Ready set go! And just like that the legislature is back in session. Week 1 was off to a quicker start with the State of the State, the State of Judiciary and the State of Tribes addresses happening in two days. Freedom was the theme ofthe State ofthe State address andhowSouthDakota is succeeding in enjoying our freedoms as Americans.

The Governor also brought up a few of her priorities for session: educator salaries, removing the sunset clause on the 2023 sales tax cut and ensuring the health of pregnant mothers and young children.

Over 100 bills have already been filed with the SD Legislative Research Council (LRC) and there will only be more to come. I anticipate we will see over 600 bills filed this year. I strongly encourage my constituents to visit the Legislative Re search Council (LRC) website and read through these bills.

I want to know your thoughts and how the proposed legislation will impact you.

I spent the interim highly invested in the county funding summer study. Thirteen recommendations came out of the summer study. It is my goal to protect the future of our counties. The proposals can be found on the LRC website.

By getting to work faster the legislature was able to act on bills quicker. HB1001 to repeal the expiration of a reduction in certain gross receipts and use tax rates. In 2016 the legislature passed HB 1182, the half penny sales tax increase, with an amendmentpromising to decrease the sales tax once the obligations were fulfilled.

As a fiscal conservative, I proceeded with caution. I needed to know the obligations of South Dakota could be fulfilled. The extensive research proved this can be done. I voted in favor of HB1001 to fulfill that promise to the residents of SD.

It is my honor to serve you in the 99th Legislative session and with the help of many constituents I have filed my petitions to hopefully serve in the 100th Legislative session. Please reach out to me as I value your input. I would much rather have a phone call discussion with you, however, during session the quickest way to reach me is by email.

In your service, Jessica Bahmuller Jessica.Bahmuller@sdlegislature.gov (605)359-9459

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