SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota’s upcoming legislative session kicks off Jan. 13, with Gov. Larry Rhoden’s state of the state address taking place on the session’s first legislative day. Legislative leaders shared with KELOLAND News Thursday what they want to hear when Rhoden addresses lawmakers.
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“I think that the affordability issue, or you could call it the affordability crisis, is just really, really hitting home right now,” said Democratic Sen. Liz Larson of Sioux Falls, who serves as minority leader in her chamber. “All across the United States. And it’s something that we can also relate to here in South Dakota as it gets harder and harder to make ends meet for families, for working families. And I just think we need to approach all of our legislative work with that in mind.”
“I want to hear an update on what’s happening, mostly with finances,” said Republican Sen. Chris Karr of Sioux Falls, who serves as president pro tempore in his chamber. “I’m interested in the budget. Is there any updated numbers? I want to know what is important from the federal government that’s happening. We know that some of the funding is changing.”
“I want to hear from the governor about Medicaid,” said Democratic Rep. Erin Healy of Sioux Falls, who serves as minority leader in the House of Representatives. “We heard from him in the state budget address that Medicaid was something that we just can’t touch on this year, but I want to hear him reinforce that because I’m hearing from so many South Dakotans that insurance is just so unaffordable.”…