Getting things done in Pierre
As I write this we have just completed the first week of the South Dakota Legislature. After being away from the Legislature for the last two years, I am very grateful to be back.
Roommate
For the first time in many years, I have a roommate. My District 4 colleague, Rep. John Mills, and I are renting a home from a couple that goes south for the winter. Our early mornings have been filled with good conversation about the issues of the day. I feel blessed to be able to room with a man of deep thought.
Historic session
There is a buzz in the Capitol about our new governor, the first woman to be elected to the highest office in state history. It’s a remarkable time.
Committees
I serve on the Education Committee and the Health Committee. With my background as a school board member and my profession as a chiropractor, both work well with my experience and passion.
We’ll hear our first bills in committee on Monday, the 14th. The one I’ve been getting most email about pertains to leveling the playing field for home-school kids to qualify for an opportunity scholarship. Currently homeschoolers have to achieve a higher ACT score than their public school counterparts. It makes sense to me that the scores should be the same.
Hot topics
People always ask, “What are the hot topics this session?” Usually it’s hard to know, but with the new governor providing direction for the major work she hopes to accomplish, I think it’s safe to say that a good part of the debate will center on her priorities to expand rural broadband, extend pheasant habitat, develop the economy, improve our schools, battle meth, expand foster care, grow agriculture, and make government more transparent. I also expect a battle over what to do with new tax revenue received from online tax revenues.
You may recall the battle a few years ago to raise sales tax one-half cent to increase teachers’ salaries. The battle was won after Rep. Jeff Partridge offered an amendment to offset the tax if South Dakota could prevail in requiring remote sellers with no physical location in South Dakota to collect and remit sales tax on online purchases.
As things turned out, the United States Supreme Court agreed with the state in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. This means additional revenue will be coming into South Dakota. We don’t know how much yet, but estimates I’ve heard range between $5 million to $50 million.
The battle I anticipate will be what to do with the money – spend it or return it to the taxpayers per the Partridge Amendment. My belief is when the Legislature makes a promise to the taxpayers; it should keep its promise.
Speaking of money
Our District 4 senator, John Wiik, is the chair of Appropriations this year. Just about everything the Legislature does is dependent on the budget, and Sen. Wiik chairs the committee that makes budget decisions. To serve as chair of this important committee means you have the trust and respect of your colleagues.
A few of my bills
Among the bills I am working on, I will be sponsoring two Department of Defense bills. Both will make it easier for active military with families attending school to transfer in and out of the state. I will also introduce legislation to improve civics literacy in our schools, and another known as Simon’s Law that will require doctors to notify parents or legal guardians before putting a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) in the medical chart of a child.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you in Pierre. Please contact me at fred.deutsch@sdlegislature.gov to visit about any issue or concern.
