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We have one week left and I am excited to wrap up session and go home to my family. I feel like the last part of the session, every year, reveals the most important issues. The Senate, House, and Executive branch always find a way to come together but we all must give a little to get to that point. I will highlight some of the most important issues that we have finalized or are finalizing.
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WAGNER LADY RAIDERS ARE STATE BOUND!
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LOADS OF ANGLERS OUT ENJOYING THE SPILLWAY LUA
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FIRE DEPARTMENT COMPLETE STRUCTURAL FIRE TRAINING EXERCISE
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act to limit parole for violent crimes also called the “Truth in Sentencing bill”. The bill was heavily debated and supported by the State’s Attorneys, the Sheriff’s Association, and the attorney general. I supported the bill to protect the residents of South Dakota from violent crimes. The Tripp and Menno High School senior government classes and several homeSchool groups came to see us in action, as always, it’s a joy to meet thoseofourdistrict.Icannot believethereisonlyoneweek left. Time has flown by and much work is to be done and will be done.
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Thank you to the Alexandria Development Corporation for hostingacrackerbarrel.Itwas great to see so many people involved in the process and to hear their feedback.
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Two weeks of the 2023 legislative session remain with the completion of Week 7. This week had several bills important to South Dakota’s number one industry which is Agriculture. Senate Bill 185 would have created a new government board and increased government regulations on Ag land owners in South Dakota. All the major Agriculture groups in South Dakota along with several business groups opposed SB 185. Government at all levels seems to grow and increase regulations all the time. I voted against SB 185; it was defeated in the Senate, 23 to 11.
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Week 7 Rocky Blare Legislative Report The biggest item this year was passing HB1137 which will reduce the state sales tax rates in South Dakota from 4.5% to 4.2%. This will reduce the tax burden for citizens by $100 million, the largest tax decrease in SD history. We can do this because of the increased revenue received and projections of the ability to sustain growth without adversely effecting other programs. This would honor a promise made to SD citizens when the ½% sales tax was approved in prior years. At that time a promise was made that we would reduce that tax once sufficient tax revenue from internet sales was achieved, at that point we would reduce the rate increase. This was known as the Partridge amendment. This will now go to the Senate for their approval.
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