability to reconcile those differences, along with stalled action on legislation such as the SAVE America Act, has further increased interest in the reconciliation process. Budget reconciliation allows legislation tied to spending and revenue to pass the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes, making it an attractive path forward in the current environment. Read more here. 
 
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For more information or to share your perspectives, feel free to contact me. ​​