A bill that would have raised the state sales tax in South Dakota by half a cent failed by one vote in the House today.
After two and a half hours of debate, the vote was 46 to 23 in favor, but 47 votes were needed for a two thirds majority. One legislator was excused.
Representative Brian Gosch of Rapid City says voters said in 2012 they didn’t want to raise the sales tax….
Gosch says teachers already make more than the average worker in the state….
Representative Jacqueline Sly of Rapid City says the state needs to invest in teachers for the future of the state….
Sly, who was Co-Chair of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Education says legislators can’t worry about the next election….
A motion was made to reconsider the vote, which may take place Monday.
