A long-time lobbyist and legislative observer stopped in Mitchell Thursday offering his analysis of the general election and his views of the upcoming South Dakota legislative session.
David Owen is president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and industry. He’s looking for a tight year spending-wise. “I will remind people the Legislature gave them a $100-million dollar tax-break in the 2023 session which as fully taken effect by reducing the rate,” said Owen. “So they have a budget that is $100-million dollars lighter than it would be.”
Owen feels a review of economic development tools such as TIFs and other incentives is coming as well. “Incentives, tax-breaks, things that local development…corporations do to encourage jobs,” Owen pointed out.
He also anticipates discussion regarding expanding the use of tax dollars for vouchers for private schools.
The 2025 South Dakota legislative session opens January 14th.