STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB & WNAX) – South Dakota lawmakers spent most of their four days in Pierre last week getting organized, listening to speeches and introducing bills.

District 29 Representative Gary Cammack says they’re now gearing up for a busy time.

Cammack talked about some of the big ticket items that lie ahead – including the Governor’s proposed grocery sales tax repeal.

Cammack says that sales tax repeal will leave a $110 million dollar hole that will need to be filled.

District 18 Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says it was a pretty positive time.

Representatives elected Hugh Bartels of Watertown as Speaker on a 53 to 14 vote. Stevens says that doesn’t show a split in the republican caucus.

Stevens says the House has to move on to debate of incoming bills.

Stevens was officially elected as Speaker-pro-tem.

Lawmakers were off Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They will return to Pierre today.