2020 S.D. Legislature: Accuracy, understanding needed to make decisions
By:
Rep. Steve Haugaard, District 10
Virus Update: There is a growing interest across the country to begin a review of the statistics associated with the COVID-19 reporting. There are concerns that there are incentives to “over-report” the impact of the virus. Those incentives come in the form of financial, political and policy issues. There is also an emotional impact, which is taking its toll on the overall society.
The need for accuracy in understanding this pandemic is essential to help everyone make the most informed and effective decisions possible.
Financial Update: There continue to be unprecedented financial challenges to both the public and private sector of our economy due to COVID-19 and due to the actions of our governing authorities at all levels. Many members of the South Dakota Legislature continue to reach out to constituents to determine the financial impact across the state. We are looking for the best practices we could employ to wisely use the funds available to alleviate some of the financial pain being visited upon our state.
I have mentioned before that the government programs are hastily developed and are not necessarily providing a uniform means of getting us back on track. It continues to be a work in progress. If you have financial challenges in your business, please contact your legislative Representatives or Senators. Other points of contact are:
• South Dakota: https://sdgoed.com/covid-19/ and https://dlr.sd.gov/covid_19_resources.aspx, and
There have been a variety of Federal programs including: Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Debt Relief and Express Bridge Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, as well as working through the IRS. Please contact me if there is any way that I can assist in getting you to the right source of information.
The state’s revenue has remained fairly high in the second quarter of this year, but that was partly due to the stimulus money sent early on in this pandemic. The next several months are likely going to reflect some of the actual impact on revenue.
Please let me and the other legislators know your thoughts and concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 issues. Please review the recent proceedings of the Legislature on South Dakota Public Broadcasting or go to the Legislative Research Council’s website to listen to the recorded committee meetings which are taking place this summer. That’s found at: https://sdlegislature.gov/
As always, feel free to contact me at steven.haugaard@sdlegislature.gov or (605) 334-1121.
