Derby was Chair of the Joint Committee on Appropriations (JCA) for the 2024 General Appropriations Bill. “Chairing the JCA was a privilege,” Derby said, “and we balanced the State Budget for the 135th year in a row.” The budget gives prudent funding increases for K-12 and technical schools, healthcare workers, Medicaid expansion, and a college tuition freeze, among other important programs. Derby added, “And we accomplished this with no additional taxpayer burden.”

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In his Appropriations role last year, Rep. Derby guided and promoted the largest tax cut in South Dakota history. “We reduced citizens’ tax burden by $104 million a year by cutting the State general sales tax,” Derby said. That measure passed the House chamber 70-0.

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Speaker of the House, Rep. Hugh Bartels, said, “For years, I have collaborated with my trusted colleague, Mike Derby. Under Mike’s leadership, we had an objective and fair Appropriations process in Pierre, resulting in successful outcomes for Rapid City and the State of South Dakota. He is a true champion of our treasured quality of life.”

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Derby was recently appointed to serve on the Legislative Ellsworth AFB Select Committee. This body will recommend ways to strengthen and support the military base located in western South Dakota.

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Derby’s reliable presence in Pierre taps into his extensive experience as a Rapid City business owner, community leader, and public servant. He has not missed a single House floor vote during the last four Legislative Sessions. Elevate Rapid City once again has named him a Pro-Business Champion. Derby also scored 100% on the South Dakota Right to Life Legislative Scorecard.

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Liz Hamburg, a longtime respected civic leader, said, “Mike Derby has received honors from numerous organizations and charities. To name just a few, he has received the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce’s George Award, the Visit Rapid City Extra Mile Award, and the International Gold Leadership Award from Junior Achievement because these organizations recognized his contributions. He has dedicated countless hours to our community’s most important and intractable causes.” She added, “Rapid City is undeniably a better place because of Mike Derby.”

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In 2024, Derby concluded his fifth term in the House, having served three terms in the House from 1997 to 2002 under Gov. Bill Janklow. Derby also works closely with South Dakota’s Congressional Delegation – Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, and Rep. Dusty Johnson.

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Derby is currently on the Central Committee of the Pennington County Republicans and is a precinct committeeman for Precinct 3-2.

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Previous leadership positions include two terms on the Legislature’s Executive Board and serving on the Legislative Redistricting Committee twice. Derby has also served on the House Taxation and Transportation Committees. Last year he served on the Property Tax Summer Study Committee.

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Derby said, “Continuity of leadership for West River and Rapid City is critical. We have a seat at the table and an effective voice when important decisions are made. I am ready, willing, and able to fulfill this important role. I remain your dedicated public servant in District 34.”

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Derby and his wife, Carmen, have been married 40 years, have two adult children and four grandchildren.