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Legislative Day 40
By Jason | April 1, 2009
Since the Governor didn’t veto any bill after we left for our two weeks of back to our real jobs it was a pretty quiet last day of the Legislature. Mainly ceremonial and a chance to thank the Clerks and Sergeant at Arms folks who were great help during the session.
Below I have posted my last newspaper column I prepared for the Northeast South Dakota newspapers:
We are approaching the end of a rollercoaster ride for the 2009 Legislative Session. In December Governor Rounds delivered his Proposed Budget. This was brought to us with some concern that revenues would be decreasing, but few programs were cut in this initial budget. Next in January the Governor delivered the revised budget address, which was full of doom and gloom for our State, including many important program cuts. Fortunately as the Session progressed, the Federal Government pulled through by providing much needed funding to our State’s education, transportation, and health programs.
House Bill 1300 was the General Appropriations Bill for this year, and that bill contained many provisions to allow for this huge infusion of Federal Funds. Unfortunately this General Funding bill did not contain an increase to our health care providers; specifically the nursing home/long term care providers. For every dollar the state would have given as an increase, it would be matched by $2 of Federal Medicaid assistance. I find it very contradicting that the Governor asked for and received an increase in fees on our nursing homes, and then didn’t even allow an increase of State Funds to be doubled by Federal funds for our nursing homes. These long-term care providers are essential to our rural communities in South Dakota, and any assistance is greatly needed. I voted against the General Appropriations Bill because it did not include this increase to assist our providers. I also voted against the fee increase for health facilities.
We all understand that our Country all over is in tough economic times. However, our State’s reserve funds are in excellent shape yet! I think it is raining pretty strong now, so we should have used a portion of these reserve funds to help out the health care providers.
Serving in the South Dakota House of Representatives has truly been an honor for me. One of my goals for the Session was to garner respect and trust from my fellow legislators. Worthy progress has been achieved on this goal, but I continue to forge connections with legislator’s from both party’s and each Chamber.
I look forward to visiting with you when we are out of session. I am proud that we have a citizen legislature to keep us grounded to the people who sent us to Pierre. Working towards a routine again of teaching and farming keeps me busy these days.
I am still available at my email: rep.frerichs@state.sd.us. I will also provide legislative updates on my website: www.jasonfrerichs.com. Feel free to give me a ring anytime at 949-2204.
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