Wrapping Up the 2021 Legislative Session

As Majority Whip, Rebecca adjourned the House each day.

The 2021 Legislative Session is winding up. The session's business will conclude on March 29, also known as veto day. This session presented many opportunities for investment in infrastructure and other projects because of the Federal COVID relief funding, including $100 million to expand high-speed broadband to rural areas of the state and $50 million for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship. It also included funding for the Dakota Events Complex in Huron, dairy research facilities at SDSU, as well as other projects that will have a positive long-term impact on South Dakota. 

I was honored to be selected by my fellow members to serve as Majority Whip in the House Leadership. This allowed me to create connections with many legislators. Effective governing relies on building relationships to achieve the best results for South Dakota. These connections create the opportunities to successfully advance legislation and projects that can improve our communities and state. 

I'm pleased to share that several of the bills we've discussed over the past weeks were signed into law by the governor. One of those bills that I proposed modifies and streamlines couples' process when applying for a marriage license. Now, couples applying for a license will only need to provide a photo id and no longer need to show a birth certificate. It also provides direction and clarity for name changes that occur when applying for the marriage license. This law will bring clarity and make the process easier for the applicants and the Register of Deeds in our counties. 

Governor Noem also signed into law SB 177; the law impacts our state's third-largest school district — our homeschoolers. Parents should have the state's support and be empowered to make their own children's education decisions. Parents are in the best place to determine if their child needs more 1-on-1 attention, more rigorous schooling opportunities, or perhaps has religious beliefs that are better taught in the home. Our state law now more definitively supports the rights of our South Dakota parents. 

I'm also pleased to report we've secured initial funding for the hydrology study for Red Lake in Brule County. Residents on Red Lake have been struggling with high water levels. Homes have been lost, and roads are underwater. Finding a solution to the water levels doesn't just impact Red Lake; it could also affect the Wanalain Dam and even the American Creek Marina in Chamberlain. The hydrology study will provide the necessary data, give answers, and present solutions to Brule County and the School and Public Lands. Brule County has invested a lot of its money and resources into infrastructure. The funding is an important step forward to find a long-term, workable solution in the county.

I value your comments and opinions. Please contact me with any ideas or suggestions at Rebecca.Reimer@sdlegislature.gov. It is a privilege to serve my neighbors in District 26B.