by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman
HURON –– With only Monday’s “veto day” remaining in the session, District 22 legislators met with the public on Saturday, March 28, at the commission room at City Hall.
Sen. Brandon Wipf opened the day by talking about the school lunch bill that was signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden on Friday. He stated that he was told by many that the bill wouldn’t get through the legislature, and he was very pleased to see it pass through and also to get the governor’s signature. That bill directs the state to reimburse schools for the cost of free and reduced-cost meals served in the district, not all school lunch, but just those who qualify for income-based reduction in cost.
Rep. Lana Greenfield outlined her week to explain that she and other legislators are still quite busy, even though the session is done.
Rep. Kevin Van Diepen agreed that he has also been quite busy, though he has enjoyed getting back to “normal” life, driving the school bus, and visiting with grandchildren.
The first question from the audience regarded Rep. Greenfield’s bill regarding youth mental health. She was congratulated for passing that bill, but also noted that mental health, especially for youth, has been defunded in recent years by the legislature, and the question was asked if there would be appetite in the legislature to consider further funding increases for youth mental health in upcoming legislative sessions.
All three stated that the appetite would be there, but it’d be a matter of whether the funds are there. Rep. Van Diepen mentioned that the change in attitude in Pierre toward youth mental health was really kick-started by juvenile justice changes that were directed from Pierre to law enforcement and the justice system.
The legislators were then asked about the two property tax bills that were both passed and signed. Rep. Van Diepen explained why he voted against both bills, as they were significantly slanted toward heavily populated areas. Greenfield and Wipf both agreed that the bills were flawed, but both also expressed that this should move the legislature off the issue, at least in the short-term.
Charlie Bragg, a Huron High School student, asked the legislators what can be done to encourage current students to pursue a career in education.
As a former educator, Greenfield strongly encouraged Bragg to pursue education for many of the positive aspects of being a teacher. She did note that the state has opened up education training funding through college grants and scholarships. She mentioned the three percent or inflation rule for increase in school funding each year, whichever is lower. This was emphasized by Van Diepen that the legislature needs to do all it can to stick to that three percent as a minimum.
The legislators were asked by another audience member regarding the 1.4% raise, rather than three percent, and the explanation was that inflation was graded at that number, which is why the legislature got to that level.
Both bills vetoed by Gov. Rhoden were unable to be overturned by the House on Monday.
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