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2012-2013 school year, 30 percent below the national average. South Dakota's average teacher salary was also 20 percent to 46 percent lower than those in neighboring states, she said.
• Even accounting for South Dakota's low cost of living, its teachers earn much less than those in other states, she said.
• A final decision on state aid to schools likely won't be made until the Legislature passes a state budget in March.
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SD voters could decide to add games in casinos
NORA HERTEL, Associated Press
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota voters would be able to decide whether Deadwood casinos should be allowed to offer roulette, keno and craps under a proposed constitutional amendment that cleared a House committee on Wednesday.
• The State Affairs Committee voted 10-1 for a measure that would put the proposal to a statewide vote on the November ballot.
• Deadwood casinos now offer slot machines, poker and blackjack. If the Legislature decides to put the proposal on the ballot, voters would decide whether to expand the gaming options.
• Supporters said the added games are needed so Deadwood can compete with casinos in other states, especially Colorado and Iowa. Tribal casinos can offer the same gambling permitted in Deadwood.
• "This bill will help Deadwood, but it will also help the Native American casinos," Deadwood Mayor Chuck Turbiville said.
• Supporters of the proposal said craps and roulette also attract younger players than current games do.
• "Gamblers are picky people," said Seth Pearman, tribal attorney and lobbyist for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.
• Pearman said the tribe's casino, located in eastern South Dakota, has been heavily affected by gaming in other states.
• The bill's only opponent, Dale Bartscher of Family Heritage Alliance, argued that gambling should not be expanded in South Dakota.
• Bartscher said he is "deeply troubled by our state's dependency on predatory gaming revenues."
• Rep. Brian Gosch, R-Rapid City, a committee member, said Bartscher made some good points, but he believes the issue should be left up to voters. Gosch said amendments to the state constitution are difficult to pass, even without organized (Continued on page 22)
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