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In a 2022 South Dakota News Watch poll, 79% of South Dakota voters said they think the state tax on groceries should be lowered or repealed. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

South Dakotans face high prices at the grocery store and some are working to ease the burden. A new report from the Federal Trade Commission finds …

South Dakota's largest teacher's union said while the state has made progress in compensating educators, it still lags behind neighboring states. (Adobe Stock)

Teacher pay proposal advances in SD Legislature

South Dakota lawmakers are taking a close look at teacher pay this session. A specific plan to establish salary requirements cleared the House this …

According to the new Census of Agriculture, the total number of farms with more than $1 million in sales has gone up by 36 percent. Advocates said such growth squeezes out smaller producers. (Adobe Stock)

New data illustrates decline of thriving farm communities

The nation has seen its total number of farmers and farmland decrease over the past five years and advocates for smaller producers in South Dakota sai…

To date, 40 states, including South Dakota, have expanded Medicaid with help from the Affordable Care Act. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Medicaid expansion becomes ensnared with work-requirement debate

As South Dakota continues to implement a Medicaid expansion approved by voters in 2022, controversy has emerged with some lawmakers seeking approval …

SHIFT Garage, which provides free labor costs for car repairs in two South Dakota cities, estimates it receives around 250 applications each year for help. (Adobe Stock)

SD nonprofit tries to keep poverty from stalling car engines

Winter time in South Dakota can sometimes result in car engines not starting. For people with no money for repairs, there are options in some cities…

Policy experts said as it stands right now, roughly 19 million children in the U.S. do not benefit from the federal Child Tax Credit because their families' incomes are too low. (Adobe Stock)

Congress announces Child Tax Credit deal

Congress is poised to consider renewing the expanded Child Tax Credit and policy analysts said the latest effort could help tens of thousands of South…

Economic data show while consumer prices have increased 20% since the fourth quarter of 2019, wages for a typical worker have grown by 23%. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Workers feel 'wage power,' but more support is needed

Workforce shortages are among the issues lawmakers might address in the new South Dakota legislative session. A new analysis of wage growth progress …

According to recent National Education Association rankings, South Dakota has consistently landed near the bottom in the area of teacher compensation. (Adobe Stock)

SD to see renewed debate over teacher pay

As they head into winter break, South Dakota school districts and their teachers are in a waiting period to find out what future state funding looks …

Cognia, a nongovernmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools, says declining birth rates might make it harder for colleges and universities to maintain solid enrollment in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

State universities address affordability amid concerning forecasts

States like North and South Dakota are in a fierce battle to keep college affordable as public schools navigate the ebbs and flows of enrollment trend…

AARP estimates family caregivers in South Dakota provide a total of 74 million hours of unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

South Dakota's next legislative session is right around the corner, and lawmakers are expected to take a close look at recommendations for enhancing …

According to the Kids Count data center, child care consumes between 8% and 13% of a typical South Dakota family's income. (Adobe Stock)

Child care 'solution-driven' grants take shape in SD

Child care access has become a major focal point in the U.S., and South Dakota is no exception. More than two dozen communities are using grant …

State labor officials say South Dakota has added nearly 1,500 construction workers over the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Worker recruitment ramps up with SD construction projects in play

Both western and eastern sections of South Dakota are busy with construction projects, and union leaders hope more young people interested in the …

According to South Dakota Health Department data, WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling for more than 13,000 participants, including 1,600 pregnant and postpartum individuals. (Adobe Stock)

SD boosts outreach for WIC participation

South Dakota health leaders have said it can be a challenge to reach people eligible for a long-standing nutrition assistance program for at-risk new …

Associations for Community Health Centers say if Congress does not extend federal funding, nearly seven million patients around the United States could lose access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Centers Juggle Demand, Operational Headwinds

This week is National Health Center Week. The facilities help to close care gaps in underserved communities, and regional and national leaders hope …

OSHA says when developing heat illness prevention plans, companies should have a person on their job site to monitor others for potential signs of heat stroke. (Adobe Stock)

In a Smoky Summer, Outdoor Workers Can't Overlook Heat Threats

Periodic smoky air from Canadian wildfires is getting attention over public health concerns. But people who work outdoors in South Dakota and …

In findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the average annual cost of care for one child in the U.S. was $10,600 in 2021, one-tenth of a couple's average income, and more than one-third of a <br />single parent's income. (Adobe Stock)

Child Care Access Hovers Over SD Child Well-Being Report

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like South Dakota fared better in the …

According to the National Education Association, there's been a 2% increase in the average public school teacher salary across the country. (Adobe Stock)

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is underway. In South Dakota, there's a mixed outlook from educators on whether they feel supported. Coinciding with this …

The Aspen Institute says more than 1.5 million people attend the nearly 500 community colleges in rural parts of the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Tech College Bucks Enrollment Trend

Community colleges in the U.S. have struggled with enrollment declines. But a new report says schools in smaller towns and cities, including South …

According to AARP, South Dakota has roughly 80,000 family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Sees Big Jump in Economic Value of Unpaid Care

A new report says the efforts of unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota have an economic value of $1.4 billion. The latest estimate from AARP is …

Federal officials say cold-climate heat pumps can provide high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures without producing greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Science Moms: Climate Solutions Aren't Out of Reach for Families

April is Earth Month, and moms who work in scientific fields are trying to get the attention of other parents, hoping they'll take advantage of clean-…

Challenges such as declining enrollment are creating obstacles within higher education, but new data show that certain post-secondary attainment rates have been inching upward. That includes those earning certificates. (Adobe Stock)

College Certificates Appear to be Attractive Career Path in SD

South Dakota is making gains in college students earning a certificate or similar credentials for specific careers. Those numbers are detailed in a …

The average teacher salary in South Dakota is just below $50,000. Organizers behind a recruiting program say connecting with high schoolers about the profession can help overcome some of the barriers. (Adobe Stock)

SD Embraces Movement to Inspire Future Teachers

Teacher shortages have been a focal point in the world of education, but some working in the field say there should be more conversations about the …

In a new national survey, 57% of women and 63% of women of color said they're considering quitting their hospitality-industry jobs because of worsening harassment and wage theft. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Restaurant Sector 'Unlivable' for Many Women Workers

As the weather warms up, tourists will flock to South Dakota to visit sites like Mount Rushmore, stopping at restaurants along the way. As they sit …

In addition to providing more coverage to the uninsured, supporters of expanding Medicaid say it would act as a stimulus for South Dakota's economy. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Medicaid Expansion Campaign Pivots Back to Voters

The push to expand Medicaid in South Dakota took a brief detour to Pierre last week. Now that lawmakers have had their say, supporters are amplifying …

In South Dakota, average teacher pay is $48,984, the lowest in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Teacher Pay Bill Advances in SD

South Dakota continues to grapple with its low ranking when it comes to paying schoolteachers, but the issue is getting focus in 2022, including a …

The average teacher salary in South Dakota is just below $49,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)

Following Noem Speech, SD Educators Press for Funding Increase

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota's teachers' union says while there are still a lot of unknowns, it's hopeful the governor's new budget proposal leads to …

A new report says child-care expenses make up roughly 10% of a family's income in South Dakota. The percentages are much higher for families of color. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Details Child-Care Issues in SD

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- If South Dakota wants to turn out a thriving economy, quality affordable child care needs to be a vital component, according to a …

Advocates say South Dakota has made progress in compensating teachers, but still lags behind neighboring states, including trailing North Dakota educators by $4,000 in annual salary. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota Grapples with Teacher Shortage

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - Students across South Dakota are getting settled into the new school year, even as some districts still are trying to fill a …

Researchers say expanding cash payments, such as the ones seen in the Child Tax Credit, to families in need sets children up for a healthier life, as well as better test scores. (Adobe Stock)

Better Health, Education Outcomes Linked to Child Tax Credit Payments

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Supporters of the expanded Child Tax Credit are highlighting the arrival of monthly payments for eligible families. In South …

High-speed internet access statewide in South Dakota is below the national average. (Adobe Stock)<br />

COVID-Relief Program Helps with Internet Bills

PIERRE, S.D. -- Even though the pandemic is easing, households are still trying to recover from the crisis, and to help, the Federal Communications …

Community groups say those behind on their rent payments because of COVID should take advantage of emergency aid programs before eviction moratoriums eventually expire. (Adobe Stock)

SD: Don't Leave Emergency Rental Assistance on Table

PIERRE, S.D. -- A state housing agency and community-assistance groups hope South Dakotans in need hear their message to apply for emergency rental …

As the coronavirus spread across South Dakota last year, the state's public universities put mask mandates in place. But the South Dakota Department of Education allowed K-12 districts to make their own decisions. (Adobe Stock)

After Anxious Year, SD Teachers Now Receiving Vaccinations

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota teachers can now get their COVID vaccinations as new eligibility phases kick in. In a state that prioritized …

This fall, 7,177 students are enrolled at South Dakota's four technical colleges. That compares with 7,122 in fall 2019. (Adobe Stock)

SD Trade Schools Seen as Opportunity During Crisis

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's public universities are showing an overall decline in enrollment this fall. But the student population for technical …

An online report says nearly 30,000 South Dakota households include two parents whose work doesn't allow them to stay at home with their kids all day, and more than 11,000 single-parent households. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Has Fewest Stay-at-Home Parents During Crisis

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota tops the nation for households without "stay-at-home" parents during the pandemic, according to a new online report…

Unemployment fraud has proved costly in some states during the pandemic. For example, in Washington state, $650 million in jobless benefits were distributed to people filing false claims. (Adobe Stock)

Unemployment Fraud During Crisis Hinders Process for Legit Claims

PIERRE, S.D. -- The COVID-19 crisis has produced a number of other serious issues, and one is higher cases of unemployment fraud. Bogus claims have …

Advocates for LGBTQ South Dakotans say some members of the Legislature have been very aggressive in pushing policy aimed at curbing their rights and protections. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Court Ruling, Fears Linger in SD's LGBTQ Community

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- The reaction to this week's Supreme Court ruling for equal rights in the workplace has been a joyous one within the LGBTQ …

In addition to close distances on the assembly lines, meat plant workers often have to clean up in crowded locker rooms. (Adobe Stock)

Calls Grow for Worker Safety with COVID-19 Outbreaks at Meat Plants

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The temporary closing of meat-processing plants has raised concerns over food supplies during the pandemic. But in states like …

In addition to closed visitor centers, all interpretive programs at Badlands National Park are canceled amid the coronavirus. However, roads and trails are still open. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: Staff Members Concerned Nat'l. Parks Still Open

KEYSTONE, S.D. - The National Park Service has closed or restricted access at several sites, including in South Dakota, because of the coronavirus…

Supporters of a bill banning labor unions at the state's public universities claim it would pave the way for professors who have more work experience outside of higher education. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to Become Latest State to Ban Faculty Unions

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's governor is expected to sign a bill that would ban faculty members at the state's public universities from any form of …

Educators want state lawmakers to consider South Dakota kids when they allocate budget revenues, which are higher than originally predicted. (HollyDornak/Pixabay)

Will South Dakota Lawmakers Fund Education Per State Statute?

PIERRE, S.D. - Supporters of public education in South Dakota hope the state's brighter revenue picture means legislators will focus on schools and …

South Dakota currently ranks 50th nationally in installed solar generating capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (jaidee/Pixabay)

SD's Pine Ridge Reservation Approved for $100M Solar Project

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- The Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota will be the site of a $100 million solar electricity generation project…

About 80% of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable high-speed internet are in rural areas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (AARP.org)

Study: SD Voters 50-plus Want High-Speed Internet Expanded

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Older adults in South Dakota want a level playing field with other states when it comes to high-speed internet service, …

Flooding across the Midwest in 2019 made this year's corn planting the longest delayed in U.S. history. (farmbureau.org)

Rising Bankruptcies, Possible 2020 Weather Woes Worry SD Farmers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – With 2020 just around the corner, farmers across the Midwest hope Mother Nature and economic conditions will bring relief …

South Dakota's median household income of $56,521 was $3,800 lower than the median U.S. household income in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (commondreams.org)

SD's 2020 Minimum-Wage Hike Falls Short of 'Livable'

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Starting on Jan. 1, South Dakota's minimum wage will increase 20 cents - from $9.10 to $9.30 an hour. At the same time…

Public school teachers will spend on average $459 on school supplies for which they're not reimbursed this year, with California teachers spending the most and North Dakota teachers spending the least. (tjms.fairlawnschools.org)

Out-of-Pocket School Supplies Add Up for South Dakota Teachers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Across the U.S., salaries of many public school teachers continue to stagnate, with some looking to a second job to help …

South Dakota hopes to diversify its cash crops with successful production of hemp, as shown here in Polk County, Minn. (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)

SD Farmers: Hemp will Diversify State's Cash Crops

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers want to get hemp into production as soon as possible, passing a bill last week by a vote of 65-2 to grow…

Nearly 90,000 South Dakotans received SNAP benefits in Nov. 2018, according to the South Dakota Department of Social Services. (nokidhungry.org)

Report: Enrollment Surges for SD Health, Social-Service Programs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new report shows more South Dakotans are relying on safety-net programs that help lower-income families. South Dakota's …

Healthcare occupations are projected to make up about 14 percent of South Dakota's projected workforce by 2024. (University of South Dakota)

Study: Female Healthcare Workers Short-changed

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — About three-quarters of the people working in healthcare jobs are women, and many of them are living below the poverty line…

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SD: Livable Wages/Working Families