District 21 Senate Report

This week Governor Kristi Noem delivered the budget address. The governor highlighted the superior financial rating of our state. This rating will allow the state, counties, cities and schools to have access to superior broadband rating and save money. She also proposed increasing funding for nursing homes and community support providers by 2.5%, education funding by 2.5% and state employees by 2.5%. There is almost $1,000,000 dedicated for recruitment assistance for rural health care, $1,000,000 for second century pheasant habitat. Also include is $6,000,000 for provider innovation grants related to primary and prenatal care, nursing home innovation, such as home health care. $600,000 is designated to continue the Veteran’s bonus funds and $450,000 tax refunds for the elderly and disabled who meet income guidelines.

There is increased funding for rural broadband expansion, state radio systems upgrade and methamphetamine prevention campaign. In all, the increased expenditures amount to $54,132,719 would be covered without increasing taxes. We would not decrease our 10% reserve we are able to maintain our stable financial position as a state. Savings are being realized the Care Coordination Agreements with those savings being reinvested to increase provider rate and funding innovation grants.

In the coming weeks, the legislature will be looking closely at all the Governors budget requests and revising it and coming up with the ultimate budget the state will use.

This week the Senate Bill 47 passed which removed the restrictions regarding carrying of a concealed weapon permit. Senate Bill 1 passed out of the Senate which added a legislator to the Extraordinary Cost Oversight Board, which is to address the rising need of School Districts seeking extra funds to offset the expenses in paying for extraordinary Special Education services.

We approved the appointment of Kim Vanneman as Secretary of Agriculture and David Flute as Secretary of Department of Tribal Relations. Both are outstanding individuals highly regarded in their fields.

I appreciate everyone who attended the 5 Meet and Greets, that Representative Qualm and Fink and myself hosted Saturday. It was good to hear from you and answer your questions. If you have any other comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at rockyblare@gmail.com. You are welcome to testify at any of our committee meetings. It is a privilege to serve the people of the state of South Dakota and especially my constituents in District 21.