This past week was our final full week of legislative work for the 82nd session.  It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the final days so quickly.  The storm that hit here at home prevented most of the east river legislators from going home this past weekend.  After much discussion and consultation on the weather, it was decided that we would consider Saturday a legislative day and work through the weekend.  This put us back on the original schedule of finalizing action on Tuesday, March 6th.  We will come back to Pierre the end of the month for veto day to wrap up the session schedule.  

 

We finally have some answers on major issues that developed during this session.  The House voted on Saturday on the major education bills.  Senate Bill 157 became the vehicle that carried the task force recommendations in the end.  There were some compromises made, and I could not vote for the bill.  It did lower the minimum school district size to 100 and replace the small school factor with a small school adjustment instead of completely eliminating it, but I would have preferred to see the minimum school size requirement taken from the bill and the factor remain in it’s original form.  There were many more provisions in the bill, but I expect Paul will address those in detail in his column for you to read.  House Bill 1171 became the bill that provided the dollars this year.  There will be approximately $31 million new dollars for education in the upcoming year with $14 million included in this bill.  I voted for the bill.  This is an unprecedented amount and historically, we haven’t seen this kind of investment in education for many years.  This relates to a 3.8% increase in dollars to K-12 education.  There were some disappointments in how the dollars were distributed and the levels set, but I believe we do need to celebrate what was accomplished.  Again, I will let Paul specifically address the individual areas to prevent becoming redundant.  We have tag teamed a little on addressing these issues in the past so that we don’t repeat each other each week.

 

Senate Bill 199, which required kids to stay in school until they were 18 or graduated, passed the House and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.  I did not support the bill as I felt it placed too large of a burden on our schools, took that decision away from the family, and wasn’t researched adequately.  The Governor will sign the bill and I expect it to become law.

 

Senate Bill 173 died on the House floor.  I spent many hours researching this bill and was disappointed to see it go.  It was a major change to how we would assess property valuations on ag land and eliminate the 150% rule and NAZ, so I understand the reluctance to change.  This is a big issue and one that we will need to find a solution for.  It was confusing for some and required a lot of research for anyone to have a level of comfort with it.   We cannot remain under a system that gives our assessors no tools to use in assessing ag property and leaves our state vulnerable to law suits.  We will be working to address some of the concerns before next session and focus on putting South Dakota on a fair and equitable property tax road.

 

The minimum wage bill passed the House after an amendment was added in the State Affairs committee that left it the same rate as today until the federal government made a change.  When that action takes place, the minimum wage would raise 70 cents per hour each year for the next 3 years.  There was compelling testimony that showed that for each $1 gained by the people of South Dakota in wages, there was a negative impact of $1.22.  Economically, the decision does not look to be the right one, however I voted for the bill.  This change will enable small businesses to take advantage of tax breaks that will become available when the federal change is made. 

 

I had a lot of phone calls and emails this week regarding Senate Bill 166.  This bill was heard in Commerce committee, of which I am a member.  SB166 would have removed the cap on the number of liquor licenses that could be held by one entity in the state.  Right now, that cap is set at 3.  This would have allowed chain stores such as Hy-Vee, Wal-Mart, and chain liquor stores to have hard liquor available in as many locations as possible where licenses were available in municipalities of 5000 people or more.  I did not support the bill, but had to step out of the room to be a part of a press conference that was taking place.  When I came back to committee, the vote was stalled and we amended a small portion of bill and killed it.  It was smoked out on the House floor (an action that is available by supporters of a bill that forces the committee to deliver the bill to the floor for a vote) and the bill was killed again.  Reconsideration was asked for but never acted on by the bills sponsor.  Although the bill would not have affected District 6 or anyone in the area, I felt that this would become a type of situation that mom and pop stores in the larger cities could not compete in.  Also, grocery stores and convenience stores have the highest violation rates of selling alcohol to minors.  I also don’t believe we need to make alcohol more readily available for underage drinkers.  From the feedback I received from the area, you held the same opinions as I.  I appreciate the input.

 

This is getting pretty long, so I better cut is short.  We will vote on the general bill on Monday or Tuesday and finish up some legislative action, and then head for home.  I was recently elected by my caucus members to represent them on the Executive Board throughout the year.  This board oversees the business of the legislature the other 9 to 10 months we are out of session.  We will set up summer studies and appoint members to those, as well as oversee the Legislative Research Council and its employees.  There are many duties the board has and I am honored to be chosen as one of its members.  I will find myself in Pierre often throughout the year for meetings and take comfort in the fact that I won’t forget how to find my way back there before next sessionJ.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the district mate you have chosen for me.  Rep. Paul Nelson is a strong advocate for our local schools, agriculture, and small businesses in District 6.  His integrity and honesty are unsurpassed in Pierre and I have found him to be an invaluable asset and friend over the past months. I always know I will get a straight answer from Paul.  You are represented well, District 6.  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you as well.

 

 

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