X

3 weeks to go! In State Affairs Committee we have had our work cut out and have been meeting 2 times a day to get through our bill log. Several bills have related to the Future Fund and the Governors Office of Economic Development (GOED). Many communities and students in district 19 have benefited from the Future Fund and the Governors Office of Economic Development. I completely understand that some poor choices and investments have been made in the past but so many good decisions have been made too. I don’t think we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater, but oversight would really help. HB 1286 an act to amend the process by which moneys are distributed from the employer’s investment in South Dakota’s Future fund. This would require GOED to report to the legislature. Another bill I supported was HB 1222 an act to prohibit members of the Board of Economic Development from having any interest in moneys from or approved by the Board of Economic Development. It is unfortunate that we have been put in a position where this bill was brought. This bill did not garner enough support on the floor to pass. I am hopeful the other restrictions and safe guards that have passed will remedy the issues going forward. Property tax relief has been at the forefront of the session. There are over 26 bills regarding property tax relief. It is not possible for all these bills to pass and work together. Collectively we are trying to sort through the best options for the majority and move forward with those options. In my opinion, owner occupied relief is the front runner among the members of the House, but how will we replace those funds for our schools, counties and cities? That is the question we are trying to answer. I would love to know your thoughts so please reach out. This week 4Hers from across the state and many from Bon Homme county visited the capitol, even having one shadow me for the day. I would like to thank Bon Homme senior Tarynn T. for her service to the legislature and congratulate her on her recent military enlistment. It was my honor to nominate you for the page program. God Bless,