Pierre, SD — A significant legislative development is set to reshape South Dakota’s political landscape, as Representative Taylor Rae Rehfeldt (District 14) and Senator Casey Crabtree (District 8) champion the introduction of House Joint Resolution 5002 (HJR5002), aimed at establishing congressional term limits. The resolution, if passed, would align South Dakota with a growing coalition of states advocating for a convention to propose a constitutional amendment for term limits.
Taylor Rae Rehfeldt
The push for congressional term limits in South Dakota has gained remarkable traction, according to a comprehensive RMG Research poll, revealing that a striking 88% of likely voters in the state are in favor of this measure. This overwhelming support spans across party lines, with Republicans, Democrats, and independents expressing a shared determination to see term limits enacted.
Senator Casey Crabtree, the South Dakota Senate Majority Leader since January 2023, brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to the state’s economic growth. Residing in Madison, South Dakota, Crabtree, alongside his wife and two children, is deeply rooted in the community he serves. In his capacity as Director of Economic Development at Heartland Consumer Power District, Crabtree has demonstrated his dedication to advancing South Dakota’s rural infrastructure, an initiative that has informed his political endeavors.
Rep. Taylor Rae Rehfeldt, a practicing nurse anesthetist and a mother of three, represents District 14 since 2021, embodying South Dakota’s core values of hard work and integrity. Her introduction of HJR5002 marks a pivotal moment in her legislative career, as she asserts the need for a government that truly mirrors the constituency it represents.
Contact: Les Chamblee, U.S. Term Limits
The nonpartisan and nonprofit organization, U.S. Term Limits (USTL), is at the helm of this initiative, advocating tirelessly for a government that is more in tune with the electorate’s demands. Philip Blumel, USTL President, has articulated a vision where “term limits will help restore trust in our government and ensure that power is returned to the hands of the citizens.”
The introduction of HJR5002 is backed by a robust coalition of state legislators, with eleven state house representatives—including Aaron Aylward of District 6—and six state senators lending their support as cosponsors. This formidable alliance underscores the legislative momentum behind Rehfeldt and Crabtree’s proposal.
Casey Crabtree
Aaron Aylward’s journey to the South Dakota House of Representatives reflects a diverse political background, transitioning from the Libertarian Party back to the Republican Party. He holds degrees in exercise science and kinesiology, and brings a wealth of professional experience from various sectors, including sales and recruitment. Aylward’s support for HJR5002 showcases his commitment to governance reforms that resonate with the aspirations of South Dakota’s citizens.
The next steps involve assigning HJR5002 to a legislative committee for consideration. Should it pass, South Dakota will stand among other states calling for a national convention to deliberate on a congressional term limits amendment, elevating the issue to a national stage.
This potential convention would require other state legislatures to pass similar resolutions and approve the language of the proposal, a process that would eventually culminate in ratification, securing a place for term limits within the U.S. Constitution.
With a commitment to fostering a responsive and accountable government, South Dakota’s leaders are poised to make history, advocating for measures that reflect the will of the people they serve. The eyes of the nation may soon turn towards this pivotal effort, as the Mount Rushmore State leads the charge in fortified democratic engagement.
For more detailed information, visit the full text of HJR5002 and to learn more about U.S. Term Limits, visit their official website.