South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard is proposing legislation to increase teacher pay and provide property tax relief by raising the sales tax a half cent from four percent to four and a half percent. That would provide 67 million for teacher pay with the other $ 40 million going to property tax relief. South Dakota Farm Bureau Lobbyist Mike Held says his group likes the idea and is supporting it.

He says there is a need for getting qualified teachers in the state and especially I the rural areas.

Held says it’s a win win having an increase in teacher pay coupled with property tax relief.

The total money generated by raising the sales tax from 4 to 4 and a half percent is just over $ 107 million.