The Weekly Wipf
Sen. Brandon Wipf
As we enter the final stretch of session, the pace has picked up, and the days have grown a little longer in Pierre. This week we worked through legislation ahead of crossover day.
We passed SB 76, providing funding for airport expansions in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The funds will be repaid to the Housing Fund where they belong, and we added a fair 2% interest rate to ensure accountability. We also passed SB 96, the Governor’s property tax bill, which allows counties the option to implement up to a half-percent sales tax to provide targeted property tax relief based on local needs and priorities. This gives communities flexibility rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.
Crossover day made for a long and eventful day, with some political procedural maneuvering and moments that fell short of the decorum I believe the Senate should maintain. While it may have provided some public entertainment, I continue to believe we must hold ourselves to a higher standard as lawmakers.
I was proud to see HB 1082, a bill I prime-sponsored, pass the House and move to the Senate. This legislation provides targeted food assistance to roughly 300 students per legislative district, focusing on help where the need is greatest. I encourage anyone with friends or family in other districts to reach out to their senators and ask them to support this important effort. It is time to move this forward.
We also passed legislation prohibiting the use of SNAP benefits for soda and sugary drinks. While individuals certainly have the right to purchase these items with their own money, public dollars allocated for nutrition should be used for just that. This is about proper stewardship of taxpayer funds and a small step in working toward a healthier South Dakota.
It was great to welcome Leadership Huron to the Capitol and see engaged citizens learning about the legislative process and what it takes to build strong communities. We also approved funding for road repairs around Ellsworth Air Force Base, as increased construction related to the incoming B-21 bombers has placed significant strain on surrounding infrastructure. Supporting these repairs is one practical way we can back our military and ensure the base’s continued success.
After a full week in Pierre, I was grateful to spend some time back on the farm catching up on work both in the shop and office. We also held a Cracker Barrel in Huron with much discussion around education, property taxes, and other key issues from the session. I appreciate everyone who took the time to attend and share their thoughts. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve, and please continue reaching out with your questions and input as we move through the final weeks of session.
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