RAPIDS CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – About 75 citizens came to Western Dakota Technical College Saturday morning for a question-and-answer session (also known as a legislative Cracker Barrel) with state representatives and senators.
Although many topics were discussed, several current issues in the Rapid City area led to prominent discussion at the meeting.
A bill to promote the Black Hills timber industry drew mixed reviews. Some audience members and lawmakers thought other industries should be included, but supporters argued that forestry impacts other businesses related to tourism and trucking, among others. The timber industry has faced challenges in recent years.
“The fact is, yields have been affected by COVID-19,” said state Rep. Mike Darby. “It may be hard to believe, but this is the truth.” Derby said the industry was still struggling to recover from coronavirus-era restrictions, including loggers having to drive separate vehicles to work sites. He said he is doing so.
Another bill that sparked lengthy debate was Senate Bill 144, authored by state Sen. David Johnson, who attended Cracker Barrel. The bill would allocate $90 million for infrastructure improvements at South Dakota's airports.
“Our airports are under strain and are well beyond capacity,” said Senator Johnson. “There are airlines that want to come into Rapid City, but they can't because there's no space in the terminal.”
Other legislative prospects considered at Cracker Barrel included open elections for the state's attorney general and secretary of state, raising the minimum wage for teachers and a new elementary school in Box Elder. Funding the school's construction has been one of the main focuses of state Sen. Mike Walsh, who represents Box Elder. Sen. Walsh was sworn in on Wednesday, marking the first time Cracker Barrel has publicly discussed the issue with voters.
“We live very close to bases and we know the impact they have, not just economically, but on the families involved,” said Senator Walsh. “I've been deployed and I'm the spouse of someone who has been deployed. So I know it's really important that we do more for our families, like having a great school system.” Masu.”
The Cracker Barrel audience seemed satisfied with the event, with about half of them staying afterward to speak one-on-one with representatives.
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