PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA) — House lawmakers, spurred by impassioned stories from colleagues with special needs relatives, successfully ushered an $8 million funding package for South Dakota’s primary community support provider.

House Bill 1093 would send funds to LifeScape for the construction of a new facility in the Sioux Falls area. Operating in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City, the organization provides services to disabled individuals of all ages and their families, offering residential services, health screenings, and other healthcare-related support for those in need.  The nonprofit intends to build its new facility in western Sioux Falls.

Rep. Marty Overweg, the bill’s primary sponsor, shared his personal experience helping his brother – who has autism – find a facility that met all of his needs.  “If you have children or grandchildren, what do you want?” Overweg asked. “You want them to have the best resources, the best education so they can be what they want to be.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Democrat Kadyn Wittman shared that her younger brother also lives with “complex medical needs.” She said she regrets that LifeScape’s services were unavailable where her family lives.  “The care these children receive is indispensable,” Wittman emphasized.  “It’s not just crucial for them and their families but also for our state as a whole. We have a constitutional and moral obligation to act.”

Despite widespread support, some opposition did surface. Rep. Phil Jensen of Rapid City proposed that funding for the facility should come only from private donors rather than taxpayer dollars and the Legislature.  “I believe we should explore alternative avenues, such as soliciting donations from individuals like Mr. T. Denny Sanford,” Jensen remarked, raising concerns about the tax burden faced by South Dakotans.  He was the sole vote against the bill.