PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) –The South Dakota Legislature wrapped up the main run of this year’s legislative session Thursday evening, passing a nearly $8 billion state government funding bill.
In a session that occasionally found itself embroiled over some members’ actions and words, the 37th Legislative Day ended with leaders from both parties speaking civilly–and glowingly–about the process and each other.
In passing the budget bill, SB 210, the state is:
• Providing 7% more for K-12 and technical education.
• A tuition freeze at state universities and technical schools.
• A 7% increase in teacher pay.
• A 5% raise for health care providers.
• 100% reimbursement for community-based Medicaid providers and;
• A 7% pay increase for state employees.
The increased funding was accomplished while the legislature passed a sales tax decrease that will save taxpayers $104 million annually for the next four years.
Now, the budget and the tax cut bills are in the hands of Republican Gov. Kristi Noem.
Legislators return for the 38th and final day–Veto Day–on March 27.