PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Legislative leaders marked the progress of the 2023 South Dakota session last week.

Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree of Madison says passing the two hundred million dollars housing bill was a major achievement.

Crabtree said they also passed a bill that will save businesses eighteen million dollars in the next year.

Due to low unemployment claims, the associated trust fund is fully funded and business contributions will be rolled back.

Legislative democrats focused on housing and sales taxes at their briefing last week.

House Minority Leader Oren Lesmeister of Parade says republicans in the House attempted to sidetrack the housing bill.

The two hundred million dollar bill got final passage last week and was sent to the Governor.

Lesmeister says while the sales tax cut on groceries got initial committee approval, there are problems with it.

Lesmeister says the tribes need to be heard on the sales tax cut.

The sales tax cut bill will next be heard in the House Appropriations Committee.