As I sit at my desk on the floor of the House of Representatives, preparing for the last day, I reflect on the 2026 legislative session. We had more bills than we have had in many years. We worked hard and got our work done. I didn’t get everything that I voted yes on and some of the bills that I didn’t support passed, but that is what makes the South Dakota Legislature such a good place to work for the people of South Dakota.
SB 245 – property tax bill proposal was to use .3 % for property tax relief, this bill does nothing for people that rent property. There was an amendment moved that would have put $60 million dollars into a property tax relief bill and would have put $50 million into the state budget where we could give our States Teachers, employees, and Medicare more funding. The original bill would have placed all money into property tax relief with the top 20% of homeowners receiving the most tax reductions. The amendment failed. The problem is not the tax rate; it is in the assessment of the property.
The bill passed, my fear, is by dedicating all the funds, instead of holding some back, the state may fall short on other commitments and funding requests in 2027. We could have given tax relief and covered future needs but, by this passing, we can only do one. I voted No on this bill.
Today we will work on the general budget, in South Dakota we must pass a balanced budget, and the appropriators from the House and Senate work very hard to bring us a budget that we can get across the finish line.
Thank you all who contacted me with your questions or concerns as I worked through the legislative term.
I hope that District 22 supports the work that I have done. As I look forward to campaigning again and hopefully you will allow me the pleasure to serve you again in the South Dakota House of Representatives in the 2027-2028 legislative session. Representative Kevin Van Diepen
District 22 Huron
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