PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota Senate Committee heard testimony on SB199.  The bill establish a new fund to provide property tax relief.

The bill was originally introduced by Senator Chris Carr of Sioux Falls.  Later the prime sponsor was switched to Senator Mark Lapka of Leola.

Lapka talks about the concerns about high property taxes.

Lapka describe what the bill does.

Among opposition to the bill was Derrick Johnson with Bureau of Financial Management.  He listed four reasons why they were opposed.  The first dealing with the principle of budget.

Second one has to do lack of flexibility.

Third reason is the counties need to address other needs beside property taxes.

The fourth reason is a lack of transparancy.

Senator Lapka had an opportunity to rebute these claims.

The committee passed the bill on a 4-3 vote and head to the Senate floor.