South Dakota

Budget

The state budget for 2025 is $7.3 billion dollars, which is $70 million more than last year. The fiscal year will begin July 1, 2024. The budget includes a 4% increase for public school funding, state government employees and Medicaid providers. State tuition was frozen for another year for technical colleges and state universities.

State law makers established a $10 million pot of money for grants to improve and expand airport terminals and infrastructure in South Dakota. The Aeronautics Commission will distribute the money.
Taxes

The state sales tax rate that was reduced last year to 4.2% will remain in place for another year. The 0.3% reduction is set to expire in June of 2027. Although there were several members of the House that wanted the cut to be permanent, it did not make it out of the budget committee.
Summit Carbon Pipeline

The South Dakota Supreme Court is hearing arguments from attorneys for Summit Carbon Solution and South Dakota landowners. This case will determine the future of the carbon dioxide pipeline project in the state. This case could drag on for a while. No indication of when the judges will make their ruling.
South Dakota Legislative Conference

The 2024 South Dakota took place February 22-23. The two-day conference was an opportunity for members to hear from state leaders and to have their voices heard by those elected. Thank you to everyone who participated and to all of the representatives who support union carpenter issues.