Inside KELOLAND: Budget talks will highlight 100th Legislative session
Jan 11, 2025
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- The 100th session of the South Dakota state legislature kicks off shortly at the Capitol in Pierre, with committee assignments made, bills pre-filed and plans set for the 38 legislative days. Republican Representatives Greg Jamison and Will Mortenson joined Democratic Sen. Liz Larson and Democratic Rep. Erik Muckey to preview the session on the latest edition of Inside KELOLAND.
Jamison told KELOLAND’s Dan Santella one item has been much-discussed is property tax reform.
“That’s the no. 1 issue that we heard,” Jamison said about his time campaigning during re-election. “The GOP is taking that as a major issue to address.”
Jamison said he’s focused on “good government” and helping police in Sioux Falls address reckless speeding and driving in the city.
“We want to find a way to address that,” he said.
Mortenson agreed property tax changes will be discussed, saying first-time homeownership has gotten harder with home prices going up. He’s supporting a property tax reform bill brought by Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen.
“That’s responsive to something we’ve heard for several years,” Mortenson said.
When asked about the leadership changes within the Republican Party, Jamison said it’s a reflection of how voters cast their ballots in elections in June and November.
“The turn is probably a little more conservative than where we’ve been in the past,” Jamison said. “I think we’re going to be OK.”
Mortenson said lawmakers are facing the toughest budget year in nearly 15 years. He pointed out he worked for Gov. Dennis Daugaard during 10% across-the-board cuts to balance the state budget in 2011.
“I’m not saying there aren’t areas we can’t cut, I’m sure there are, but we need to find the right ones and make sure we’re protecting our communities and our state,” Mortenson said.
Mortenson said some of the proposed budget cuts have been brought up to him since December's budget address. He said lawmakers should focus on stopping new spending before making more cuts.
“I think we need to take care of core priorities first before we create any new programs,” Mortenson said.
Larson said the legislature always experiences a lot of turnover, and she’s excited to work with new people.
“It’ll be a new vibe,” she said.
Larson said the nine Democratic lawmakers will be focused on protecting public education in South Dakota amidst the debate on school vouchers. She highlighted that other states have already started school voucher programs and those states have seen how it impacts public education.
“It’s had a negative impact on student’s achievements,” Larson said. “It diverts funds from our public schools that we all love.”
Larson said she believes there will be a lot of discussion on eminent domain and the new men’s prison as well as discussion on proposed cuts to South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the state library.
Muckey, who represents District 15 located in central and northern Sioux Falls, said people in his district are focused on public education, child care and access to affordable housing.
“Investment in public education is going to be a key priority,” Muckey said. “There’s a need for us to focus on how do we manage costs and make fiscally responsible choices. We have some hard choices to make this year.”
Viewers and readers can find all stories KELOLAND Media Group puts together during the upcoming legislative session on a special page.