South Dakota’s 101st Legislative Session, Week Six
Greetings from Pierre, Much of what we do in Pierre as legislators is to try to seek balance and fairness in our system for the people of South Dakota. I am grateful for our government, the legislative, judicial, and executive legislators that provide stability and balance in helping us to achieve these goals. Our two-party system, along with independents and all other views are valuable in the process of finding a more just future. Our bicameral systems, with its committee and the Governor’s veto, help to guide the process and help us make fewer mistakes as we move forward. Times changed and required adjustments and adaptations. I think it is so important that we remember that none of us is as smart as all of us. Let us never lose respect for one another, even where we disagree, as we continue to work together for a better future for our great state and our country.
SB 195 sought to permanently keep the state’s sales tax rate at 4.2%. The rate was lowered in 2023 after covid and while the economy was in a very good place. It is my understanding that the sunset clause for July 1st, 2027, on this reduction was a negotiation judgment in this decision, knowing full well that the economy is often cyclic. Some of you may remember 2009 when the legislature was forced to cut 10% across the board to balance the state’s budget.
The last two years have shown milder versions of these trends, as we have struggled to provide raises for the Big 3 (state employees, teachers, and community service providers). Keep up with the recommended 2% for maintenance and repair (M & R) of our state facilities and see a growing crisis in our state Medicaid provider system. A couple of weeks ago the Joint Appropriations Committee had the honor of being invited to listen and learn from our state’s economic advisory council. They shared great caution for the economy for the years 2028 and 2029.
We all appreciate it when we can lower taxes for all the people of this state. It is great for people and good for our image. I don’t think this is that time. This, however, is a time for vision, courage, and discipline to do what is right for the long-term health for our state’s budget.
SB198 restricts the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day. This passed the Senate and now will go to the House. I didn’t feel we should be selling mandates and that our local schools should use local contracts to set the standards in their own schools.
In closing, I would like to share a short poem by Shel Silverstein. It is called “How Many, How Much.” He said “How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ‘em. How much love is inside a friend? Depends on how much you give ‘em.”
You get out of life only what you put into it. Be well and Keep smiling.