I’ve been wondering since I was in elementary school why South Dakota was always ranked towards the bottom in teacher pay. I’ve always felt that our educators should be some of the highest paid professionals, period. They’re tasked with educating our next generation including our future doctors, attorneys, small business owners and more. These sentiments only escalated after my decision to run for the legislature. Knocking on doors in District 14 told me my constituents deeply care about education. Last year, even though we delivered the largest increase to education (+7%) since the half penny sales tax increase in 2016, that didn’t equate to 7% raises in teacher salary in most districts. I support local control in allowing our school boards to manage their districts, but there is an oversight, accountability, and strategic guidance role the legislature should play to drive the outcomes our citizens expect.
On Wednesday, our House Education committee voted to approve HB1048 which is legislation crafted in large part by the Secretary of Education Joseph Graves, Rep. Tony Venhuizen (R-D13), Speaker Hugh Bartels (R-D5), with input by many of the education associations. In short, it sets a new minimum starting salary of $45,000 that will increase every year depending on the rate of increase the state approves in education funding. Although the base will begin at $45,000 and start increasing every year, it won’t become mandatory until the 2026/27 school year, giving those districts that are behind a few years to get in compliance. The legislation also requires school districts to increase their average teacher compensation (salary and benefits) by the same rate as state increases to education. There’s no such thing as a perfect bill, but HB1048 as amended strikes the balance on increasing teacher pay and keeping accountability measures in place. You can read more about this legislation HERE.
Earlier in the week my legislation to designate March 25 as “Medal of Honor Recognition Day” in South Dakota passed the State Senate and now awaits Governor Noem’s signature. I also brought a bill (HB1225) on behalf of a veteran, small-business owner to create a new definition in state code on “multi-passenger bicycles” to better fit the description of the “Party Bikes”/”Sip-n-Cycles”/”Pedal Pubs” commonly found in downtowns. This legislation would make it easier for municipalities to use this definition while crafting ordinances to allow the safe operation of these slow-moving vehicles and improve the customer experience for this group activity. This bill passed the State House on Monday and will be taken up in the Senate Transportation Committee in the coming weeks.
This week the State House of Representatives finally had a complete roster after Governor Noem appointed Rep. Kristin Conzet (R-D32) to fill out the remainder of former Rep. Jess Olson’s term. I also had my first appearance before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. My bill to waive the fee to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate for those experiencing homelessness passed unanimously and will go to the house floor. Unfortunately, my legislation to expand school breakfast and lunches for those lower income working families failed to gain enough support to be considered this year. Either way, I’m proud of the conversations it generated. The proposal was worth considering.
Fortunately, we get a four-day weekend to get caught up on work and family before heading back to Pierre Tuesday to kick off crossover week. Things are moving in the right direction, and it will be over before we know it. As always, keep in touch anytime and have a great Presidents’ Day weekend!
