We ended the 2020 SD Legislative Session with the threat of the Corna Virus looming. On Thursday, March 12 we passed the budget. I was pleased that both parties and the administration worked together to come to an agreement with a balanced budget. The budget includes a 2% raise to education, state employees and community care professionals and to our Tech schools. Many other opportunities were finance including a $4 million bridge fund which would be matched by over $20 million in Federal dollars. The bridge fund will help pay for bridge replacement, as many are aware we have several old bridges in the state.

Factors that helped develop the budget were: making several department budgets more efficient. a higher economic start to 2020 and less Medicaid money needed because of higher employment levels developed the budget.

As we all know the current situation in the world is vastly different from what we had when the legislature dismissed March 12. The legislature is scheduled to meet again on March 30 for what is ;known as veto day. Since the end of the session Governor Noem has reached out not only the public, but to the legislators in conference calls.. She has kept us informed and answered questions concerning actions that have been taken to protect us and assist the most vulnerable and our medical workers and first responders.

Covid 19 has been in the news and the state has been working with public and private entities along with the schools to insure appropriate measures are taken to slow the spread of the virus..

When we meet on March 30, we may have to make different budget changes and address the costs and needs of the Covid 19 event. Alternately, we may be called back in special session after we have had more time to determine what the future is concerning the virus. At this point we do not know how long it will affect the state. It is critical to stay focused on doing what is best as reasonably possible.

Whatever we do I hope to be there and want to make sure our communities and families remain safe. The governor did ask that church’s look out for members of the community who need assistance or care because our religious organizations probably are in a better position to identify and reach out to the isolated or vulnerable in our neighborhoods or rural areas

We are all in this together and there are many, many stories of individuals and groups who have stepped up and are helping others during this critical time. I would love to share stories and ideas that might help other communities or individuals replicate these ideas for the benefit of others. The information you have shared with others helps us all.

Thank you for all you do and please feel free to help me do a better job by contacting my anytime.

District 21 Senator Rocky Blare

rockyblare@gmail.com