Central South Dakota News

Senator Mike Rounds Shares Updates on Meetings with Industry, Veterans, and Disability Services Leaders

Senator Mike Rounds has recently shared updates on his meetings with key stakeholders in South Dakota, focusing on issues ranging from agriculture to veterans' affairs and disability services.

On September 11, 2025, Senator Rounds posted about a discussion with R-CALF. He wrote, "Had the opportunity to sit down with R-CALF this week. We had a thorough discussion on how we can work together to address issues facing the industry as well as the need for the inclusion of MCOOL in the upcoming Farm Bill."

The following day, September 12, 2025, Senator Rounds highlighted a meeting with Rick Williamson. In his post he stated, "Always enjoy meeting with Rick Williamson, Legislative Chairman for the Department of South Dakota Veterans of Foreign Wars. This week, we discussed funding for veterans programs like transition assistance, and the need for our continued work to make sure veterans received the"

Later that same day, Senator Rounds referenced a conversation focused on disability services: "Spoke with Michelle Powers, CEO of Northern Hills Training Center in Spearfish, about strengthening community-based services and support for adults with developmental disabilities in South Dakota."

These posts reflect Senator Rounds' ongoing engagement with local leaders and organizations across several sectors important to South Dakotans. The senator has been an advocate for agricultural policy reforms such as Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL), which is often debated during discussions surrounding the federal Farm Bill. He also regularly meets with representatives from veterans' organizations to discuss funding priorities and program improvements aimed at supporting former service members as they transition back into civilian life. Additionally, community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities remain a focus area within state-level social service initiatives.