Advocating for you at the federal level
…public policy team works to maintain open lines of communication with South Dakota’s federal delegation.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce advocates for pro-business policies at every level of government, which includes the federal level. It may seem like what happens in Washington D.C. is far removed from Sioux Falls, but the decisions made and issues raised there have a very real impact on our businesses. That’s why the Chamber’s public policy team works to maintain open lines of communication with South Dakota’s federal delegation.
In May, a small group representing the Chamber made a trip to D.C. visit with our elected leaders and partners in the nation’s capitol. The team consisted of Scott Lawrence and Miles Beacom, the Chair and Chair-elect, respectively, of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and Chamber staff members Jeff Griffin (president & CEO), Mike Lynch (Forward Sioux Falls), Mitch Rave and Aaron Vlasman (public policy team).
In a meeting with our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we discussed workforce challenges we are experiencing in South Dakota, including affordable childcare. We also discussed the U.S. Chamber’s current lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission due to its recent rule that repeals non-compete agreements.
One of the topics of conversations with Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds and Congressman Dusty Johnson was the recently passed FAA funding bills, which passed both the House and Senate just prior to our visit. This legislation provides critical funding to support all our South Dakota airports. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport will benefit by continuing to increase passenger capacity and flight options in and out of Sioux Falls with funding made available by this act.
Another key discussion point was the continued advancement of the technology and cyber industries in South Dakota. Partnerships with federal agencies are crucial to the mission of Dakota State University and the DARC (Dakota State University Applied Research Corporation), including future use of the secure facility being built in Sioux Falls. Our federal delegation has, and continues to, play a pivotal role in the credentialing process for both institutions. With these credentials, we will be able to continue educating and creating careers for South Dakota students.
Continued communication with South Dakota’s elected officials is an important piece of how your Chamber fulfills our commitment to advocate on your behalf. If there are ever any issues that you or your business need assistance with, please use the Chamber as a resource when reaching out to your elected officials at all levels of government.
Mitch Rave
Vice President of Public Policy, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce