Brandon residents bound for Pierre Jan. 29

Local residents will tour the State Capitol, sit in on legislative sessions and hear an update on plans for the city’s I-90 exit during Brandon Day at the Legislature next Wednesday.

The Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s 13th annual Brandon Day at the Legislature heads for Pierre early Jan. 29. 

The group of community members and Brandon Valley High School student council members will attend legislative committee meetings before breaking for lunch with District 10 and 25 legislators. Following lunch, they’ll meet with representatives from the South Dakota Department of Transportation, as well as state senators.

“Brandon Day at the Legislature is an exciting opportunity for our members to come to Pierre for the day and be informed on the current bills and activity,” said Rachel Neiman, Chamber director. “I am really looking forward to attending committee meetings, listening in on sessions and enjoying lunch with our Brandon Valley students, along with the available District 10 and 25 Legislators.”

This year, the group will also meet with SDDOT staff to hear an update on the I-90 exit 406 interchange, which is on the calendar for 2023. 

Topics expected to be taken up this legislative session include: 

• Legalization of industrial hemp and CBD;  

• Raising the age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21;

• Sports betting in Deadwood;

• Limiting the ability of local government to regulate the use of plastic bags and straws;

• Expansion of a program that helps at risk high school students enter the workforce; and

• How to fund vital state programs without raising taxes;

Two chartered busses will leave the Brandon Holiday Inn Express at 6 a.m. Jan. 29. There is a cost of $35 per person, which covers transportation and lunch.

To register, contact the BVACC at 582-7400 or visit brandonvalleychamber.com. 

Brandon Day at the Legislature is co-sponsored by the city of Brandon. Contributors include Tony’s Catering and McKinneyOlson Insurance.