I am no stranger to discussions about eminent domain and property rights. I’ve fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. When I was a legislator, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain to protect property rights. I don’t just care about landowners—I am a landowner.
I also want to ensure that we keep South Dakota open for opportunity. That includes the opportunity for every family, every business owner and every farmer or rancher to pursue their own American dream.
Last spring and fall, at the height of election season, many future legislators both locally and across the state ran on the promise that if they were sent to Pierre, they would make sure the crush of property tax burden the property owners in the State of South Dakota were feeling would be their main focus. Things have to change, they said, as people are getting taxed out of their homes. Elect me, they said, and I’ll get to Pierre and we will get this fixed.
Whoops.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when I walked into the store.
After a long drive to write a story about a business for one of our magazines, I stepped inside and introduced myself to the owner. He clarified that I actually was who I said I was before sighing long and loud. A look of defeat crossed his face as if he was thinking, “Great, they stuck me with the rookie. Is this even worth my time?”
An amazing thing happened in South Dakota recently. Citizens were able to see the detailed expenditures of a government official and the sky didn’t fall.
Of course, I’m talking about recent news reporting about credit card expenses from former Gov. Kristi Noem’s time in office and the last year of former Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s tenure.
The historic, 100th Legislation session is over, and what a session it was! After a couple of days at home, people are asking, “Did you get anything done?” Yes, we did. During session we processed and heard a total of 540 bills, resolutions and commemorations.
Greetings! The 100th legislative session is officially over. We go in March 31 to look at any vetoes and have a special session in Pierre July 22 to decide on the penitentiary.
So, what happened regarding property tax? Great question! Not the results I was hoping for. I knew going in it was going to be tough going, but it was much worse than I anticipated.
Wow, how your mind reacts when someone holds a gun to your head. On a recent trip to Rio, I had just this occur. I was hiking to a viewpoint, and when I got to the top, two kids with guns robbed me of my money. I felt targeted and helpless.
When I came home I got the pleasure of opening my property tax assessment and seeing my tiny home’s value has gone up $130,000. My neighbor’s assessments have either gone down or remained flat.
Those feelings of helplessness and being targeted rushed through my veins again.
During the course of his season preview interview with the Custer County Chronicle, Custer High School boys basketball head coach Paul Kelley emphasized how crucial each and every game would be during the course of the upcoming season in terms of seeding come playoff time. Boy, was he ever correct.
For the past couple of weeks myself and some former Custer High School basketball players and/or coaches have been involved in a fun exercise in a group text (it’s actually videos) in which were are discussing who we believe are the greatest Custer High School boys basketball players in school history.
I got the ball rolling when I asked the group who they thought would be in the “starting five” of the greatest players in school history. From there it has morphed into a top-15 of sorts, or a first, second and third team, much like the state does with all-state basketball teams.
Greetings! Today’s article is about Senate Bill 6—to transfer certain monies and create a fund to support capital and infrastructure projects necessitated by expansion of Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB). Boy, that’s a mouthful of a bill! What’s it about?
With the huge expansion at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the need for an additional public school in Box Elder is apparent. The proposed elementary school has a price tag of $60 million.
