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Date: February 13, 2004 The House State Affairs committee deferred a decision on SB 163 until next Wednesday Feb. 18th. Today they took testimony on the bill and heard from Paul Symens, the sponsor of the bill, Secretary of Agriculture Gabriel and three other supports. Over 15 people testified against the bill including county commissioners from Brookings and Hamlin Counties, Dakota Rural Action, SD Peace and Justice, SD Farmers Union and others. E-mail members of the committee over the weekend and tell
them to vote no on SB 163. Let's contact them and tell them to kill this
bill! Also call the House floor on Tuesday and leave a message. |
House State Affairs Committee members:
Leave a message for each on Tuesday between 9 am and 5 pm. CALL 605-773-3851
or e-mail them this weekend!
Larry Frost - e-mail: lcfrost@abe.midco.net
Cooper Garnos - e-mail: hunting@garnosranch.com
Gary Hanson - e-mail ghanson@sbtc.net
Dale Hargens
Jean Hunhoff – e-mail djhunhoff@dtgnet.com
Christopher Madsen – e-mail rep.madsen@sio.midco.net
Matthew Michels
BJ Nesselhuf
Mel Olson
Bill Peterson – e-mail billsuepeterson@msn.com
Larry Rhoden – e-mail lrhoden@gwtc.net
John Teupel – e-mail rep.teupel@state.sd.us
Hal Wick
Or email them in Pierre at: rep.(representatives last name)@state.sd.us
example: rep.garnos@state.sd.us
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Sample letter (or it is even better to use your own words) Dear Representative ___________ On Wednesday you face a tough decision on SB 163. I urge
you to vote no on this bill. As you heard in testimony county government
is working and communities interested in further agricultural development
are able to zone for this development under the current zoning laws. It
isn't broken, so don't fix it. In addition, you were presented a letter from former U.S.
Senator Jim Abourezk, who's background includes representing citizens
in Bon Homme and Hutchinson Counties in front of the S.D. Supreme Court.
This case led to a decision allowing citizens to refer specific zoning
decisions made by a county. Abourezk's letter explains how SB 163 would
remove this right if passed. Last year, the legislature also tried to
remove this right from local citizens by passing HB1281. Over 25,000 South
Dakotan's signed petitions to refer that bill. SB 163's attempt to do
the same thing while a companion bill removes the language from last years
HB 1281 seems like an attempt to subvert the democratic process of referral.
I urge you to vote no on SB 163. Sincerely
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