Economy
Sales tax ballot measure sparks debate about potential impact on state’s bond rating
Opponents of a Nov. 5 ballot measure that would reduce state sales tax collections worry it could be the final straw that breaks South Dakota’s AAA bond rating — a criticism that the measure’s proponents dispute. The measure is intended to repeal state sales taxes on groceries, but opponents say its imprecise language could broaden […]
Black Hills Energy proposes Rapid City power plant costing up to $270 million
Black Hills Energy plans to build a new power generation plant in Rapid City for a cost between $250 million and $270 million, according to a notice sent Aug. 2 to state regulators on the Public Utilities Commission. The plant would have three engines fueled by natural gas and three turbines using natural gas and […]
Johnson denies trying to help company shield itself from existing Roundup cancer lawsuits
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, denies allegations that a provision he helped insert into a draft of the federal farm bill would protect the maker of Roundup from pending lawsuits claiming that frequent use of the herbicide causes cancer. “Our legislation doesn’t do anything in the courts,” Johnson said Wednesday in an interview with […]
11-state push for EPA rule on farm chemicals includes SD
OMAHA — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined two farmers and state agricultural officials Wednesday in drawing a line in fertile soil. The two ag-led states were among 11 states urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to stop a patchwork of state labeling efforts on farm chemicals. Attorneys general […]
Nonprofit launches $10 million campaign for South Dakota parks and recreation areas
SIOUX FALLS — A foundation that helps fund outdoor recreation projects in South Dakota has launched a $10 million fundraising campaign. The five-year effort aims to support 28 projects across the state that would otherwise face delays due to budget constraints. Representatives of the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation discussed the campaign at the […]
South Dakota farm real estate values increase by 6%
The value of all farm land and buildings in South Dakota is up by 6% this year to an average of $2,780 per acre, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s an increase of $150 per acre compared to last year. The average value of cropland in the state is […]
Worried about bird flu mutation, feds seek livestock worker vaccinations
Federal health officials are encouraging farm workers who tend livestock and poultry to get vaccinated for seasonal influenza to help prevent a bird flu mutation that might spark a pandemic in people. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday it would devote up to $5 million to pay for the vaccinations, and […]
Impact of grocery tax ballot measure could range from $134M to $646M, legislators told
A new analysis of the Nov. 5 ballot measure aiming to eliminate state sales taxes on groceries projects state revenue losses ranging from $134 million to $646 million annually. On Tuesday in Pierre, the Legislative Research Council presented the analysis to lawmakers on the state budget committee. Council employees provide research, analysis and administrative support […]
South Dakota medical marijuana businesses are facing a $3,690 fee increase
Medical marijuana businesses in South Dakota will soon face a nearly 70% increase in their annual state registration fees, rising from $5,310 to $9,000. “For a business-friendly state, this is not a business-friendly approach,” said Deb Peters, president of the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota. The Department of Health oversees the state’s medical marijuana […]
U.S. home prices hit a record high as sales fell. Here’s how housing experts explain the trends
U.S. median home prices hit a record high for the second month in a row as sales continued to fall, according to a report released last week, as potential buyers continue to lie in wait for lower mortgage rates. Existing home sales fell 5.4% in June and median home sales reached its highest level on […]
Steep fines set off state-federal showdown over child labor laws
Michelle Cox was in disbelief when a U.S. Department of Labor official told her earlier this year she was violating federal law by employing 14- and 15-year-olds past 7 p.m. on school nights. Cox, the owner of a Subway franchise in Maquoketa, Iowa, knew the state legislature had made substantial changes to state labor laws […]
Gamblers spend $750 million in Deadwood during first half of 2024
Spending on gambling in Deadwood reached nearly $750 million during the first half of the year, according to new monthly data from the state Department of Revenue. Through June in the city, gamblers had spent about $700 million playing slot machines, $43.95 million buying chips for table games, and $4.36 million betting on sports. The […]