PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota House debated a bill that would set aside one hundred million dollars in federal funding for water projects. Representative Jess Olson of Rapid City, one of the sponsors, said the need for water is growing. Representative Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls offered an amendment. Representative Steve Duffy of Rapid City… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- Ownership of ag land by foreigners, especially Chinese has become a hot button issue. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds says he is working on a bill at the federal level. Rounds says they want the US Ag Secretary to be involved. Rounds says the bill would allow some sales in certain cases. Some… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota Senate Tuesday didn’t approve the changes made by the House on SB40.  When SB40 passes the Senate on an 18-16 vote, the bill would allow the gubernatorial candidate to select his or her choice for Lt. Governor for the Primaries.  It would also place all the State Office positions on… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – Without debate, the South Dakota House Tuesday rejects the Senate’s “hog house” of a bill to revive removing the sales tax off food. The House rejected HB 1094 55 to 14 to both not concur and not appoint a conference committee. The remaining sales tax cut before the legislature is HB… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- As South Dakota lawmakers work out details of the 2024 budget, the priority of the Board of Regents is keeping the tuition freeze for another year. Board President Pam Roberts says the freeze helped them stabilize enrollment last year. Roberts says the freeze is part of ongoing workforce development efforts. The Regents need… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- A bill that would have set up a funding source for regional county jails was killed in the South Dakota legislature last week.  That continued a trend of lawmakers killing bills that aided counties. House Majority Leader Will Mortenson of Pierre says county budget increases were limited for a reason. Mortenson says counties… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The Aberdeen City Council on Monday night discussed a resolution authorizing the City Manager to executive documentation for the WINS project.  WINS stands for “Water Investment in Northern South Dakota”.  This is in conjunction with WEB Water & BDM Rural Water Systems, Inc. City Manager Joe Gaa talks about a committee working with… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – The state Senate passes another sales tax reduction by a single vote this afternoon (Monday). HB 1094 was “hog housed” (had its original contents removed) and replaced with repealing the sales tax on groceries. The vote was 18 to 17. Supporters say removing the sales tax on food would save taxpayers… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – Legislators say it could be four days if tax cut ping-pong. On Monday, the Senate passed an amended HB 1137 that would reduce the reduction in the overall sales tax from 4.5% to 4.3%. As passed in the House, the bill was a 4.2% cut. Instead of a $100 million-plus tax… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – South Dakota’s House of Representatives defeats a bill this morning (Monday) that prohibited a legislator’s spouse from being a lobbyist. SB 197 failed 24 to 44. The bill had previously passed the Senate. Bill sponsor, Democratic Rep. Linda Duba from Sioux Falls, said the bill was not targeting any specific legislator… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – The South Dakota Legislature passes a bill Monday that adds Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the list of approved medical marijuana certifications. SB 1 passed the House 36 to 32. Republican Rep. Ernie Otten from Tea said adding PTSD gives people relief. Rep. Otten also said he was surprised at some… Read more »

HURON, S.D.(Press Release) – Edmunds County farmer and Farmers Union Insurance agent, Cameron Lux was recognized today, by National Farmers Union during the 2023 National Convention held in San Francisco, California, with the Bruce Miller Award for his dedicated service to family farmers and ranchers. “This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the mission and vision… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Picking among competing tax cuts will be a priority for South Dakota legislators this week. District 18 Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says he is optimistic some cut will pass. Governor Kristi Noem has threatened a veto of the budget bill if her food tax cut is not included. Stevens says they can’t… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Senator John Thune was in a group of republican Senators that spent time at the US – Mexican border in Texas last week. He says border issues are felt as far north as South Dakota. Thune says it seems like there are simple solutions. Thune says they also heard about a… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota legislators will have to decide what kind and how much of a tax cut to pass next week. District 17 Representative Bill Shorma of Dakota Dunes says the money is there. Shorma say he supports the sales tax cut of point three percent. He says that money will circulate in the… Read more »