SCORECARD
ELEVATE’S 2020 PRO-BUSINESS LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD Amongst the 584 pieces of proposed legislation, there were nine (9) bills that qualified as crucial policy measures that warranted Elevate’s input. The 2020 Pro-Business Legislative Scorecard found on page 19 reflects the voting record of the fifteen Rapid City Area legislators on these issues. Elevate commits to promoting probusiness policy initiatives and believe it imperative to educate our business and economic community on key issues that were deliberated and how local legislators voted to support or oppose these proposals. The scorecard is recorded on a simple calculation of the number of bills voted in accordance to Elevate’s policy position versus the total amount of bills on which Elevate took a formal policy position – 9. Legislators were not penalized for any votes for which they were excused. This voting record is not indictive of everything that occurred during the legislative session – Elevate monitored hundreds of bills, but what is highlighted are considered high priority. The scorecard is not intended to be a comprehensive evaluation of any lawmaker, but rather a factual presentation of strict pro-business policy priorities in the Rapid City community. Review below a brief analysis of each of Elevate Rapid City’s positions. Please contact Elevate if any additional information is needed.
SENATE BILL 70 authorized the use of Spanish in obtaining certain driver licenses and permits. SENATE BILL 72 established the
Dakota's Promise scholarship fund.
SENATE BILL 157 revised certain provisions regarding the county zoning and appeals process.
HOUSE BILL 1083 renamed postsecondary technical institutes as technical colleges.
Elevate supported HB 1083. A “YEA” vote was in accord with Elevate’s position. We support the vital work done by technical schools in South Dakota and support necessary changes to bolster public perception to encourage increased enrollment – adding more skilled individuals to the growing needs of our workforce.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 501 allowed the
HOUSE BILL 1100 made an appropriation for a new bioprocessing facility as a joint partnership between the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) and South Dakota State University (SDSU).
HOUSE BILL 1057 prohibited certain acts against children and provide a penalty relative to transgender surgery and hormone blockers.
HOUSE BILL 1179 allowed for series limited liability corporations (LLCs).
voters the opportunity to approve wagering on sporting events and revise provisions regarding municipal proceeds of gaming revenues.
Elevate opposed HB 1057. A “NAY” vote was in accord with Elevate’s position. We are concerned with policy that affects recruitment of quality businesses to make Rapid City their home. South Dakota should maintain an economic environment where businesses are welcome to operate without concern of overreaching legislation that could conflict with internal policies.
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 6017 encouraged
the creation of a summer study to address infrastructure and community needs related to the new B-21 Mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
TRACKING THE
2020 ELECTION CYCLE Elevate is committed to providing access to information our business community can use when making important votes. We take public policy seriously, and we encourage our business leaders to consider which issues are important to them. We created this legislative pro-business scorecard as a tool for our investors to reference when considering their votes. Choosing a candidate is a comprehensive process and requires consideration of individual priorities; this scorecard offers support for the business community to make these decisions.
DATES TO KNOW: AP R I L 17
ABSENTEE VOTING BEGINS
M AY 18
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
J UN E 2
PRIMARY ELECTION
If you are unable to attend your polling place in person on Election Day, you may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot starting April 17. This is also a great reminder to get engaged with the current political landscape and checking who in your district may be up for a primary election. We encourage using this date as an opportunity to jumpstart your efforts to be an educated voter come June 2.
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y APRIL 2020
