Details from District 2: Legislation forthcoming for safer election laws
As the second week of the Legislative Session came to an end, John Sjaarda, Dave Kull and I have found ourselves extremely busy and trying get some sort of routine going. In my humble opinion I feel we are adapting rather quickly and getting District 2 noticed.
One of the most substantive legislative efforts of the 2022 session has continued into this year. The Workforce Housing Infrastructure Fund was set up to help communities with a long-term tool for the infrastructure development needed for new homes. SB 41 will help District 2 tackle their housing inventory with an ability to apply for infrastructure grants and loans. While Senate Bill 41 stalled on the House floor last Friday, a strong majority hope it will pass in its original form on Monday, the first day of week three. This session the Legislature made revisions to open the fund for disbursements to qualifying communities. We are lucky to have so many thriving businesses in our area and throughout the state. But between the resulting demand and the economic impacts of inflation, South Dakota families are in need of affordable housing options. I would like to thank the Brandon and Sioux Falls community members who worked so hard to get this bill to where it is.
This week, the Senate also took up several routine bills from the executive branch to make noncontroversial adjustments to state law. Our Appropriations Committee heard from the Department of Social Services on their budget proposal including their plans to implement the voters’ desire to expand Medicaid. We also welcomed Coach Stig and the SDSU football team including Brandon Valley alumni to the Senate floor to celebrate their national championship. As an SDSU alumni I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read part of the proclamation celebrating their win.
In the week ahead, watch for my fellow Republicans and I to unveil a legislative package to update and strengthen South Dakota’s election laws. A broad coalition of lawmakers are ready to make sure we have safer and stronger election laws for the 2024 election.
As the session continues, I look forward to hearing from my constituents. If you have an idea, solution or concern for state government to address, I want to hear from you.
