Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce - Legislative Platform

LifeLight Communications Ribbon Cutting
Friday, Sep 3 - 11:30 AM

SD District 11 House of Representatives Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, Sep 7 - 11:30 AM

Volunteers of America, Dakotas Groundbreaking
Wednesday, Sep 8 - 11:30 AM

Schulte Law Office, P.C. Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, Sep 8 - 4:30 PM

South Dakota Advertising Federation Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, Sep 9 - 4:30 PM

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls Ribbon Cutting
Monday, Sep 13 - 4:30 PM

Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum Groundbreaking
Tuesday, Sep 14 - 11:30 AM

Legislative Platform

In order to determine its legislative platform, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce surveys its members about issues affecting business. The survey results, staff research and direction from the Chamber’s Issues Management Council help decide the direction the Chamber will pursue when lobbying at the legislative session. Recommendations are given to the Board of Directors to approve. The 2010 Legislative Platform was approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors at the December 16, 2009 meeting.

The following is the Chamber’s 2010 Legislative Platform:

EDUCATION
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports distribution of state funding that will allow for public monies to ensure funds for an equitable, effective and efficient system of K-12, technical and higher education.

INFRASTRUCTURE
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports continued efforts to expand the infrastructure of the Sioux Falls area to accommodate and stimulate continuing growth of the area and to work with other communities statewide to enhance business and economic development in the state. The effort should be directed particularly for roads and bridges that are deteriorating around the state as indicated by the Legislative interim study.

LEWIS & CLARK REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports funding of the last year of the State’s commitment to the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System ($6.3 million).

LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports the Legislation authorizing a local option “3rd penny” sales and use tax increase to fund special infrastructure municipal projects. The legislation should have sunset clause ending the increase when the special project is accomplished, a section that would allow the municipality to return 3rd penny payments to the income qualified residents and a bonding section that would allow a municipality to bond the specially designated projects based upon the 3rd penny. The legislation should also require a local election to approve the use of the third penny for the projects being considered.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports the Sioux Falls Pre-Kindergarten pilot project funded by business-education-civic leadership group. The Chamber continues to support voluntary pre-kindergarten education for at-risk children because of its significant impact on academic and social potential. The Chamber continues to support establishing program standards for pre-kindergarten programs within the state to ensure quality.

UNIVERSITY CENTER BUILDING PROJECT
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports the University Center and Sioux Falls School District project to provide additional space to the School District and use already set aside funds for two new University Center Buildings. The projects will provide the specific space necessary to enhance the quality of education at each institution.