PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Senate Monday debated a resolution of disapproval of the merger of the State Ag Department and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Governor Kristi Noem had proposed the merger for the sake of efficiency.

 During the debate on the resolution, republican Senator Art Rusch of Vermillion says the Ag Department has been non responsive.

Republican Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says the promise is the newly combined department has to better respond to legislative oversight.

The resolution of disapproval was defeated on a vote of 18-17. Sponsor Senator Troy Heinert moved to reconsider the vote.