Will Mortenson

I’ve said it a hundred times: “Shutdowns are stupid.” South Dakotans deserve to have their federal government working for them. Senate Democrats need to stop playing games and pass the clean spending extension we passed out of the House. I'm calling on South Dakotans to make their voices heard. A failure to act will shut down our government on Wednesday.

South Dakota lost one of our all time greats with the passing of Mike Diedrich. He was quick to share his faith and love for his family. He made South Dakota a better place and he brought out the best in those that served with him. Our prayers are with Connie and the family.

I hear more about property taxes from my constituents than any other issue, by far. This is the year for major property tax relief for South Dakotans. This coming session, I am sponsoring legislation to cut property taxes for homeowners by an average of 35%. Sen. Randy Deibert is joining me as Senate prime sponsor, and Reps. Trish Ladner and Tim Goodwin and Sen. Amber Hulse have joined us as co-sponsors. We are finalizing a bill draft and will post it soon, and we will be inviting more co-sponsors and seeking their feedback. Every good debate starts with a specific proposal, and we are offering that to our legislative colleagues.