PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — South Dakota House members failed to override Gov. Larry Rhoden’s veto of a childcare assistance bill Thursday, with the vote falling short of the required two-thirds majority.

The House voted 27-43 against the override during the 37th legislative day of the 100th legislative session, sustaining the governor’s veto of House Bill 1132.

The bill would have expanded childcare assistance eligibility for workers at licensed childcare facilities with incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, compared to 209 percent for other applicants.

House Minority Leader Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, urged colleagues to override the veto.

Healy emphasized empty classrooms result from staffing shortages.

Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, opposed the override.

Rep. William Shorma, R-Dakota Dunes, supported the measure, citing economic development needs.

Rep. Jack Kolbeck, R-Sioux Falls, outlined specific financial concerns about expanding the program without additional funding.

Kolbeck said this bill will create equity issues.

The bill would have allowed a family of four earning up to $93,600 annually to qualify for assistance, compared to $67,000 under current guidelines.

Rhoden’s veto message claimed the bill shifted the program from its core mission and could jeopardize assistance for currently eligible families.

Veto Day is scheduled for March 31.