Hello District 20 Friends, SB239 would have modernized and refined the Reinvestment Payment Program (RPP) – an existing proven tool – not a new concept. It would have preserved the core structure of the RPP while strengthening reporting and oversight. It would have encouraged long-term capital investment and oversight. It would have enhanced accountability through updated affidavit requirements and Department of Revenue review.
South Dakota competes nationally for capitalintensive projects. If we want to lead in these areas, we must remain competitive.
The focus on the Senate floor kept referring to the data centers. Here are the simple facts. The overwhelming majority of our 66 counties will never see a hyperscale data center. However, every county will have a municipality which will have a shot at a major, capital-intensive project if they choose to. SB239 was not about data centers; rather it was about being competitive for new businesses and an opportunity to help existing businesses expand in South Dakota. These industries make up the backbone of South Dakota’s economy. Here are a few: 1) Advanced Manufacturing, 2) Food Processing, 3) Agricultural Processing, 4) Energy generation, 5) Biotechnology, 6) Biomanufacturing, 7) Semiconductor Fabrication, 8) Large-scale logistics, 9) Distribution, 10) Technology, 11) National Defense, 12) Cybersecurity, 13) Value added Agricultural Production, 14) Advanced Materials Production, 15) Flour Milling, 16) Corn Milling, 17) Soybean Processing, 18) Sunflower Processing, 19) Corn Crushing, and 20) Corn Oil Manufacturing.
No RPP project advances without support from the local community where the investment occurs. Local control is built into the system. If a county or community does not want to host a certain business, they can pass on the project.
It was stated that we are giving away taxpayer dollars. To give something away, one must first possess it. No project equals no income – period. The no vote on SB239 meant that we are passing on large scale projects and we are passing on local sales tax, property tax reductions, new and high paying jobs, contractor’s excise taxes, and opportunities for a better future for our state. Those of us who supported the bill were in favor of a better and more diverse economy for the future of South Dakota. We want to keep our best and brightest right here at home and to not have to travel out of state to visit our grandkids.
Elizabeth Bibesco said, “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.”
Take care of each other and keep smiling!