ISSUES
2023 Legislative Session Recap
This year, we worked through 517 bills and joint resolutions placed before us, just like we do every year. We got a lot of great things passed this session beyond the budget. We made real strides in college affordability, addressing workforce shortages and helping those struggling with mental health and suicide. We passed bills to protect the public and back law enforcement. We made thorough improvements to our election system. We defeated needless laws and avoided creating a slew of new government programs.
During the 2023 interim summer study we will take a look at: 1. Counties funding and Mandated Services 2. Long-Term
Care Sustainability. I have applied to be on a study and both are topics are important for our district. The members of the summer study committees will be chosen at the Executive Board meeting on April 24th.
If you followed my property tax bills this past session, you know that I was the prime sponsor for SB 26 - Transfer a property tax relief program to change income requirements for certain property tax relief programs, and to index certain income schedules to inflation. That bill passed both the House and the Senate and was signed into law by the governor in March. The second bill I carried was HB 1043 – a bill to give a $450 per year tax credit on every owner-occupied residence in South Dakota. That bill made it through the House and the Senate and was one of the final three tax proposals that made it the conference committee meetings. The conference committee decided to adopt the Sales/Use tax bill and the governor signed that bill into law in April. I believe that we have a good base to work off of next session and will take another run at it in 2024.
PRO TAX REFORM:
Agriculture is South Dakota’s largest industry. This year we introduced:
HB 1039: a bill to correct inaccurate soil assessments for our ranchers. HB 1039 brought attention to the horrific taxes the ranchers were facing because of incorrect soil classifications that were in place. HB 1039 was "Hog Housed" into bill HB 1325. We finally brought AG tax reform home for the ranchers. I am pleased to report that HB 1325 passed through the House and the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Noem on Friday, March 18, 2022.
HB 1001: We also introduced a bill that increased the income and property value caps to qualify for a property tax freeze for our elderly and disabled population on fixed and/or limited incomes. We accomplished a lot!
As property taxes are soaring, now it is time to aggressively address all property taxes and examine true tax reform for businesses and residents.
WE MUST FIGHT FOR THE PRISTINE BEAUTY OF OUR BLACK HILLS:
HB 1048: I stood strong against the bill to expand Custer State Park’s campsite expansion. We need to fight to keep the pristine beauty and wildlife we cherish in our Southern Black Hills.
SECOND ADMENDMENT RIGHTS:
PRO GUN: The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the individual’s rights to keep and bear arms and I am committed to upholding our rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights. I also support South Dakota’s concealed carry policy.
HB 175: I fought against this bill on behalf of Meade County taxpayers to defeat the construction of a riffle range in the middle of local ranches. Even though I acknowledge there is a need for local gun training and classes, I could not support the location or the price tag of over $5 million dollars.
LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION
PRO LIFE: I am unapologetically Pro Life except in complex circumstances. I proudly supported all Pro- Life bills that were presented on the floor of the House.
RIGHT TO PRIVACY:
HB 1258: I voted to protect an individual’s personal information.