SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) - The topic of education savings accounts or school vouchers is top of mind for many lawmakers and voters in South Dakota this legislative session. Monday, the South Dakota Public Schools Coalition released the findings of a statewide poll. The results are in and according to a survey commissioned by the South Dakota Education Association, many voters in the state oppose the implementation of education savings accounts, also known as school voucher programs. Tribes issuing free ID cards amid ICE raids "58, almost 60, percent are opposed to using tax dollars to send to private schools," Sandra Waltman, Director of Public Affairs for the SD Education Association, said. "So that, we think, is a clear majority of the citizens of South Dakota. The voters of South Dakota are not in support of this plan." The survey found that 57% of voters believe South Dakota public schools do not receive enough funding. "We hope lawmakers see this poll and realize what voters really want them to focus on is making sure our public schools are funded," Waltman said. House Bill 1020, which would allocate $4 million for students to attend private or home schools, was introduced to legislators earlier this month. It is currently waiting to be read by the House Education Committee. "This is going to be a debate throughout the legislative session and we would encourage everybody to talk to their lawmakers about why their local public schools are important to their communities," Waltman said. The poll was conducted by American Viewpoint between January 13 and January 15, 2025, with a sample of 500 general election voters. We reached out to Representative Scott Odenbach, the prime sponsor of HB 1020 to get his thoughts on the poll's findings -- he pointed us in the direction of a different poll that found many voters did support school vouchers. That survey was conducted in November 2023. Odenbach's full statement is below: "There are a variety of polls out there regarding support for school choice in South Dakota. I’m not surprised this coalition came up with one that gave the result they seek. I am curious how much taxpayer money they ended up spending on this push poll. I would encourage you to investigate that, as well as the taxpayer money they spend lobbying. As I shared with you earlier today, other polls have shown around 50% of the voters support school choice, and support rises to around 65% among registered Republicans. School choice is an issue whose time has come, and I will continue to support these needed changes to the way we educate our kids. We must fund students, not systems and allow parents to decide which education environment is best for their children. Property tax payers should also understand that the majority of their taxes go to fund the local schools and so if we ever want meaningful property tax relief we must address the ever-growing spending and force the public schools to innovate and decentralize. HB1020 and education savings accounts start us down that path." Rep. Scott Odenbach (R) Lawrence County In a follow-up statement, Odenbach said HB 1020 is also supported by Gov. Larry Rhoden and the SD Department of Education as well as the majority leaders for both the House and Senate, the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tempore.