SD Senator Michael Rohl

Should gold-tax revenue flow to water projects? PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — A state lawmaker continues to pursue a higher tax on gold that is mined in South Dakota, but he’s now seeking a smaller increase and wants to use the revenue for a…

Government holds an important role in our daily lives, but there should be better limits to how much of our lives they can control. Owning your own home is a cornerstone of the American Dream, maintaining your investment should be your right- and you should never need to ask permission or pay a fee to a government to maintain your own home with nonstructural maintenance. SB 3 seeks to return the right to maintain your own home by forbidding counties, towns, and townships from requiring permits or charging a fee for nonstructural maintenance on owner occupied homes.

Currently, Congress has the power to determine how many Justices sit on the Supreme Court. Congress has changed the composition of the Court seven times throughout our history; most of which were politically motivated - each having the ability to lead to serious political instability. Our court has been at nine justices since 1869 - despite attempts since then to expand the court. The composition of our third branch of government shouldn’t fluctuate at the whims of a two year Congress. Dusty Johnson introduced a bill for Congress to give up their power and create a constitutional amendment setting the court at 1 Chief justice and 8 associate justices - but Congress refused to give the matter a vote.

SJR 502 is a first in the nation call for 33 other state legislatures to join South Dakota in demanding a vote on the ratification of 1 Chief justice and 8 Associate Justices as the constitutional composition of the Supreme Court. Packing the Court is dangerous and Justices from RBG to Scalia have agreed nine is the right number. I believe South Dakota’s legislature should support our lone Congressman’s effort.