Action started to pick up in the capitol this week, as bills are already passing both committee and floor votes. There are 193 bills that have dropped, which is far less than we have been expecting at this point after seeing the majority of them filed prior to session beginning. I anticipate that we will see a large influx of bills coming over the next several weeks, with the last day for unlimited bill introduction on Thursday, January 30 and the last day for individual bills Wednesday, February 5.
The Joint Committee on Appropriations heard budget hearings from the Departments of Social Services and Human Services on Tuesday. While SDAHO is supportive of both departments, we had to oppose each for proposed cuts that impact our members. In a tough budget year, the Executive Branch has proposed cuts across all departments. The Department of Social Services wants to cut 3.6 million dollars in funding for the Medicaid Graduate Education Program, which supports residencies at the teaching hospitals. To listen to the testimony delivered by Jacob Parsons, click here. The Department of Human Services wants to cut 1.1 million dollars for the Subsidized Assisted Living Program, which helps bridge the gap between social security income and room and board for residents. SDAHO opposed both cuts publicly and continues to work with appropriators to protect these vital programs. SDAHO submitted testimony on this matter. Click here to listen.
HB 1006 is another funding related effort by the Department of Social Services to balance the budget and looks to remove the Renal Disease Program. SDAHO opposed this bill in the House Health and Human Services committee on Thursday morning, as it helps support a handful of South Dakota individuals who are not able to afford this life saving treatment on their own. The bill passed to the House Committee on Appropriations where we will continue to work on opposing this program cut.
On January 28-29, 2025, SDAHO’s Nurse Leadership Participants will be in Pierre at our state capitol learning about the legislative process, advocacy and connecting with their state lawmakers.
The SDAHO Advocacy team will be in Pierre for the entire run of the 2025 legislative session. To stay connected with healthcare related legislation, follow our Bill Tracker here and visit our State Advocacy Webpage.
