South Dakotans Find Common Ground

Posted by on September 29, 2006 at 09:33 AM

Yesterday South Dakota Democratic legislative candidates in Sioux Falls and Rapid City unveiled their unifying plan called "Common Ground". Backed by the entire Democratic slate of 90 candidates, Common Ground is a declaration of intent going into the 2007 legislative session. The plan was developed by legislative leadership, legislators, candidates, and state party staff.

House Democratic Leader Dale Hargens:

“In the last legislative session, the education debate was pushed aside to the last day to make way for debates on divisive social legislation. The Common Ground plan is designed to change the priorities of the legislature. Democrats want the education funding discussion to start on the first day, not the last.”

Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Gary Hanson

“There is power in unity. Democrats are committed to a new direction for South Dakota. We want to focus on the issues that unite us, not divide us.”

Common Ground addresses the "meat and potato issues that affect South Dakota families". Read more details about the plan, after the jump.

South Dakota Democrats have really been coming together this year to fight the extreme right-wing agenda in their state.

From the Argus Leader:

Thursday's event[s] demonstrates the Democrats are better organized this time around. That's due in part to some financing from the national party.

On October 7th the South Dakota Democratic Party hosts 3 events for the 50-State Turnout. Find one, here.

The Plan:

• Your Paycheck…Bigger

  Democrats understand that average South Dakotans work hard for their paycheck…and we want to make sure it stretches out far enough to make up for skyrocketing energy, health care and transportation costs.

  Democrats will introduce legislation to increase economic development for South Dakota’s small towns and rural communities. First, by requiring ethanol and bio-diesel use in state vehicles. Second, by offering incentives to school districts to switch their buses to use ethanol and bio-diesel. Third, by bringing South Dakota’s wind energy production to levels equal with surrounding states.

  Too often, large out-of-state corporations are given preferential treatment in South Dakota at the expense of small business. Democrats will introduce legislation that uses the Future Fund for grants and loans for small businesses, the backbone of South Dakota’s economic development engine.

  In the 2007 legislative session, Democrats will introduce several choices for legislators that directly benefit the pocketbooks of South Dakotans. These include tax free zones for small business start ups, raising the minimum wage, restructuring the REDI fund to include small businesses, and requiring REDI fund loan recipients to pay a living wage.

• Your Tax $$$...Used Responsibly
  

  Democrats understand that your tax dollars represent a relationship of trust with your elected officials. We will respect that trust by investing in necessary and appropriate government programs, and cutting down on waste in the system.

  Democrats will introduce legislation to curb the dramatic growth of state government from its recent three year spurt of 19.9%, under Republican rule. The current administration’s unchecked discretionary spending on new airplanes and additional employees is not sound fiscal policy. Democrats’ first step toward fiscal responsibility will be a call for a full audit of South Dakota’s state government.
  Democrats pledge to introduce legislation that focuses on the issues that unite South Dakotans, not divide us. Legislative sessions focused on divisive social issues do not solve the state’s education, economic development, and health care challenges.

  Democrats will introduce legislation to make South Dakota government open and accountable. This includes reforming reporting requirements for legislative races and tightening regulations on political slush funds. The responsible use of tax revenue relies on transparent government.

Your Family’s Future…Brighter

South Dakota Democrats understand that we need to invest in the next generation today. That means creative and innovative solutions to the challenges we face as a rural state.

Democrats are committed to a quality education for our kids. Democrats will introduce legislation similar to the ‘Alliance Education’ bill. By placing state government on the same diet as schools, Democrats will adequately fund education without raising taxes.

Democrats are committed to addressing the challenges facing Native Americans by keeping their economic development opportunities free from undue government influence and bureaucratic red tape.
Early childhood nutrition and education should be funded at a much greater level than South Dakota funds new prison construction. Democrats will introduce legislation that looks at long-term and positive solutions to our burgeoning prison population.

In other states, Democrats and Republicans are working together to craft solutions to health care challenges. 90,000 South Dakotans are currently without health coverage. Democrats will introduce legislation that looks for partners to meld new ideas with South Dakota’s fiscal realities.

Democrats support the partial release of state reserve funds to provide much needed assistance to farmers, ranchers, and small businesses hard hit by the current drought crisis. While it is important to balance unknown future needs with current challenges, emergency funds exist for a reason.