2018 Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature

Wednesday, February 21st, the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce put together the annual Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature. Two charter buses (one seating the Leadership Sioux Falls members and a few extra passengers like myself) shipped around one hundred Sioux Falls residents to the capital for a day of committee hearings, floor debates, and conversations with elected officials.

Upon arriving, most of us attended the packed-full committee hearing for Senator Tapio’s bill, SB 200, which was meant to “prohibit certain actions by the state regarding refugee settlement.” In other words, the bill and its sponsors sought to ban refugees (predominantly from Muslim countries and North Korea) from South Dakota.

The Senate State Affairs committee ultimately voted 8-1, tabling the bill. The supporters of the bill, including Tapio and three others, argued that refugees and immigrants pose a threat to both the economy and the safety of our state.

Among the opponents who testified against what LEAD believes is a racially prejudiced bill were Matt Koneman (a spokesman for the governor’s office), Malcom Chapman and Betty Oldenkamp of LSS, and LEAD’s very own Taneeza Islam.

The successful arguments against the bill addressed the facts that refugee resettlement is a federal matter and that refugee placement in South Dakota is helping the business community–contrary the arguments of the bill’s proponents. The tabling of this bill is seen as a success by both LEAD and the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Following the hearing for SB 200 was a quick lunch, some time for socializing and exploring the Capitol, and an hour discussion with Governor Dennis Daugaard and Speaker of the House Mark Mikkelson. Daugaard spoke to our group about South Dakota workforce issues and recent economic developments, including investments in the Sanford Underground Research Facility, the Ag economy, and tourism.

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard addresses members of Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature.

While South Dakota has undergone some successful economic development, Daugaard believes there is work to be done regarding workforce issues. One solution, according to Daugaard, is to encourage high school students to think about their career paths before they enter college. He also believes encouraging more people to come to our state will help.

Speaker of the House Mark Mikkelson followed Daugaard, thanking us for being active participants in South Dakota politics. “It’s important to come engage in the state and what the issues of the day are,” he said.

The last item on our agenda was sitting in on the House and Senate. A significant amount of time was spent introducing the many groups in attendance that day, including the Lincoln High School marching band, the Sioux Falls Little League team, the Watertown Chamber of Commerce, and, of course, our group from Sioux Falls.

One bill that was debated while we were in the House was HB 1311 which seeks to increase the legislative salary. The bill passed, and for good reason: State lawmakers are currently on the low end of salaries, being paid $6,000 per session. House members voted 50-16, sending the bill to the Senate. If passed, it will set legislators’ at one-fifth of the median household income in South Dakota–$10,200.

The current salary is well below the national average and eliminates people who could potentially serve as great lawmakers, but simply can’t afford to. Whether or not the bill passes in the Senate has yet to be determined. It is scheduled for hearing on Monday, March 5 at 10 a.m. you can stream it live at South Dakota Public Broadcasting. 

After a six-hour day in Pierre watching the legislature in action, our buses hit Lynn’s Dakotamart for some much-needed snacks and then hit the road for the four-hour drive back to Sioux Falls. It was a great opportunity to meet Sioux Falls citizens that care about state and local government. 

ABOUT LEAD SOUTH DAKOTA

LEAD South Dakota is a registered 501c(4) nonprofit.  LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) is a grassroots organization aimed at bringing awareness to issues facing South Dakota, the United States, and abroad. LEAD exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage women to be actively involved in all stages of the political process in order to effect positive change for women and families in South Dakota.

LEAD is not affiliated with any political party or organization. We are welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of race, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or citizenship.