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Tax discussion highlights tension between residential and agricultural property owners
Testimony to a legislative committee Tuesday in Pierre highlighted a growing divide between the property tax payments of residential and agricultural property owners. Lawmakers on the state’s Study Committee on Property Tax Assessment Methodology heard from county directors of equalization and lobbying groups. People who own the house they live in are described as the […]
Douglas School District seeks $15 million in state funding to handle Ellsworth growth
Douglas School District is again asking the state for help building a new elementary school to accommodate rising enrollment caused by Ellsworth Air Force Base. The district wants the state to contribute $15 million toward the $62 million school construction cost. Legislation that would have provided the money failed during last winter’s legislative session. The […]
Former lieutenant governor launches ‘Vote in Honor of a Veteran’ initiative
SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota’s voter turnout has disappointed some military veterans. Former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has launched an initiative urging citizens to “Vote in Honor of a Veteran,” emphasizing the sacrifices made by military personnel to secure the democratic rights Americans enjoy. “We always think that government […]
Sales tax ballot measure sparks debate about potential impact on state’s bond rating
Opponents of a Nov. 5 ballot measure that would reduce state sales tax collections worry it could be the final straw that breaks South Dakota’s AAA bond rating — a criticism that the measure’s proponents dispute. The measure is intended to repeal state sales taxes on groceries, but opponents say its imprecise language could broaden […]
Pesticide labeling becomes issue in South Dakota’s U.S. House race
Legislation affecting the regulation of pesticide labels has become an issue in South Dakota’s U.S. House race after a Democratic challenger leveled criticism at incumbent Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson. The Washington Post reported in June that Rep. Johnson worked with biotech giant Bayer to insert a provision into a draft of the federal farm bill. […]
Black Hills Energy proposes Rapid City power plant costing up to $270 million
Black Hills Energy plans to build a new power generation plant in Rapid City for a cost between $250 million and $270 million, according to a notice sent Aug. 2 to state regulators on the Public Utilities Commission. The plant would have three engines fueled by natural gas and three turbines using natural gas and […]
McCook Lake victims still ‘in the dark,’ waiting for FEMA help nearly seven weeks after flood
Nearly seven weeks after the devastating June 23 flood at McCook Lake, victims are still in limbo about the possibility of federal aid, and some feel abandoned by government officials. Renae Hansen is a flood victim and works with the McCook Lake Izaak Walton League, which has tried to fill some of the leadership and […]
Johnson denies trying to help company shield itself from existing Roundup cancer lawsuits
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, denies allegations that a provision he helped insert into a draft of the federal farm bill would protect the maker of Roundup from pending lawsuits claiming that frequent use of the herbicide causes cancer. “Our legislation doesn’t do anything in the courts,” Johnson said Wednesday in an interview with […]
Nonprofit launches $10 million campaign for South Dakota parks and recreation areas
SIOUX FALLS — A foundation that helps fund outdoor recreation projects in South Dakota has launched a $10 million fundraising campaign. The five-year effort aims to support 28 projects across the state that would otherwise face delays due to budget constraints. Representatives of the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation discussed the campaign at the […]
Suicides in South Dakota decline for second consecutive year
SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota’s suicide rate has decreased for the second consecutive year, and officials think that means suicide prevention work in the state is making a difference. The number of suicides fell from 202 in 2021 to 192 in 2022, and further to 180 in 2023. The statistics were shared by Department of […]
Lawmakers plan October hearing on alleged $1.8 million theft by former state employee
South Dakota lawmakers will hold a hearing in October on a former state employee’s alleged theft of $1.8 million from Child Protection Services. The Legislature’s Government Operations and Audit Committee met Wednesday in Pierre and discussed plans for the hearing. “We find out what went on, and how do we stop it,” said Committee Chair […]
Impact of grocery tax ballot measure could range from $134M to $646M, legislators told
A new analysis of the Nov. 5 ballot measure aiming to eliminate state sales taxes on groceries projects state revenue losses ranging from $134 million to $646 million annually. On Tuesday in Pierre, the Legislative Research Council presented the analysis to lawmakers on the state budget committee. Council employees provide research, analysis and administrative support […]