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POLITICAL REPORT

by James Kraft

I attended a meeting recently where the 2002 state legislative session was recapped. It would seem that the legislation of most importance that was passed was the smoking ban in public places. It was signed into law after the Governor figures that it would not affect his future political plans. Since a study said that 80% of South Dakotans did not smoke. It was deemed safe. A bill to increase the states minimum wage along with legislation to study the effects of an increase was shot down. Politics playing a big part in both.

The problem with a deficit in funds for the state did not even get a meaningful hearing in this very political year. The inheritance tax eliminated and with nothing put into place, we are expecting a shortfall that will continue to eat away at state funds. It will have to be addressed and already Republican candidates for Governor are making promises that they can't keep. The money has to come from somewhere, and soon.

The gag law imposed on the state treasure keeps us from knowing just how much money is squirreled away in state office accounts. These government officials were told not to comply with the Treasures request. It is believed that if this information was provided we might not be as short as we are now.

There are a lot of state offices up for election thanks to Term limits this year. We could see a shakeup of state government or return of the Status Quo. That will be up to the voters.

As the race for Senate heats up it has been noted that Representative Thune is taking credit for a lot of legislation first introduced by Senator Johnson. Some of this legislation includes VA Clinic funding, Prescription Drug legislation and Beef Labeling. He is also trying to take credit for saving the four lane funding that he almost lost for Aberdeen.

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