Director’s Notes

Happy New Year!

As this is written, we have just finished up the December Board Meeting, where much of the heavy lifting is done by your Board of Directors. They have approved the budget for 2016, and it continues to show the League being healthy, but conservative in spending your membership dues. They have also reviewed the proposed package of legislation that will be forwarded to the 2016 Legislature for consideration, a record-setting number of bills in answer to policies you approved at the October annual conference.

We will be asking the Legislature to consider many bills this year, but the common theme is to allow cities to provide services to their citizens as efficiently as possible, using the revenue sources the citizens prefer to pay.

One big question we’ve heard many times is, ‘Are you bringing back the Penny for Infrastructure bill this year?’ and the answer is, “Yes, but...” We hope to work with other groups to develop legislation that can help schools reach their funding goals for teacher salaries, provide some relief for counties to pay for their mandated services, and help cities and towns repair and build their infrastructure. It could be a big session –or we could be left attempting our piece alone –we’ll be in touch as soon as things develop.

It is always important for us to hear your thoughts on legislative activities, but especially this year, when so many things remain in the air this late. So please sign up for the free Legislative Update, which is sent each Friday (or as otherwise needed) to keep up with everything that will have the potential to affect your city –and please be sure to contact me with any thoughts or concerns.

Pierre becomes a pretty exciting place for the next few months, and your League staff will be busy keeping on top of everything going on in the Statehouse. Please help us do our best to represent you by checking the update and staying in touch.

Until next month, remember we are always available at 1-800-658-3633 or yvonne@sdmunicipalleague.org.

Keep on top of what goes on under the Dome

Subscribe to the SDML’s Legislative Update.

The SDML’s Legislative Update informs you on the hottest issues affecting municipalities as the South Dakota Legislature considers them. Each week League staff compiles an analysis of current and upcoming committee and floor action in the Senate and House.

As local leaders, you need to be a part of the action in Pierre. The Legislative Update helps get you there.

As you know, decisions in Pierre are made at a fast and furious pace, and the Update gives you a grasp of issues affecting how you govern on the local level.

Updates are issued throughout the session on a weekly or as needed basis, via fax, mail or email. Email is free, including an unlimited number of addresses to each city.

To receive the Legislative Update via email contact Yvonne at yvonne@sdmunicipalleague.org.

To get the Update sent to you by mail or fax please send $10 along with a request (include your mailing address, phone number or fax number) to: SDML, 208 Island Drive, Fort Pierre, SD 57532. Yvonne Taylor Executive Director