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design a new approach to economic development which could benefit communities of all sizes.  "Building South Dakota" is a re-engineered economic development tool, and creates a new approach to a comprehensive economic development plan.
• Legislators created SB235 with the realization that each community faces obstacles such as affordable housing and road improvements which are vital in support of economic growth. Schools too often need support when development means adding ESL students (English as a Second Language). SB235 now incorporates that goal as well as job-related programs in local schools. There will still be tax breaks to help in-state companies to grow or out-of-state companies to relocate. In addition, "Building SD" reminds us that building business means building communities where business can prosper.
• One of the important changes in this approach to economic development is the guarantee that no money will go into the program if the regular General Fund expenditures are not funded first.  This means that the per student allocation to schools, Medicaid providers, and state employees must be provided before any revenue would shift from the General Fund to attracting new companies.
• Education-
• Providing adequate funding for education was a primary goal of the Democratic Caucus from the first day of Session right down to the last important days when funding decisions were made.  Public education is the most important investment we can make for the citizens of South Dakota.  A few of the specific bills which impact education funding include SB 194 which will extend the sunset date for use of capital outlay funds for other allowable expenses.  Currently 102 of our 151 school districts use this type of flexibility.
• HB1137 has passed and provides $5.8 million dollars to schools for the current fiscal year. This equates to about $45 per student. These funds will be distributed to schools before June 30, 2013. The bill also provides $200,000 for post-secondary career and technical education programs and $250,000 for the Teach for America Program. All the funding in this bill is for the current fiscal year. While the $5.8 still falls short of where we need funding to be, it is a step in the right direction.
• A great many number of bills to increase or revise the per student allocation have been filed, so it appears that many legislators share our goal to work towards remedying the loss of funding for our education systems. The Governor's proposed budget calls for a 3% per student allocation. Several legislators have offered amendments to increase the PSA or at least give schools additional one-time dollars. Unfortunately, these decisions come right down to the very end of Session and are still uncertain at this time. 

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