Session yields ‘winners, losers’

The 2024 state legislative session is winding down, and the Chronicle heard from each of the District 30 representatives (Reps. Trish Ladner and Dennis Krull and Senator Julie Frye-Mueller) about their takes on the session.
“A past legislator told me serving is not for the faint of heart, and he was right. We are only in session for 38 to 40 days in the dead of winter where we work long hours reviewing and voting on over 500 pieces of legislation. It is labor intensive, but that is what is so amazing about a citizen legislature. And at the end of those 40 days, we presented a balanced budget and have done that for the last 135 years. I wish Washington D.C. could do that,” said Ladner.
Krull said “as always there are some winners and losers regarding the session, but that he felt it went smoothly and there were many accomplishments this session. Some of those accomplishments came in the form of passed legislation: a third consecutive year of tuition freezes at state universities, $7.3 million in additional funding for nursing homes and community providers, $6 million in funding for literacy education programs and increasing penalties for distributing fentanyl, just to name a few that Krull mentioned.
Some legislation that Frye-Mueller was pleased to see pass included HB1024, which requires an application for a medical marijuana card to include notice of federal law regarding unlawful use of a firearm and HB1178, which  prohibits the Board of Regents or any institution under its control from using state resources for “obscene live conduct,” said Frye-Mueller.
Ladner said since this session was two days shorter than the usual 40, the legislature was sent into a running start.
“This year we began committee hearings the first week. The amped-up schedule threw the lobbyists off and sent legislators into triple time to review and study bills a lot quicker than in previous years. In retrospect, I think that was a good decision because we didn’t have any sessions this year that lasted into the wee hours of the morning,” said Ladner.
In this short session, property tax reform has been one of the top issues for legislators and voters in District 30 and beyond, but despite interest, no bills were passed on that front.
“There were many good bills introduced again this year, but just a few passed,” said Frye-Mueller. “Many bills that are relevant to the citizens were killed.”
“I am disappointed that SB 167, my property tax valuation bill, didn’t make it further than it did,” said Ladner. “The most important issue to me is property tax reform for ‘owner-occupied’ homes and ‘other’ (commercial) property owners. It affects every homeowner in South Dakota whether they live East or West River. This is a statewide issue now and I am honored to lead the charge, so to speak.”
This bill, which Ladner was a prime sponsor of, would have taken property valuations of some homes back to 2020, with caps on the rates that they would be increased by moving forward. The bill made it through the Senate Tax Committee, but it was defeated on the Senate floor.
“Even though it was defeated, we got the conversation going and we are continuing to build on that for next session. I am actively working with Sen. Kolbeck, and Rep. Krull to refine the bill,” said Ladner.
“We are gaining  support but have some work that still needs to be done,” said Krull.
Frye-Mueller introduced similar legislation that was also killed.
“Property taxes are the biggest issue we have in the Black Hills area for sure.  We have brought bills to help the citizens but the Department of Revenue comes in to kill them,” said Frye-Mueller. “Just so people know, the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce, South Dakota Retailers Association and South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation also testified against this resolution.”
“This is now an East River and West River issue, so the need for a solution has become even more critical,” said Ladner.
There was other district-specific legislation that Ladner said she would have liked to see taken further in the session too, like the reimbursement rate Custer County receives from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for services it provides to Custer State Park. Due to scheduling conflicts,  meetings that she and Krull were to moderate between both parties fell through, Ladner said.
“The good news is that both entities are willing to come to the table and have the discussion. Rep. Krull and I will continue to facilitate the conversation going forward,” said Ladner.
Legislation to allocate funding for repairs to West Dam in Custer also failed, something Ladner is committed to continue working on. Since the dam has been reclassified as a category 1 dam, a “high hazard” dam, more opportunities for funding have become available. FEMA classifies a “high hazard dam” when “failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state or territory and poses an unacceptable risk to the public.” West Dam is identified as high hazard for its role in suppressing wildfires and mitigating flood risk.
“[Department of Natural Resources secretary Hunter Roberts] and his staff have moved the Custer West Dam to a higher priority on their list for the funding of repairs. They are actively seeking grants from FEMA and other sources. I will continue to work with Mayor Brown and secretary Roberts,” said Ladner.  
“Being in the legislature is all about relationships. I enjoy reaching across the aisle to work together, and that has worked well this session. Like it or not, the reality is that we may argue an issue today, and be united on an issue tomorrow. By being able to do this, I can insert practical, conservative ideals into the conversation and the outcomes. It has been proven that stonewalling and digging your heals in simply doesn’t work,” said Ladner.
Senate Bill 13 would have removed the convention process for selecting nominees for constitutional officers, but was tabled.
“I am very happy that the Precinct Committee people will still have a voice in this process,” said Frye-Mueller.
Going into the next sessions, both Ladner and Frye-Mueller are seeking reelection.
“I am running for re-election and appreciate your support. Over the past four years, I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience and have truly enjoyed meeting people across South Dakota and the nation. I am excited to bring that experience to Pierre, to be a strong, common sense, conservative voice for District 30. I want to thank all of you who I have called during session for input and advice, those who have called me or emailed me with input and those who have come to the capitol in support of specific legislation. Your input and support are priceless to me and is very much appreciated,” said Ladner.
“I will be running again for the Senate and I appreciate all of the support I have received from District 30 and citizens all over our state. Last year’s suspension and censure was a lie that tried to make me look bad to all of you...regardless of their tactics I will not give up and I will continue to fully represent District 30 as your senator. My voting record shows many 100 percent ratings on constitutional scorecards that also reflect true Republican values. It is an honor to serve the citizens of our state and I take this job very seriously. I will always be a ‘whistleblower’ and watch out for the citizens of South Dakota,” said Frye-Mueller.
Each legislator thanks the citizens of District 30 for electing them to be the district’s voice.
“I would like to thank District 30 for allowing me to represent you,” said Krull.