SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - State legislator Paula Hawks, a Democrat from Hartford, says Republicans knew there were enough votes in the House Wednesday to pass a sales tax hike for teacher pay increases.
Hawks says it will give supporters of the Governor’s plan time to talk with the fence sitters.
Hawks says constituents have spoken loud and clear. She says they support the half penny sales tax increase to keep teacher's jobs competitive in South Dakota.
The Governor’s sale tax increase for teacher pay raises will come up Tuesday in the House but it could be delayed again.
Governor Daugaard says Representative Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown plans to offer another amendment to the bill Tuesday. Daugaard says when an amendment is added on the House floor representatives want to take time to study it and that sometimes demands a deferral. But, Daugaard says, that can happen only twice in the House.
He anticipates a final vote on Thursday.
Daugaard doesn’t believe there’s enough support for a long term deferment.