PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Some members of the Joint Appropriations Committee think it might be time to look at a Gov. Richard Kneip-era program that assists low-income elders and people with disabilities.
SB28 is the continuation of a 50-year-old program that provides small refunds to low-income people over 65 or those with disabilities. Secretary of Revenue Jason Evans said the 1974 program was once funded for millions of dollars annually, but participation has decreased.
Citizen advocate Cathy Brechtelsbauer of Sioux Falls testified that the program needs to be more straightforward. She said the forms are complicated, and only some of the logical state agencies and country treasurers that are supposed to help with the program know about it.
After Brechtelsbauer’s testimony, Evans said that the DOR is good at collecting revenue, but not the best agency at giving out money.
Several committee members said while it is too late for this year’s bill, the state should look at the program and other programs that assist people experiencing poverty with sales and property tax relief.
The bill requests $425,000. The average refund is about $235.
Members of the committee also commended Brechtelsbauer for bringing these issues to their attention. They also noted that one committed citizen can make a difference in Pierre.
The committee voted 16 to 0 in favor of the appropriation.