South Dakota Teachers Can Look Forward to Heavier Checks
PIERRE, S.D. - The state Legislature has sent a proposed half-cent sales tax increase to help fund South Dakota's lowest-in-the-nation teacher pay to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for his expected signature.
The Senate voted 25-10 for the plan, surpassing the required two-thirds margin necessary to approve the hike.
Republican Sen. Deb Soholt, a supporter, says the state needs a sustainable funding source to boost teacher pay. Opponents argued that the tax increase should be limited and unsuccessfully pitched smaller alternatives.
The House hit the exact margin to approve the plan last week after the bill initially failed by a single vote.
Most of the proposed tax increase would go toward teacher salaries, but a large chunk would go to property tax relief. A small portion would go toward salaries at technical schools.
Copyright 2016 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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