Focus on the Front Sight

This week’s session was a blast. The Attorney General hosted his annual Top Gun Shoot. As last year’s winner, I had a title to defend. I made the final along with Senator Chris Karr and Representative Greg Jamison. After the smoke cleared from a shoot-out firing a revolver, a new winner emerged. Representative Jamison earned the well-deserved title of Top Gun.

Senator Karr (2nd place), me (3rd place) and Representative Jamison (Top Gun)

On a sadder note, we held a Memorial Service for former legislators. It was an honor to recognize the contributions of those who have gone before. We held a reception for the families and honored their sacrifices, as well.

Appropriators continued the long hours of listening to budget hearings from state agencies. This week we heard from Human Services, Social Services, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Bureau of Information Technology, Department of Corrections, Unified Judicial System, Attorney General and Public Safety. We don’t have scheduled breaks in Appropriations, so we have to take them while people are testifying. I want folks to know we aren’t being inconsiderate. Sometimes we have to leave to testify on other bills, meet with other department heads and visit with constituents. Yes, even to take bathroom breaks. I keep saying that I need a clone.

If you want to testify via zoom during session, you can click on the person icon next to the committee and sign up.

Hot topic this week: Changing the educational standards so varsity sports and Future Farmers of America participation can count towards graduation credits. I do support this change.

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Blessed to have Will Graham, the grandson of Billy Graham, pray over the day’s opening session of the House Legislature. He also was the speaker at the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast.

The days are long and it’s great to take a break with other legislators at the many social events at night. After these events, many of us go back to our rooms to answer emails, listen to testimony and work on bills. Sleep is optional.

Please pray that I will walk in humility and have wisdom as I serve all South Dakotans. Thank you for trusting me to serve you.

God bless,

District 29 Representative Terri Jorgenson