SD Legislative Update - Week Eight

It's March which means we are nearing the end of the 2017 South Dakota legislative session!

This week the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) bills, House Bill (HB) 1016, 1017 and 1018 were signed into law by Governor Daugaard. To recap of these bills, revisit our week two blog.

Over the last week of session, the bills AARP South Dakota amended to preserve Initiate Measure 21, which capped pay day lending rates at 36%, will be resolved.  On Monday,  HB 1090 will go to a full vote of the Senate and  Sen ate Bill 166 will be up for committee consideration in the House Commerce and Energy Committee.  Tuesday, March 7 is the last day for a bill or resolution to pass both houses.

Most of the focus during the last week of the 2017 legislative session will be on money.  The legislature is still facing an approximately $28 million deficit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.  The 1% funding increase for health care providers appears to be in jeopardy and the legislature is still mulling over other cuts to help make up for the budget shortfall.  The Department of Human Services and Department of Social Services are up for agency budget setting on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively and AARP South Dakota will continue to fight for fair and reasonable funding for seniors in South Dakota.

The final AARP South Dakota Question of the Week for your legislators is:
What issues do you think the legislature should address during 2017 legislative summer studies?

Click here to find a list of cracker barrels in your local community this weekend.