House Sends Bill to Hike Funding for Counties to Governor

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has approved a measure that would distribute a share of alcohol tax revenue from the state to the counties.

House lawmakers unanimously approved the bill Monday. It now heads to Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who a spokeswoman has said opposes the plan.

The bill passed both chambers with margins that would suggest a veto could be overridden.

Counties are looking to lawmakers to help keep pace with rising costs, frequently for courts and jails.

Advocates say counties often deal with alcohol-related criminal costs, so they should get a quarter of the money. It raised about $14.4 million last fiscal year.

Republican Rep. Lana Greenfield says the measure is a "gesture" from the state to the counties.

Opponents say the proposal would shift funding away from state priorities.

Source: House Sends Bill to Hike Funding for Counties to Governor