SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Linked In Facebook Join Now!

Legislative Platform

In order to determine its legislative platform, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce surveys its members about issues affecting business. The survey results, staff research and direction from the Chamber’s Issues Management Council help decide the direction the Chamber will pursue when lobbying at the legislative session. Recommendations are given to the Board of Directors to approve. The 2012 Legislative Platform was approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors at the December 14, 2011 meeting.

The following is the Chamber’s 2012 Legislative Platform:

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports continued efforts to expand the infrastructure of the Sioux Falls area to accommodate and stimulate continuing growth of the area and to work with other communities statewide to enhance business and economic development in the state. The effort should be directed particularly for roads and bridges, which are deteriorating around the state and resulting in significant increased costs as indicated by legislative interim studies and legislative testimony.

911 FEE INCREASES Costs for 9-1-1 emergency services have increased substantially since the last rate increase in 1989. Each phone owner pays 75 cents monthly for each phone. Businesses pay for up to 100 lines. The state reported that the surcharge pays only 49 percent of the operation expenses. Counties and cities have been forced to absorb the increasing cost and are limited by SDCL 34-45-4 to the 75 cents per line per month. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce recommends a rate increase, provided the limitation on business line remains at 100 lines per business and that efforts are made to increase operational efficiencies and to ensure that all providers are paying their fair share.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTThe Chamber believes the concepts of tax incentives as passed by the 2011 legislative session HB 1230 should be maintained or enhanced. The Chamber will work with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to ensure that incentives are maintained or improved to attract companies and projects that will enhance the business climate of the state and create jobs.

EDUCATION The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the fiscal challenges faced by South Dakota in today’s economy. Funding for education at all levels, however, must be a priority to ensure the future of our community and state. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for well-rounded, quality education that provides individuals the chance to reach their own life goals. The Chamber supports efforts to adequately fund an effective, efficient system of K-12, technical and post-secondary schools, both locally and statewide. The Chamber urges continued dialogue regarding population growth in the Sioux Falls area and the effect on regional school districts. It is important to maintain an employment environment which retains quality education to ensure future economic development and tax base.

K-12: The Chamber suggests that the legislature make every effort to fully fund the state’s K-12 formula of at least 3 percent or inflation, whichever is less, calculated at the actual FY 2012 base.

REGENTAL SYSTEM: The Chamber recommends that the legislature carefully consider the Regents highest priorities to increase salary policy for state employees and replace expiring federal stimulus funding.

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES: The state’s four technical institutes have experienced a steady decline in the Per Student Allocation (PSA) over the past three years from $3,619 to $3,047 per full time student (30 credit hours per year). At the same time, student enrollment has increased significantly. In order for the technical institutes to meet the workforce demands of South Dakota, they need to have the resources to make it possible. Costs continue to rise, particularly in regard to serving larger numbers of students. Technical graduates are critical for our economy and they stay in South Dakota. Increasing the PSA is an investment in the workforce of tomorrow and is critical in this time of economic recovery.