A state Senator is facing disciplinary action after giving a bottle of syrup to another lawmaker.
Republican Sen. Tom Pischke of Dell Rapids is barred from the floor and the lobby of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
The incident began with a commemoration co-authored by Pischke recognizing Nancy Green, a former slave who was the model for the “Aunt Jemima” syrup corporate logo.
The company rebranded in 2021 over concerns the logo was racially insensitive. The commemoration claimed Green was an American success story that was “erased from history.”
Republican Rep. Kristin Conzet objected to the commemoration last week, effectively killing it.
On Monday, a bottle of syrup showed up on Conzet’s desk on the floor of the House. Capitol building video showed Pischke placing it there, and he later admitted to the gift.
House Speaker Hugh Bartels sent a letter to Pischke saying the act violated ethics standards and banned him from the House.
Pischke told the South Dakota Broadcasters Association he did expect the blowback. He said he has apologized to Conzet.