(Continued from page 6)

out and the increase in total opt out dollars. In addition, we continue to pass legislation which allows Capital Outlay dollars to be used for traditional General Fund expenses. This "Band-Aid" approach does nothing to solve our long-term funding crisis.  Furthermore, increasing the reliance on local tax dollars rather than funding schools equally and adequately through the PSA has only increased school funding inequity.
• Animal welfare issues have surfaced in previous years because South Dakota is the only state in the Nation to not have a felony penalty for animal abuse. Our State Veterinarian has worked diligently between legislative sessions to bring various interested parties to the table to update our animal care statutes. The Senate Agriculture committee held very worthwhile testimony in support of Senate Bill 46 which will update these animal welfare laws.  The room was packed with members of the agriculture community who have found agreement and consensus on this bill.
• The bill states that only in the most malicious, extremely cruel circumstance that are done intentionally could a judge grant a Class 6 felony for that animal abuse. Abandonment or lack of financial ability to properly nourish animals would still be a misdemeanor and not be considered cruelty. Along with these changes to the cru

(Continued on page 8)