Reynold Nesiba

Reynold F. Nesiba is a Democratic state senator from South Dakota.  He serves in the state's 15th district. 

Early life and education
In 1989, Nesiba earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Denver.  Six years later, he completed his PhD in economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he also procured his master's degree. 

Career
In 1995, Nesiba was hired by Augustana University in Sioux Falls as an assistant professor.  After six years in this capacity, he was promoted to Associate Professor of Economics, a post he would occupy until 2013.  He is now a Professor of Economics at the same university, simultaneously serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA).  He was also welcomed as a Visiting Scholar at his alma mater, Notre Dame University, in 2002.  The next year, he worked as a Senior Visiting Scholar at Curtin University in Perth. 

Nesiba is a member of the Association for Institutional Thought and the Association for Evolutionary Economics.  He has co-authored textbooks in his area of expertise: "An Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions" and "Economics: An Introduction to Traditional and Progressive Views" along with a handful of other publications in journals such as Social Problems, the Journal of Economic Issues, On the Horizon and Cityscape. 

Policy positions

Nesiba's stated "legislative priorities are to protect the use of ballot measures, to continue to rein in predatory lenders, to properly fund education, and to advocate for economic development policies that prioritize workers and local entrepreneurs over out of state corporations."  He also voiced his intention to push for Medicaid expansion, citing overwhelming support on the issue from citizens and Governor Dennis Daugaard. 

Social issues

Nesiba is pro-choice and pro-gay marriage.  He opposes any kind of "bathroom bill". 

Taxes

While he supports an increase in taxes on cigarettes, alcohol and gas/oil, Nesiba opposes increases on property and sales tax.  He is also an outspoken critic of South Dakota's tax on food for home consumption. 

Voting and elections

Nesiba is an advocate for automatic registration and campaign finance reform. 

Immigration

The senator hopes the government provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers, who he says "should be eligible for in-state tuition and financial assistance". 

Tenure (South Dakota Senate)
As a Senator, his authored bills have focused on issues ranging from paid leave (sick and maternity), marijuana decriminalization and the protection of whistleblowers. 

Nesiba is a member of the Committee on Appropriations. 

Controversy
On Monday, November 14, 2016, six days after his election to the South Dakota Senate, Nesiba was arrested and charged with sexual contact without consent.  The 51-year-old victim accused him of making "unwanted sexual advances" and refusing to leave her home.  Six weeks earlier, Nesiba had spoken to police about the incident, at which time he denied using force.  He was under the impression that the woman was simply "playing hard to get." 

At the time, the South Dakota Democratic Party released a statement, temporarily cutting ties with Nesiba citing "the serious allegations pending against him" which could "greatly impede his ability to be an effective legislator and distract from the important work of the caucus." 

On January 3, 2017, the Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office dropped the charge against Nesiba, citing inconsistencies in the evidence.  Three days later, he was reinstated by his party and its senate caucus. 

Recognition and awards

Augustana Student Association Faculty Recognition Award, 2006
Vernon and Mildred Niebuhr Faculty Excellence Award, 2006

References

Category:South Dakota Democrats
Category:South Dakota state senators
Category:Living people
Category:Politicians from Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Category:University of Denver alumni
Category:Year of birth missing (living people)