February 2021 BREAK*DOWN MEETING

523 6th Street,Rapid City SD 57701

18 February, 2021

Description

US Representative Dusty Johnson Break*Down educational luncheon by PCRW seeks to: break down political issues, give you the raw facts, cover hot topics, provide excellent speakers and give monthly congressional updates. All are welcome! Representative Dusty JohnsonDusty Johnson brings an energetic and optimistic style to Washington as South Dakota’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. A “policy guy,” he works hard to be a knowledgeable and value-added member on issues related to his two primary committee assignments: Agriculture, Transportation & Infrastructure. Committee on Agriculture – A recognized leader in issues related to rural America, agriculture, and welfare reform, Dusty was grateful to receive the unusual honor of being named ranking member of the Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Subcommittee as a freshman. This panel allows him to focus on how SNAP Food Stamp program reforms can better prepare Americans for a life beyond poverty and on ensuring that all aspects of the Farm Bill are successfully implemented. Dusty also serves on the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee. Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure – Dusty was appointed to this committee in his second term in advance of this year's reuathorization of tthe five-year highway bill. The surface transportation bill will be among the most important pieces of legislation Congress will tackle in the 117th. T&I also has jurisdiction over other issues important to South Dakota, including railroads, aviation, pipelines, FEMA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dusty serves on the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, as well as the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Business Background Prior to being elected to Congress, Dusty served as vice president for Vantage Point Solutions, a South Dakota-based engineering and consulting firm specializing in rural telecommunications. Vantage Point has more than 200 employees and helps rural providers design, build, and operate broadband systems in 40 states. Dusty is an expert in state and national telecommunications policy, especially Federal Communications Commission reform efforts and the transformation of the Universal Service Fund. Public Service Experience In 2004, Dusty was elected statewide to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. He worked with his colleagues to maintain a fair and reasonable regulatory environment, facilitating the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into rural energy and telecommunications infrastructure. In 2010, Governor Dennis Daugaard asked Dusty to serve as chief of staff, the chief operating officer for much of state government. In that role, Dusty oversaw many of the Governor’s top projects and initiatives, especially those related to infrastructure and public safety. Personal Dusty grew up in a large working-class family in central South Dakota. He has degrees from the University of South Dakota and the University of Kansas. Dusty has been an active community volunteer, having served as a Sunday School teacher, adjunct faculty member at Dakota Wesleyan University, and president and board member of Abbott House, an agency serving abused and neglected children. He lives in Mitchell with his wife and three sons. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, and reading. Also On Agenda:11:30 am - Registration and Social 11:45 am - Announcements, Buffet Lunch 11:55 am - Introduction of meeting sponsor 12:00 pm - Meeting called to order 1:00 pm - Meeting adjourned UPDATES FROM THE OFFICES OF: Senator Thune | Senator Rounds | Representative Johnson | Governor Noem Buffet Luncheon (Menu TBD) To RSVP: Click on GREEN "Register" link. IMPORTANT: Choose the correct ticket option based on how/when you prefer to pay.