DELL RAPIDS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Dozens of citizens from District 25 filled the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch Saturday morning for the Legislative Coffee. The carbon pipeline was a hot topic.Representative Jon Hansen expects companies will try to use eminent domain to put the pipeline in and told attendees, “The usage of eminent domain in this situation, to use people’s land without their consent, in my opinion should make every American cringe.” One Dell Rapids area farmer questioned whether all of South Dakota’s legislatures were aware Summit Carbon has foreign investors. Senator Tom Pischke had only recently learned of the fact saying it was “concerning” and “needs to be widely expressed to the legislature”. Representative Randy Groos continued the foreign ownership discussion referring to Governor Noem’s proposal to limit primarily China from owning U.S. assets. While Groos said he doesn’t know of anyone who supports foreign ownership of South Dakota land, the proposal is “poorly written”.
The need for increased teacher salaries was addressed. All three legislatures agreed on their commitment to the public school system. Pischke pointed out that even with a 5% increase in state aid to education; it’s up to the local school boards to share that money with teachers. A bill being considered to lower the age children must be in school to 16 was discussed. One educator in attendance said he could see both sides of the topic but added those who want to keep the law at 18 are not doing it for money or control. It’s about what kind of life students are being sentenced to without a diploma or GED.
Taxes and the Housing Infrastructure bill were also discussed with District 25 representatives. Legislative Coffee’s continue this month giving people the ability to discuss the happenings in Pierre with those representing their district.
