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The Tourism Division continues to be an outstanding example of public-private partnerships effectively using resources to promote South Dakota.  No General Fund dollars are used. The Tourism Division is funded through a summer month 1.5% gross receipts tax on tourist-industries and a percentage of the gaming tax. It is estimated that 70% of these revenues come from out-of-state visitors. In addition to promoting tourism in SD, this department funds such entities as the Cultural Heritage Center, SD Arts Council, and the Archeological Research Center. As the Tourism Division moves forward they hope to put more emphasis on Tribal Tourism and Rodeo promotion.
• It has been an exciting and hectic three weeks and it will continue to push us to get things done.  We are all concerned with what the Federal Government will do and how that will affect the State Budget.  There has been some talk about the need for a special session.  It is an incredible process as the bills all take time to work their way through.  A lot of them don't move forward but they all have their day in committee for a full hearing and this takes time.  Keep posted on the bills and let us know your concerns. 
• We have some Cracker Barrels scheduled for the upcoming weekends.  I think one more will be added in Clark. The first one is February 2^nd in Aberdeen from 10:00-12:00 am at NSU.  Other dates:  February 9^th at Lake Norden (10:00-11:30), February 18^th at Redfield (2:00), February 23^rd at Aberdeen (10:00-12:00), and March 2^nd at Aberdeen (10:00-12:00). 
• Thank you! 
• District 2 Senate, Chuck Welke, 605-216-1467, Sen.welke@state.sd.us
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