By Dusty Johnson May 10, 2025 12:00 pm

BIG Update

This week, I had the profound honor of welcoming 85 brave veterans at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the Midwest Honor Flight. This organization excels in bringing veterans from all over to our nation’s capital to witness the memorials that are dedicated to honoring their extraordinary service and sacrifices. It is always a deeply moving experience to meet these heroes face-to-face and express my heartfelt gratitude for everything they have done for our country. The dedication of these veterans inspires us all, reminding us of the values we hold dear.

BIG Idea

In South Dakota, nearly 99% of all businesses are classified as small businesses, ranging from charming Main Street storefronts to dynamic manufacturing facilities. These enterprises are not just economic players; they are the backbone of our communities, driving innovation and contributing significantly to economic growth. To honor and celebrate these entrepreneurs and community leaders, I am actively participating in Small Business Week. Their relentless passion and hard work deserve recognition, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our state and communities.

This week, I took decisive action by introducing a new bill aimed at empowering small business owners throughout South Dakota. The legislation focuses on providing more flexible options to keep business ownership local, enabling a sustainable model for our economy. One of the pivotal tools we are advocating for is the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). ESOPs allow businesses to transition into employee-owned models, a practice that many successful companies in South Dakota have adopted. The proposed American Ownership and Resilience Act is designed to facilitate the conversion of businesses into ESOPs, thus preventing them from being sold to foreign capital firms or facing dissolution. This bill represents a commitment to keeping our companies local, robust, and American-owned, ultimately safeguarding jobs and preserving the integrity of our communities against foreign competitors, particularly those from places like China who aim to acquire U.S. businesses.

BIG News

In recent months, I have lent my support to several monumental changes within our federal government, many of which have been long overdue. However, not every change has been perfectly executed, highlighting the complexity of governance. A pressing concern involves the National Weather Service offices in our state, which are currently facing staff reductions and resource constraints. Notably, the Rapid City office has had to suspend its overnight shift and halt weather balloon launches—critical activities that provide essential data regarding atmospheric conditions. Given the unpredictable nature of severe weather, maintaining 24/7 operations is vital for ensuring the safety of our citizens.

Just last week, we were reminded of the importance of this continuous monitoring when a tornado struck near Rosebud in the middle of the night, injuring six individuals. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but this incident underscores the urgent need for uninterrupted weather surveillance to protect lives. In response, I have reached out to the Administration to voice my concerns and advocate for the necessary resources that will enable us to prioritize public safety, ensuring we are prepared for any emergency situation.

Leveraging Technology: AI legalese decoder

In navigating these complex issues, we can also harness modern technology to facilitate our efforts. The AI legalese decoder is an innovative tool that can assist small business owners and federal agencies alike in understanding the legislative frameworks that affect them. By simplifying intricate legal jargon and making it accessible, it empowers individuals and organizations to navigate legal documents more effectively. This can be particularly beneficial when dealing with regulations related to ESOPs or funding opportunities for essential services like the National Weather Service. The AI legalese decoder can help clarify the intricacies of the American Ownership and Resilience Act, ensuring that small business owners can take full advantage of the provisions designed to support local ownership and community resilience.