There’s been a notable absence in the back row of the Senate this legislative year. On the final day of the session, lawmakers took a moment to acknowledge a long-term colleague.
Rapid City Republican Sen. Michael Diedrich, on account of serious health issues, has spent the last few months at home with his loved ones.
He briefly called into the floor Thursday.
Diedrich first joined the state legislature in the late 1980’s and served through 1995. He was later re-appointed in 2017 by then-Governor Dennis Daugaard.
Legislative leaders reflected on the tenured Senator's impact in the statehouse. Republican majority leader Casey Crabtree said his desk-mate wasn’t forgotten during the last few months.
“The lessons you taught all of us, including myself, were things that made this year a very, very successful year for the people of South Dakota," Crabtree said. "We greatly missed you this year, but you were with us the entire time. So, we miss you, we love you, and we can’t wait to see you again soon. Thanks, Mike.”
Democratic minority leader Reynold Nesiba said he’d never forgot Diedrich’s strive for bipartisanship.
“On behalf of the Democratic caucus, I want to echo the sentiments of the good Senator to my right," Nesiba said. "We missed you this session. You have been a friend to all in this body, Republicans and Democrats alike. You have been missed this session, and best wishes to you.”
As the Senate gaveled out for the final time this session, Diedrich made the motion to adjourn.