HURON, S.D.(Hub City Radio)- The two candidates vying for South Dakota Governor held their first debate at the South Dakota State Fair on Saturday.  They are Governor Larry Rhoden(R) and Dan Ahlers(D).  South Dakota Farmers Union organized this debate and the main focus was on agriculture and the rural communities.

DANR:

Back in 2021, they merged the departments of agriculture and natural resources into one department.  Both candidates were asked if they could consider splitting them.

Dan Ahlers believes that should happen.

Governor Rhoden was hesitant to begin with but now in full support of two departments merged together.

Young Farmers:

Both candidates were asked how to keep young farmers involved in South Dakota.

Governor Rhoden talked about what his administration has done to help these farmers.

Ahlers talked about programs he would implement if elected.

Property Taxes on ag land:

Both candidates were asked how they would address property tax relief on agriculture land.

Rhoden talked about how agriculture land has been assessed the past several years.

Ahlers believes in order to address those taxes, it all starts with help funding for education.

Medicaid Expansion:

South Dakota voters will be voting on Amendment I which address Medicaid Expansion.

Governor Rhoden talked about why he was opposed to Amendment D that was passed back in 2022.  The issue was the federal budget deficit.

Dan Ahlers feels this amendment voters will cast stems from the legislature not doing what the voters want.

They will hold one more debate prior to the November elections on Monday, September 28th in Sioux Falls.