PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- The House is finishing the heated debate over work force housing in the state. The House chose to concur with Senate amendments in a vote of 48 to 22. This brings the issue forward to the governor’s desk.

After passing the Senate with some amendments, the debate continued on the House floor as if it hadn’t already passed the chamber. Much of the debate focused on the use of general funds, loans versus grants and whether this is actually the jurisdiction of the Legislature.  

The bill provides 150 million dollars from the general fund in the form of grants and loans to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority to develop infrastructure for future houses. It also allocates 50 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Opponents of the bill argued the money wouldn’t go to smaller communities that actually need it. 

Proponents say the money will go to all areas of South Dakota, not just Rapid City and Sioux Falls.