PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — The South Dakota Joint Committee on Appropriations approved several bills on Thursday with drastically reduced funding amounts as the ongoing negotiations between the chambers continued during the 100th legislative session.
The committee made three significant funding measures to token $100 appropriations to allow the bills to proceed while discussions on final funding levels continue.
The committee amended SB 95, reducing the funding request from $25 million to just $100. The amendment also stretches the reversion date from 2028 to 2030.
“This is a really big conversation about some really big infrastructure for our rural communities,” Sioux Falls Democrat Rep. Erik Muckey said during the hearing, arguing that it should remain alive with support. The measure passed unanimously, 18-0.
Similarly, lawmakers trimmed SB 132, which had started as $30 million for airport terminal improvements and expansion, to $100.
“That will help to keep the discussion going on this very important topic,” Rapid City Republican Sen. Mike Derby said as he offered the amendment that passed 14 to 4.
H.B. 1041, the state library revisions, drew more significant discussion. It ends the State Library Board but keeps essential library services after earlier budget reduction proposals.
The compromise, according to Education Secretary Joe Graves, “We were able to maintain the federal allocation, and that’s what makes the difference.”
The new plan keeps eight full-time employees and about $1.3 million in general funds, which allows the Department of Education to keep $1.4 million in federal funding and support 17 full-time positions.
Online databases, digital reference services, children’s programming support, braille and talking books, and interlibrary loan are some of the key services that remain available. The bill passed 16-2.
Two other bills took entirely different paths. The committee tabled public transit grants SB 195 and H.B. 1163 to assist in constructing a veteran’s skilled trade center.
Committee Co-Chair Sen. Ernie Otten pointed out that the funding reductions on the approved bills allow for further discussion between the chambers over priorities and actual numbers, until everyone knows what is most important.
The revised bills can then move on to their respective chambers for further consideration.
