Category: Economy

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Noem’s actions motivate state senator’s attempt to limit executive power

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Senator Chris Karr has introduced a legislative package to enhance oversight of state spending, addressing concerns over former Governor Kristi Noem’s administration bypassing legislative approval. The bills focus on requiring legislative consent for significant expenditures, long-term leases, and budget transfers, aiming to ensure accountability in government finances. Continue reading Noem’s actions motivate state senator’s attempt to limit executive power

Business, Economy, South Dakota1 Comment

Warning signs found in new South Dakota economic data

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota economy shows strong recovery post-pandemic, yet indicators suggest potential slowdowns. Key concerns include falling farm incomes, lower sales tax collections, and a job market mismatch with 30,000 openings and 10,000 unemployed. Despite these challenges, experts don’t foresee immediate threats, anticipating continued growth under favorable policies. Continue reading Warning signs found in new South Dakota economic data

Economy, Government, Health, JusticeLeave a comment

THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

Gary Dickson

About a year ago, bar owner Justin Henrichsen started offering THC seltzers and cocktails at his four establishments in Rapid City, Spearfish and Sioux Falls.

Since then, he’s watched the libations’ popularity spike with each passing month, across age groups and demographics, sometimes outselling wine and on pace with craft beers.

What he hasn’t seen are problems. A year in, he can say something about cannabis drinkers he can’t say about beer drinkers. The drinks are a natural extension of the adult beverage business, he argues, no more difficult to fold safely into a bar’s daily operations than the higher-alcohol craft beers that began to take hold across the nation a few decades ago. Continue reading THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

Economy, North Sioux City, South Dakota1 Comment

Realtors Foundation providing $250,000 for flood relief to SE South Dakota

Gary Dickson

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Relief Foundation is providing a substantial $250,000 in aid to support communities in southeastern South Dakota affected by recent flooding from June 16 to July 8. The areas impacted have been officially designated as … Continue reading Realtors Foundation providing $250,000 for flood relief to SE South Dakota

Economy, GovernmentLeave a comment

Tax discussion highlights tension between residential and agricultural property owners

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota legislative committee is addressing the rising property tax burden on residential homeowners compared to agricultural landowners. Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting property valuations have contributed to this disparity. The committee must consider options for state intervention, as they continue to meet throughout the summer. Parallel taxation discussions are also underway in the state. Continue reading Tax discussion highlights tension between residential and agricultural property owners

EconomyLeave a comment

U.S. home prices hit a record high as sales fell. Here’s how housing experts explain the trends

Gary Dickson

U.S. median home prices hit record highs for the second consecutive month, while existing home sales fell 5.4% in June. The high prices and mortgage rates have deterred buyers, leading to slow sales. Housing experts attribute this trend to high demand, low inventory, and aging population. Government proposals aim to address housing affordability, while some states have implemented their own policies. Continue reading U.S. home prices hit a record high as sales fell. Here’s how housing experts explain the trends

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Gary Dickson

Residents in McCook Lake, South Dakota were caught off guard by a devastating flood on June 23, 2024, despite inadequate warning from authorities. The flood caused extensive damage, and relief efforts have been disorganized, leaving residents uncertain about the future. Many lack flood insurance and are waiting for potential FEMA assistance. Continue reading ‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

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Reynolds, Congress members protest federal child labor law enforcement

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Legislature’s changes to child labor laws in 2023, including extended work hours and expanded job opportunities for teens, have triggered criticism from Gov. Kim Reynolds and the state’s congressional delegation. They accuse the US Department of Labor of unfairly penalizing Iowa businesses for complying with state regulations, raising concerns about excessive fines and federal interference. Continue reading Reynolds, Congress members protest federal child labor law enforcement

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Public forum highlights potential property tax political storm

Gary Dickson

Some attendees at a public forum in South Dakota advocate for raising the sales tax to replace property taxes. Concerns surround the increasing property tax burden on homeowners and commercial property owners, as well as potential negative economic consequences for the state. Various ideas for property tax relief were proposed, including reevaluating property valuations and reconsidering sales tax exemptions. Continue reading Public forum highlights potential property tax political storm