Besides voting for a President on Tuesday, you'll also be making decisions on a lot of key local races. Plus there are several ballot measures you'll be voting on. We decided to take one last look at the three that are getting lots of attention.
Let's begin with Referred Law 14. It would create what's called a "Large Project Development Fund." If it passes, next year 22 percent of contractors' excise tax revenues would be transferred from the state's general fund to the Large Project Development Fund.
The money generated would be used to attract large economic development projects to the state such as laboratories, power generation and ag processing plants.
A 'yes' vote means you support the idea. A 'no' vote means you do not.
Initiated Measure 15 would increase the state's sales tax by one penny from four percent to five percent. Money collected from the extra penny would be split evenly to fund education and Medicaid. Education dollars will be provided to school districts based on enrollment and be spent on improving education as school boards determine.
A 'yes' vote means you support the extra penny sales tax. A 'no' vote means you do not.
And Referred Law 16 is the education reform act that made it through the legislature as HB 1234. It has five key components.
First, it establishes a scholarship program for college students who commit to teach in South Dakota in critical need subject areas.
Second, it creates a program to provide annual bonuses to math and science teachers.
Third, it develops a separate Top Teachers bonus program.
Fourth, it mandates a statewide system for evaluating teachers and principals.
And the last part of Referred Law 16 that has voters divided is continuing contracts. School districts would have the option to offer tenure if the measure passes.
A 'yes' vote means you support the changes. A 'no' vote means you want to keep things the way they are.
If you'd like to read up on other ballot issues, click here.
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