(Continued from page 27)

• Argus Leader, Sioux Falls. Dec. 11, 2012
• Businesses deserve incentives to move to South Dakota
• South Dakota can't afford complacency when it comes to attracting new businesses to our state.
• As of Jan. 1, we will be the only state in the region without some kind of incentive program. Voters in November overwhelmingly rejected a plan that would have designated money from the state's contractor excise tax fund to companies planning to locate or expand here, in the form of a tax refund.
• One of the best parts about that plan was that it was discretionary and not automatic, taking away the complaints from the past that money went to companies that

didn't need incentives.
• In addition, the intent was to keep South Dakota incentives available after our current program expires at the end of the year.
• South Dakota has had a program in place for 15 years to encourage high-dollar business investments or foster expansions of existing businesses. Any economic development leader knows how vital that is in the competitive business world.
• What now? When lawmakers go to Pierre, they probably will consider a number of proposals being tossed around right now by lawmakers from both parties. Gov. Dennis Daugaard has said he won't be bringing an idea to the table -- his was the idea voters rejected -- but will meet with others to see what plans could emerge.
• It's important that level heads from both political parties and from businesses share their top plans so that the state can come up with something that works, is effective and satisfies the public. So far, those ideas include looking at a bigger view of economic development, one that could include roads and housing, for example.
• We have a lot of other things going for us as a state, including the lack of a corporate income tax and good workers, but we need that incentive piece to offer a full menu for businesses.
• If there is a positive that comes from the defeat of Referred Law 14, it could be an even better plan for South Dakota's business environment.
• One thing hasn't changed -- economic development incentives still is a valid tool that the state needs to help business expand and grow here.
• ___

(Continued on page 29)