The 82nd legislative session is drawing to a close.  We are in the last days and to be quite frank…it’s crunch time.  There is a sense of urgency that has taken hold of us, as we closely watch those bills near and dear to us and hope the ones we don’t like go down for the last time.  Committees are pushing the final handful of bills through and debate on the floor is lengthening. 

 

House Bill 1082 went over to the Senate last week with a close vote of 37-33.  This bill held most of the task force recommendations for education including setting a minimum district size of 130 students, consolidation incentives, enrollment calculations, small school factor, fund balances, sparcity and other revenue.  I did not support the bill on the floor and expect it to undergo many changes in the Senate.  District 6 schools would not fare well under this bill and I look forward to seeing the contents revised.  Education funding is addressed in HB 1171.  It includes 14 million new dollars for education and does include dollars for the ESA’s, which was a concern for many of you who contacted me regarding the importance of the work that they do for our teachers and students. 

 

The legislature has also agreed on some new programs to deal with the meth problem in our state.  I was not aware of all the ramifications of this drug until I met several people who have had family members who became addicts.  They have told me stories of children and siblings who were overachieving active members of society who tried the drug on a whim when it was so readily available in even the smallest of towns in South Dakota.  They went from thriving human beings to instantly addicted people who could do or think of nothing else except getting their next hit.  I was told that one could buy enough meth to stay high for a whole week for $25….We have never had a drug in our history that was so readily available, so cheap, and gave such a high that people became addicted immediately.  Three bills were passed on the House floor that would assist our state with dealing with these addicts.  The first is a pilot drug court for those who want to help themselves in the Unified Judicial System.  These people would get intensive rehab and be held accountable by the courts and must be nonviolent offenders.  Another program was addressed through two bills that would provide funding for meth rehabilitation at the women’s prison in Pierre.  The majority of meth addicts are females in our state. 

 

The Governor’s bill that would provide HPV vaccines for young girls in the state free of charge moved ahead.  It passed the House floor without my support.  Participation is voluntary for girls 11-19 and the approximate cost would be around $300 per girl for a series of three shots.  This is a new vaccine and we are not fully aware of all the side affects at this time.  Also, the vaccine only covers 4 strains of the virus that causes cervical cancer, while there are many more that the vaccine does not address.  The state has 7.5 million dollars of federal money that will be used to help cover the cost of the program.  The state will invest approximately 1.3 million.  It is my belief that this vaccine may offer a false sense of security and that our dollars could be spent elsewhere to greater effect for the health of a greater number of South Dakotans.  Normally, vaccines that are mandated by the state are in response to epidemic situations.  This is a new type of vaccine that does not fit the same criteria as the ones currently required.

 

The Governor’s minimum wage bill passed the Senate last week and will be in the House State Affairs this week.  Regardless of what legislation we pass, I believe we will see a federal law change in this area. 

 

We are still hearing property tax bills in tax committee.  By the time you read this article, we should have finished the committee process and may or may not have any bills to act on, on the House floor.  I will keep you updated. 

 

We had a great cracker-barrel in DeSmet on Saturday.  Quite a few people came despite the weather to visit with Rep. Paul Nelson and me.  We had extensive conversation regarding education, property taxes, and many more topics of importance.  Thank you for coming.  I enjoyed the day.

 

I would like to encourage all of you to follow those bills you are watching closely during this last week and a half.  There will be many amendments and changes made.  A reliable source for you to go to, to get information on how we voted is the South Dakota Legislative Research Councils web site.  The address is http://legis.state.sd.us.  Sometimes legislators positions on issues are not accurately reflected on other sites or media pieces.  Of course, the best bet is just to call me and ask how I voted and why.  I would love to share that information with you.

 

I am blessed to serve you in Pierre.  I consider it an honor and take my duty very seriously.  Thank you for the opportunity and have a great week.

 

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