It’s almost time for the state legislature to begin another session. It starts in January but lawmakers will be in Pierre Tuesday for the governor’s budget address. Among the new faces at the capitol this year is a man not even mid-way through his 20s, but he’s heading to the house in a leadership role. 

On a weekend night this time of year, farmer would be the best word to explain Jason Frerich’s profession. But find him any other time and that description could change. 

“I’m the fourth generation farmer, rancher, also a teacher, fourth generation, and now a legislator,” Rep. Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot, said. 

He added that last one to the list earlier this month when, at 23 years old, he won his first election and a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Now 24, he’ll be the latest in a line of family members who’ve served in the legislature, including his Father Kent Frerichs and Grandfather Bert Ellingson. 

“Well, I might have to teach him some but I’m not sure yet,” Ellingson said. 

Despite this being his first term and serving at a young age, the Democratic Party has chosen him as a minority whip in the house. Frerichs says he’s ready for the challenge. 

“The advice that I have from Dad and Grandpa is really helpful and at the same time, I’m excited to blaze my own trail and have my own experience. And yet I’ll still have them just a phone call away to be there in a time when I may need some help,” Frerichs said. 

As a teacher and farmer, he says the big issues he’ll fight for are education and alternative energy. He’s a strong supporter of ethanol and wants to see its use encouraged and increased across the state. 

While in Pierre, he also plans to take on the issue of education funding, ensuring there is enough, even in a time when the economy is down and the budget is tight. 

“These decisions we make affect me throughout the future because I’ll be planning on living in South Dakota the rest of my life,” Frerichs said. 

That explains why he wants to be involved in the state government but with farming, ranching and teaching, how will Pierre fit into the picture? 

“January, February, March will be busy months,” Frerichs said. 

But so was the campaign season. Work continued at the farm as he appeared in parades and knocked on doors. 

“It was always a challenge to balance the farming and then going to campaign and that’s what was nice about this last growing season. We had a lot of rain and usually those rainy days ended up being days I needed to get out and go campaign,” Frerichs said. 

He says family and friends also helped him often, and he’ll be looking to them again as he heads to Pierre. 

He teaches Ag at Lake Area Tech in Watertown and says there’s already a substitute lined up to fill in during the legislative session. As for the ranch, he says he’ll rely heavily on his dad and brothers back at home. 

“I have a hundred cows so it’ll take them a little bit of time, but they’ll be all right I think. I try to help them out enough in the off season so I can repay that debt,” Frerichs said. 

With everything from the extra work to his young age, Frerichs isn’t expecting any of it to be easy. But he says it’s worth the effort because he believes it’s important for young people to be involved. 

His grandpa’s proud he made that decision. 

“I’ll be watching closely,” Ellingson said. 

And whether Frerichs is acting as farmer, teacher or filling any other role during the year, he’s anxious to add lawmaker to the mix. 

“I’m excited to get there in January and have some fun,” Frerichs said. 

Frerichs will start things off this week with some orientation training Monday. He says he’s looking forward to the governor’s budget address on Tuesday as well.

Democrat
Current Occupation: Farmer/Rancher and Teacher

Background:
I farm with my family northwest of Wilmot in Lee Township, and I manage my cow/calf operation. In addition to farming I also teach in the agriculture department of Lake Area Technical Institute, in this role I serve as the Watertown Area FFA advisor.
I have a Bachelors of Science degree in agriculture education from South Dakota State University. I was very active on campus as a student serving as president of the agriculture fraternity, promoting the College of Ag/Bio as an Ambassador, and I assisted in starting the Collegiate Farmers Union chapter.
I am proud of my forebears’ tradition of public service for the citizens of District 1. My father, Kent served in the State House for 7 terms, my maternal grandfather, Bertrum Ellingson served 6 terms in the State House, and my paternal great-grandfather, Nels P. Christensen also served 6 terms in the State House.

What is the number one reason you believe you are the best candidate for this office?
I feel that I am a great listener. Learning about your concerns and issues is important to me; then I am ready to carry an issue forward and ensure that we work together and accomplish the task at hand. My experience at SDSU provided me with the opportunity to work with my fellow peers to achieve success on the college campus and in the local community. I have also been involved in the county, district, state, and national levels of the Farmers Union.

What do you think is the most important issue in your race.
Education is the most important issue in this race. As a teacher I am able to stay in touch with the latest requirements and needs that our students desire. As a farmer I operate as an entrepreneur and constantly stay connected to market conditions, and adapt to the changes in our agriculture environment. I want to represent District 1 because I am committed to the future of South Dakota, and especially our rural communities and schools. I offer a youthful perspective and I am excited to work with others and find a solution to the issues facing District 1 and South Dakota.

If you are elected to office, what will be your top three priorities and why?

Investing in education, 1,000 E85 Blender Pumps by 2010, and establish a Citizens State Investment Fund on Community Wind Energy.
I feel that State government needs to step up and look at education as an investment in the future of South Dakota; otherwise the burden will continue to be levied on the backs of us as local taxpayers.
As we approach a billion gallons of ethanol production right here in South Dakota; let’s utilize more of our homegrown fuel locally through an E85 blender pump. All of us can do our part to curb the amount of foreign oil by choosing to fill up with half E85 through an E85 blender pump. State government needs to work with local gas station retailers and the ethanol industry to ensure the establishment of E85 blender pumps all over the State.
An investment fund for community wind energy would be dedicated for those people who wish to invest in wind energy projects.

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