Week nine marked the close of the 101st Legislative Session. Like many sessions, it managed to feel both long and fast at the same time. A single day at the Capitol can hold committee meetings, amendment negotiations, smoke-out motions, and several hours of floor debate. The pace requires legislators to constantly reassess bills as new information and amendments emerge.
Throughout the session I have often chosen not to speak on the floor if another member has already made the key points I would raise. Legislative debate works best when it moves the conversation forward rather than repeating arguments already made. Still, one of my goals for next session is to spend more time strengthening my floor speeches and continuing to develop that skill. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve District 32 during this session, and I look forward to continuing conversations across the district about how we make South Dakota more affordable, invest in education, and protect the Black Hills for future generations.
What Moved Forward
Although committee work concluded earlier, the final week remained active with major policy decisions. Much of the debate focused on proposals addressing property taxes.
One of those measures was Senate Bill 96, the Governor’s property tax proposal that has been under discussion for nearly a year. I ultimately voted yes on this bill. While I would have preferred relief that is more targeted toward those who need it most, the structure of the bill provides flexibility at the local level. Counties may choose whether to implement a half-percent sales tax option, allowing commissioners or voters to decide whether that approach fits their community.
Several other measures advancing this week also addressed important statewide needs. Senate Bill 135 advanced this week, focusing on the regulation of large data centers. The bill addresses issues related to protecting ratepayers, managing water use, and maintaining local control in communities considering these developments. Early in the debate there was discussion of adding tax exemptions through an amendment, which raised concerns. That amendment was never introduced, allowing the bill to move forward with stronger protections in place.
What Raised Concerns
I voted no on Senate Bill 245, which creates an estimated $110 million property tax relief program funded through adjustments to sales tax growth. While property tax relief is an important goal, this proposal raises several concerns about long-term fiscal stability.
The bill dedicates future sales tax growth to the property tax relief fund. That same revenue growth could otherwise support major state obligations such as K-12 education, Medicaid, and the state workforce. Redirecting those funds reduces flexibility for future budgets and limits our ability to respond to changing needs.
I would have viewed the bill more favorably if the Weisgram amendment, SB 245H, had passed. That amendment would have placed a cap on how much revenue could flow into the fund, providing clearer guardrails for the state budget.
The proposal also does little to address affordability challenges faced by renters, who represent roughly 40 percent of South Dakotans. A sales tax adjustment without addressing the grocery tax also raises equity concerns. Rather than layering additional complexity onto the tax system, I believe the state should pursue clearer reforms such as reducing the grocery tax while ensuring stronger definitions than those contained in Initiated Measure 28, which was on the ballot a few years ago.
Our caucus prepared an amendment that would have moved the bill closer to the framework discussed earlier in session through HB 1308B, which aimed to provide more targeted relief. With limited time remaining and insufficient support to advance the amendment, we ultimately did not bring it forward.
The state budget, often referred to as the “G Bill,” did include several important outcomes. Funding for TANF was partially restored, and additional investments were made in critical access hospitals that serve rural communities. Appropriators also increased funding for the state’s “big three” obligations from the initial proposal of zero percent to 1.4 percent. While that improvement is meaningful, it still falls below inflation. When funding growth does not keep pace with inflation, the purchasing power of those programs effectively acts as a cut. The concern during the final week was a late effort to reject the negotiated budget and remove funding for South Dakota Public Broadcasting. SDPB provides coverage of committee hearings and floor debate that helps ensure the public can see how their government operates. Transparent access to legislative proceedings is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Last session, of all my emails, SDPB was the number one emailed about issue, and doesn’t even come close to numbers of any other issue this session.
What’s Coming Next
Although the session has concluded, the work of public service continues. Over the coming weeks I will be participating in several public events where constituents can ask questions and share feedback about the session.
On March 27, I will be joining a panel discussion at the Black Hills Press Conference. Tickets are available through Elevate Rapid City’s website. There will also be an event “It’s a Wrap” on April 16 at the Dahl Fine Arts Center. The event will feature wrap-themed food and is free to attend, with optional donations to help cover food costs. We are also finalizing plans for a “Beers After Pierre” conversation at Dakota Point in the near future.
Opportunities like these are important because democracy works best when people stay engaged after the votes are cast. Constituent conversations help shape priorities for the months ahead and inform the work that will continue between legislative sessions.
Serving District 32 during the 101st session has been a tremendous honor. I am grateful to everyone who wrote emails, sent cards, or shared thoughtful feedback throughout the session. Public service is most effective when it is collaborative. Democracy truly is a team effort, and your engagement continues to strengthen that work across South Dakota.
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