In South Dakota's capital on Thursday, Governor Noem gathered the House and Senate to discuss deploying National Guard troops to aid Texas with its high number of illegal immigrants. Despite our distance from the border, Governor Noem highlighted the threats posed by illegal immigration in South Dakota, pointing to evidence of criminal activity by drug cartels within the state. This poses a real threat to our safety, and I support the governor's efforts to protect South Dakota.
Also this past week the Judiciary committee considered a bill to repeal the death penalty. This marks the third time I've heard testimony on this issue during my time in the capitol. Supporters argue that the death penalty is ineffective and inhumane, while opponents, myself included, view it as a necessary deterrent and a vital tool for prosecutors. In the 2011 murder of correctional officer RJ Johnson, all involved were serving life sentences, with no worse penalty available if the death penalty were not an option. Retaining this option for severe cases is crucial, as life imprisonment does not always mean a lifetime behind bars due to potential commutations and parole eligibility.
The tax committee also revisited the proposal to repeal sales tax on food. I voted against this in the past and maintained my position in committee. I believe in a broad tax base for a stable state income to fund essential services. With some of the nation's lowest taxes, spreading the burden ensures everyone contributes a little, avoiding heavy individual taxation. Additionally, a potential ballot measure could eliminate sales tax on food at both state and municipal levels, possibly leading to an overall sales tax rate increase or the introduction of an income tax. It's worth noting that individuals eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) do not pay sales tax on food. There's also a rebate program for low-income and elderly individuals to get their sales tax back from food expenses.
As your senator, I advocate for low taxes and minimal burdens on the people. However, it's essential to understand how our tax dollars are distributed. Almost 45 cents of every dollar goes to education, 39 cents to providing care through Medicaid, DSS, DHS, and DOH. Ten cents is allocated to protecting people, including the courts, corrections, and public safety. The remaining six cents covers the rest of state government, including the governor's office, ten departments, the legislature, and five constitutional offices.
In the event of necessary budget cuts, the only areas for substantial reductions are education and care services. While it's easy to call for cuts, it becomes challenging when considering the potential impact on education and the well-being of our citizens.