2021 Public Policy Guide

2022

PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

CHAMBER

DEVELOPMENT

INNOVATION

ELEVATE RAPID CITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Darren Haar, Chair // Complete Property Solutions Paulette Davidson, Vice-Chair // Monument Health Tom Weaver, Treasurer/Secretary // First Interstate Bank Mayor Steve Allender // City of Rapid City Dick Johnson // West River Electric Association Tom Johnson, President (Non-voting) // Elevate Rapid City Jack Kaup // Black Hills Surgical Hospital Todd Kenner // RESPEC Brandon Lance // Montana Dakota Utilities Mayor Larry Larson // City of Box Elder Pete Lien // Pete Lien & Sons Greg Loos // Black Hills Surgical Hospital Kyle Richards // Good Samaritan Society Alan Solano // John T. Vucurevich Foundation Stuart Wevik // Black Hills Energy

PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Anna Hays Anna.Hays@ElevateRapidCity.com 605.939.1880

PUBLIC POLICY MANAGER

Garth Wadsworth Garth.Wadsworth@ElevateRapidCity.com 605.718.8460

ELEVATE THE RAPID CITY REGION FOR EVERYONE

ELEVATE RAPID CITY Elevate Rapid City was established in 2019, merging the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organizations to lead the economic development and small business efforts in the Black Hills region. Elevate works to elevate the Rapid City region for all with the strong vision of making Rapid City and the Black Hills region the place people want to be.

Elevate Rapid City is committed to promoting and advocating for business and quality growth in western South Dakota through a targeted spotlight on jobs, infrastructure, and overall quality of life in and around the Black Hills region and Rapid City metro area.

FIVE YEAR GOALS In January 2018, goals were set for Elevate Rapid City.

Here is where we currently stand:

CREATE 4,000 JOBS

INCREASE INCOMES BY 15%

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED

5,942 JOBS

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

January 2018: 68,643 September 2021: 74,585

January 2018: $730 September 2021: $917

125 MILLION INCREASE IN ANNUAL CONSUMER SPENDING

REACH $300 MILLION IN ANNUAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED

$265 MILLION

$362 MILLION

2020: $6.961 Billion October 2020: $7.226 Billion

2020: $347 Million November 2021: $362 Million

$

Source: SD Department of Revenue

*Total does not include Nov-Dec. 2021

4

25.6%

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Source: City Building Permits

*Total does not include Dec. 2021

PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE Elevate’s public policy work is rooted in our commitment to business advocacy and quality growth for our region. We believe that devoting time and resources to establishing a strong presence within political and government processes is an investment made on behalf of the regional community to influence substantial impact.

To ensure transparency and a wide scope of priorities, Elevate leans on the Public Policy Committee (PPC) to advise on significant issues. This includes state legislative topics, ballot initiatives, city and county proposals, and community issues that impact economic development and the livelihood of Black Hills businesses. These members of our community are committed to preserving the business climate with an emphasis on strategic growth and quality of life.

Together with the PPC, Elevate strives to impact all levels of government to advance sound public policy and promote a stable environment for our business community to flourish.

MEMBERS OF THE 2022 PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE John Way, Chairman Bank West

Patri Acevedo Fuentes JLG Architects

Dean Aurand

Mid Continent Testing Labs, Inc

Andy Bartling

Modern Woodmen Financial

Scott Engmann

Habitat for Humanity

Kitty Kinsman The K Group

Chris Long

Keller Williams Realty Black Hills

Debra Niemi

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Jeff Partridge

Partridge Financial

Robert Raker

West River Electric

Haven Stuck

Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & LeBrun

Rob Timm

City of Box Elder

Linda Lea Viken Viken Law Firm

Talbot Wieczorek

Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson, and Ashmore

2022 Public Policy Guide 5

PILLAR OBJECTIVES

ANCHOR INDUSTRIES

Economic Development Support results-oriented programs that attract industry development and growth, create a skilled workforce, and promote cooperative city, county, state, and private efforts to promote local business growth and expansion and attract businesses to the Black Hills area.

• Support the responsible use of diverse economic development tools to increase the competitiveness of the Black Hills area. Such tools should be flexible in order to address the unique needs of South Dakota communities.

Agriculture Recognize the significant economic impact of a strong agricultural industry and advocate for equitable policies that support the sustainability and growth of agricultural producers and businesses that support agricultural producers.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support the development of policies that encourage and facilitate the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation. Support policies that address commercialization, research activity, funding, and collaboration among the private and public sectors to further develop the state’s value chain from concept to market.

Workforce Development and Expansion Support workforce development programs that both enhance and retain the current workforce and attract new talent.

Housing Support innovative efforts and partnerships geared toward the development of affordable home ownership and rental opportunities for our growing workforce and our community.

Infrastructure South Dakota faces growing demands to maintain and expand its infrastructure. Programs assisting in the construction, planning, and updating of all types of infrastructure, such as transportation, water, sewer, communication networks, and other systems, are needed. Support through responsible use of funding and tax policy is desirable.

6

Military Support the continued viability and growth of the military installations in our region as an effective deterrent to global conflict. We support military men and women and advocate for policies that honors their commitment to our country.

• Support the cooperative initiatives of local, state, and federal leaders to ensure that Ellsworth Air Force Base is retained as a viable component of our nation’s military capabilities.

Natural Resources Support responsible and proactive management and stewardship of our natural resources to sustain longterm health and resiliency. The natural resources of the Black Hills are one of our region’s greatest economic assets supporting thriving industries, global tourism, and enhancing quality of life for our community.

Tourism Recognize significant economic impact tourism has on the Black Hills area and advocate for policies that enhances and grows the hospitality industry.

PRIORITY GROWTH SECTORS

KEY POLICY AREAS

Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Prioritize strategies and expand opportunities to develop and secure future anchor industries for the region, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Education Support education as a vital component of a strong local economy. Collaborative partnerships among educational institutions, businesses, and other employers are necessary to prepare all students to compete in a global economy.

Energy Support secure, reliable, and affordable energy development and distribution. We support a regulatory environment that promotes the production and development of sustainable, cost-effective energy.

Equality Encourage policies that promote a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Government Support responsible, efficient, and effective government and public institutions that operate in a transparent, accountable, and fiscally responsible manner.

Health Care Support policies that enable employers to hire and retain a healthy and productive workforce. A strong local economy requires quality and affordable health care for employees and their families.

Regulation and Taxation Support a regulatory and tax environment that attracts business development and growth. A business-friendly environment is vital to grow commerce throughout the state. Elevate Rapid City recognizes the need to generate revenue to support basic government needs.

We support responsible tax policy that generates funds necessary to support essential government services.

2022 Public Policy Guide 7

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONNECTION

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONNECTION Elevate wants to empower the Black Hills business community to find their voice in advocating for issues that impact their business.

Throughout the months of January, February, and March, Elevate has a full-time presence in Pierre for the Legislative Session advocating on your behalf.

To stay plugged in on what’s happening at the Legislature, sign up for our weekly newsletter, the Government Affairs Connection: https://bit.ly/ERCgac

LEGISLATIVE TERMS AMENDMENT Any alteration made or proposed in a bill, motion, or clause thereof by adding, changing, substituting, or omitting.

APPROPRIATION Money set apart by formal action for a specific use.

BILL A proposed law introduced during a session for consideration by the Legislature.

CAUCUS House and Senate members of the same political party or faction meet as a “caucus” to elect leadership and discuss political priorities.

COMMITTEES Subunits formed in each of the houses which take public testimony and vote on bills usually on related subjects.

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CONSENT CALENDAR Schedule of bills on which there is general agreement that opposition is not anticipated.

CONSTITUENT A citizen residing within the district of a legislator.

HOGHOUSE A procedure occasionally used in the Legislature whereby a committee or a member from the floor will move to strike everything after the enacting clause of a bill and insert the substance of an entirely new bill.

LAY ON THE TABLE – “tabled” To postpone a matter before the Legislature; may later be brought up for consideration by motion from the floor.

LOBBYIST An individual engaged to present and promote the views of a group, organization, or industry on measures under consideration by legislators.

RECESS A temporary pause in the proceedings.

SMOKE OUT Invoking of Joint Rule 7-7 whereby one-third of the members of a house can require a committee to deliver a bill to the full body by the next legislative day.

VETO Formal disapproval of a measure by the Governor.

GET INVOLVED E L E V A T E

RAPID CITY LEGISLATIVE CRACKERBARRELS Crackerbarrel events provide the opportunity for the community to hear directly from Rapid City area legislators and ask questions concerning legislative issues. Elevate Rapid City will continue the tradition of hosting several Legislative Crackerbarrels during the South Dakota Legislature’s Annual Session beginning in January and concluding in March.

Rapid City Council Public Meetings The City Council meets the first and third Monday of every month, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers City Hall 300 6th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-394-9300 www.rcgov.org Pennington County Commission Public Meetings The Pennington County Board of Commissioners meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, beginning at 9:00 AM in the Commission Chambers on the first floor of the Pennington County Administration Building.

Pennington County Administration Building 130 Kansas City Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605.394.2171

C I T Y

P R O - B U S I N E S S

Elevate took a strong policy position on 16 bills during the 2021 Legislative Session to advocate for the Rapid City business community. This pro-business scorecard reflects the voting record of local legislators on these key issues.

Pro-Business Champion

PUBLIC POLICY 1046

1053

1094

Prime Bill Sponsors for Elevate

APPROPRIATIONS 96

1210

93

Rep. Becky Drury (D32)

144

155 ◆

Sen. Helene Duhamel (D32)

—

156

B-21 PREPAREDNESS

158

162

◆ *

1253

◆

◆

Rep. Chris Johnson (D32)

◆

◆

◆

◆

◆

Rep. Jess Olson (D34)

◆

Sen. Jessica Castleberry (D35)

◆

Sen. David Johnson (D33)

◆

Sen. Mike Diedrich (D34)

*

Rep. Tim Goodwin (D30)

◆

Rep. Trish Ladner (D30)

◆

Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller (D30)

—

—

Rep. Phil Jensen (D33)

*

◆

—

◆

*

◆

◆ ◆

◆

◆

◆

Rep. Taffy Howard (D33)

* ◆

* ◆

◆ Bill died in committee prior to floor vote

*

* * — Did not vote

* ◆

93% 92% 92% 73%

◆

◆ ◆

100% 100%

*

◆

*

100%

◆ *

◆ *

100%

*

◆

◆

100%

◆

◆

*

Oppose Elevate’s position ◆

◆ ◆

PERCENT OF 1166 PRO-BUSINESS VOTES 100%

◆

◆

Rep. Tina Mulally (D35)

Rep. Tony Randolph (D35)

*

◆

◆

*

◆

◆

◆

1019

◆

◆

◆ ◆

151 ◆

*

◆ *

171

◆

Rep. Mike Derby (D34)

Support Elevate’s position

Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Bring your questions about legislative bills or issues to submit to a panel of Representatives and Senators from Districts 30, 32, 33, 34, and 35.

R A P I D

2021 LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD

67% — *

40% 38%

*

31%

*

23%

* Committee vote

LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD PROCESS Elevate Rapid City will release a 2022 Legislative Scorecard following this year’s Session. This pro-business tracking document serves as a valuable accountability tool to help our business community understand the positions of our local legislators.

Determined by Elevate’s Public Policy Committee, we look forward to supporting a probusiness platform that bolsters the success of our local industries, employers, and employees.

As Elevate continues to advocate for more opportunities that provide direct benefit to our regional economic environment, we want to celebrate the political leaders who help make it happen. Equally as important, Elevate commits to protect our business owners from policies that may hinder future success, growth, and opportunity.

Want to ensure a bill or issue that is on your radar makes it to the PPC for review? Visit our online public policy form to share your thoughts.

Elevate’s Public Policy Director will reach out to have a conversation about the topics you care about most.

www.pennco.org

2022 Public Policy Guide 9

97TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION: KEY DATES January 11 Legislative Session begins Governor Noem’s State of the State January 29 Legislative Crackerbarrel February 8 Rapid City Day at the Capitol February 12 Legislative Crackerbarrel February 23 Crossover Day, the last day for a bill to pass out of the chamber in which it was introduced and move forward for consideration in the opposite chamber February 26 Legislative Crackerbarrel March 5 Legislative Crackerbarrel March 7 Last day for a bill or joint resolution to pass both houses March 10 Legislative session ends March 28 Veto day, the day reserved for the consideration of possible gubernatorial vetoes

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2022 ELECTION DATES

June 7 Primary Election

April 22 Absentee voting begins May 23 Voter registration deadline November 8 General Election September 23 Absentee voting begins October 24 Voter registration deadline

#ELEVATERAPIDCITY