As I write this, we’re in our final 5 day week of the Legislative Session. In the Appropriations Committee, we’re hearing from everyone regarding what to do with the small amount of money left on the bottom line. We’re hearing from Community Based Providers, State Employees, and Education. There are other special requests that always show up, and we’re also listening to them. All decisions must be made this week, and we must submit a structurally balanced budget with no gimmicks or accounting tricks.
As the snow flies in Pierre, we’re working through the days. We have quorum for every meeting, as most of the Senators and Representatives arrived Sunday to meet about budgetary priorities.
This week will be very busy with a lot of bills still to discuss. The new Precision Ag Major and Building at SDSU is getting a lot of attention, and we passed that out of committee this morning. Expect to hear a lot more of this first in the nation program in the near future.
As we wrap up this week, this will be the last time a lot of you will hear from me for a while. I’d like to take this moment to thank you for your support, feedback and comments. This has been an incredible first term in the South Dakota Senate. I have learned much about the Appropriations process, and no matter what happens from here, I can explain every vote I’ve taken and look forward to whatever happens next. Thank you for choosing me to be your voice in the South Dakota Senate.
wiikfor4 