Local, state lawmakers discuss legislative future - KOTA Territory News

Local, state lawmakers discuss legislative future

West River lawmakers put their heads together Friday to discuss what policies they want to see enacted in the coming year.
 
At the annual Rapid City Mayor's breakfast, State Representatives, Senators and local lawmakers shared their ideas on what policy changes and bills could be hitting the legislature in January.

Local initiatives in development, such as an alcohol tax reform measure, and tourism tax, were also discussed, but no action was taken on any issue.

Rapid City Mayor Sam Kooiker spoke out for the need for more hookah regulation.

"I think its very important the city address the issue of hookah with our legislators. Right now hookah is being defined as not smoke, and its ridiculous,"said Mayor Kooiker.

Senator Stan Adelstein took the stage to preview a sales tax measure he plans to re-introduce in January.

The one cent sales tax proposal would only be in effect for three months, for a period of three years, and would help fund medicaid and education.
 
"It would end in September of the third year so there's no chance of it becoming a permanent bill," said Senator Stan Adelstein of District 32. The sales tax bill is just one of many Adelstein plans to bring forth this legislative session.

A separate half-cent tourism tax aimed at gift shops and attractions may also be headed for the legislature if the bill can find a sponsor.