Legislative News
The holidays have come and gone, and I hope everyone had a safe and prosperous 2024. Now as we enter 2025 Governor Noem presented her budget December 3, 2024, to the South Dakota legislatures and the public. If you didn’t have a chance to travel to Pierre or listen to South Dakota Broadcasting the short version is revenues are projected to be down, and expenses are up. The governor mentions the need to start two new programs, a $4,000,000.00 school voucher program, and $10,000.000.00 over five years for school security program.
By the time this article reaches District 23 weekly newspapers, Governor Noem will have given her State of the State on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. On January 15, 2025, we will listen to the State of the Judiciary and the State of the Tribes. Legislatures will then settle in for the final thirty-five days of session plus Veto Day, March 31,2025,
This will be a historic legislative session as it is the 100th anniversary. If Governor Noem gets confirmed as Director of Homeland Security which is anticipated to happen early in this session, Lt. Governor Rhoden will step up as Governor. His selection for a new Lt. Governor will need to be confirmed by both the South Dakota House of Representatives and Senate.
For the past two years I have served on House Education Committee, Health & Human Services, and Veterans and Military Affairs and enjoyed learning and participating on all three. With new leadership I was placed on Appropriations, Military and Veterans Affairs, and House Government Operations and Audit Committee (GOAC). I’m sure I will have many things to learn but my plan is to take each day and apply common sense decisions only after listening to accurate information.
Some of the biggest issues will be the revenue cuts, a new multi-million-dollar men’s prison and continued upgrades to other correctional facilities. Mental health is and has been a big issue for those who can’t care for or protect themselves. Property and sales tax have and will be big issues along with any new tax. My big hope is that we can work together and get good legislation passed to keep South Dakota safe and prosperous for all. My belief is we have a strong rural economy, and we need to continue working at making South Dakota great and creating opportunities that allow all children good education and opportunities to stay and raise their family in South Dakota.
Please remember to watch committee hearings in the mornings and the house session at 2 p.m. on South Dakota Public Broadcasting while we are in session.
-- Scott Moore - District 23
House of Representative
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