SDAHO held its final legislative forum in Parkston ahead of next week’s start of the 92nd Legislative Session.
Avera St. Benedict Health Center President and CEO Gale Walker welcomed participants to the Parkston session, which featured discussions with local legislators from District 19. Rep. Kent Peterson remarked on the next cycle of sales and use tax numbers, and the upcoming figures will provide a look into holiday spending related to the current $26 million budget shortfall.
The forum tackled a wide range of topics including the importance of the rural recruitment assistance programs, prescription drug monitoring program, nursing home beds, APRNs and lay midwifery. In conclusion, Rep. Kyle Schoenfish reminded participants on the importance of having the district experts provide the local story on issues affecting South Dakota health care.
The 92nd Legislative Session begins at noon CST Tuesday, Jan. 10, with the Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s State of the State Address.
