Upcoming issues for the state Legislature were discussed at the District 18 cracker barrel in Yankton Saturday. It was the first of three such forums this session.
Sen. Jean Hunhoff, Rep. Julie Auch and Rep. Mike Stevens were on hand to answer questions at the Yankton Thrive-sponsored event at the CMTEA building.
Though the central issues of the legislative session are still developing, many questions posed by the audience focused on current and future financial issues facing the state, including the proposal to repeal South Dakota’s food tax.
After having consistently opposed similar measures in the past, and as late as last March, Gov. Kristi Noem took on a repeal of the food tax as part of her reelection campaign last fall.
Despite the governor’s support of the notion, the District 18 representatives remain undecided.
Stevens said he is concerned that the state is still coping with federal dollars pumped into it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When do we get to our baseline as to where we were before all the federal government money came in?” he asked.
Hunhoff pointed out that there still isn’t a clear picture of how that would impact the budget. The calculated cost to the state of repealing the food tax points to a sum of approximately $101 million-$110 million per year, she said.
“What's going to generate this additional revenue or replacement?” Hunhoff said. “And, if it isn't, what would you like us to cut? What services do you not want provided to the citizens of South Dakota?”
Auch noted that some of the language in the bill proposes the inclusion of candy and beer sales in the food tax repeal.
“We need to find a way to replace that tax, and I'm all about cutting taxes, but let's be smart about it,” she said.
Other issues discussed included housing, health and education
(2) comments
Money Issues? Now Hunoff and others whining about money! Why didn't the start 50/40/30/20/10 years ago looking at bringing in VIABLE industries with good jobs. Or recently all the EV plants/Chip plants being built--never made effort to secure one of those. Mrs. Hunhoff and GOP mafia---why not ask your two biggest money makers for more tax $$$$. You know Tourism/Agriculture--start milking more out of them? How about MANURE tax on feedlots? Tax the political fairy tales---you know they start with WHEN I AM ELECTED. Or tax the political donations at election time. Start with 50% maybe?
Do like every household budget/Business has to do. Cut Expenses. Freeze wages on top officials--maybe even roll their wages back 25%. Cut all the LBGTQ B.S. Cut these "entitlement" programs. How about a license fee on each "lobbyist"?
Say $150,000 a year. After all it not their money they throw around anyway. Come on GOP MAFIA--start to become the mighty leaders you claim to be.
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