For immediate release
Date: January 7, 2025
Contact: Les Chamblee, U.S. Term Limits
Location: Pierre, South Dakota
In a groundbreaking move, Representative Taylor Rae Rehfeldt of District 14 and Senator Casey Crabtree of District 8, South Dakota, have introduced House Joint Resolution 5002 (HJR5002) regarding congressional term limits. The proposed resolution is aimed at making South Dakota part of a broader national movement calling for a convention to propose a term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This initiative is passionately driven by the nonpartisan U.S. Term Limits (USTL) organization, renowned for its advocacy of limiting congressional terms.
South Dakota, often known for its rich cultural heritage and pioneering spirit, now stands at the forefront of a national conversation that seeks more accountability in government. According to an RMG Research poll, a staggering 88% of likely voters in South Dakota support term limits on Congress—evidence of widespread bipartisan support. Residents are eager to see change, echoing the sentiment across Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike.
Taylor Rae Rehfeldt
Representative Taylor Rae Rehfeldt, a dedicated nurse anesthetist, has been serving the South Dakota House of Representatives since January 2021. Armed with extensive educational credentials from South Dakota State University and Mount Marty University, Rehfeldt exemplifies the spirit of dedicated service to her constituents.
Casey Crabtree
On the other hand, Senator Casey Crabtree, appointed by Governor Kristi Noem, serves as the Majority Leader of the South Dakota Senate. Crabtree’s career has been anchored in economic development within the state, reflecting his commitment to advancing the welfare of South Dakota residents from his home base in Madison.
The resolution HJR5002 has garnered significant backing within the South Dakota legislature. Eleven state house representatives and six state senators, including names such as Aylward, Bathke, Fitzgerald, Jamison, and Jordan, have pledged to cosponsor the effort. This overwhelming support underlines a unified drive towards revitalizing trust and effectiveness in U.S. governmental structures.
Philip Blumel, President of U.S. Term Limits, articulates the essence of the movement: “It’s time for Congress to be accountable to the people they represent. Term limits will help restore trust in our government and ensure that power is returned to the hands of the citizens.”
The journey of HJR5002 will begin with its assignment to a legislative committee for a vote. Should it succeed in this initial stage, it will advance to the chamber floors, potentially setting South Dakota on a historical path alongside other states rallying for constitutional reform. Each state’s legislature must pass similar resolutions to usher in the amendment successfully.
South Dakota’s involvement in this monumental national discussion reflects the state’s evolving role in shaping the country’s governance landscape. The citizens’ overwhelming support for term limits illustrates South Dakota’s commitment not only to ensuring accountable leadership but also to strengthening democratic ideals for future generations.
To explore the complete text of HJR5002, visit the South Dakota Legislature’s website here.
For more information on U.S. Term Limits and its national campaign, visit termlimits.org.