In case you saw the headlines today…
“The potential construction costs of these recommendations (not including the demolition of SDSP) are expected to be between $1.9 to $2.1 billion,” according to the report, which calls for building up to three different prison complexes over the next decade, putting the blame squarely on the state’s incarceration rates.
Don’t forget what happened the last legislative session, and who spearheaded the death of that bill:
A legislative maneuver meant to secure funding and continue discussion on an $825 million men’s prison failed by two votes Friday in the South Dakota House of Representatives.
The vote on House Bill 1025 was 34-35, with one member absent and a majority of 36 votes required for passage. The House could vote on whether to reopen debate when lawmakers return to Pierre next week.
The vote throws the future of the massive prison project into question, and could chart a path to easing some of the state’s financial strain in a year where lawmakers are pondering cuts and swatting back funding requests.
and..
Lems was the first to speak against the amended version of the bill. She rattled off questions about the prison’s rural location and a pending lawsuit over that location, unknown costs for roads and ongoing operations, and on a price tag she sees as too high.
and..
House Speaker Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, said some of the unspent prison money could ultimately be placed into the prison fund, where it earns interest.
As opposed to getting a darn prison built with the plan already in motion, House leadership and their allies killed moving the project forward. Aaanndd… now we find out that because of the delays and fooling around, it’s likely going to cost taxpayers another billion… with a B.
Weren’t some of them complaining that it was somehow “a ritz-carlton” prison? I know Logan Manhart parroted that line. Well, come to find out it was more of a Motel 6 prison, and they’ve caused the cost to double.
State Representative Taylor Rehfeldt, who pushed for the funding to move forward this past winter session was very prescient:
Republican Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, who requested the reconsideration, said questions have been answered. She said it’s “very clear” South Dakota needs a new prison. She said it “absolutely” will be expensive at $825 million and said it “probably” would be more if delayed, regardless where the location is.
The guaranteed maximum price expires on March 31.
And we let that locked in maximum blow away with the South Dakota wind less than 60 days ago.
Don’t like the new predicted cost? You can thank House Leadership for the cost doubling. Thanks guys!
The original prison plan was sound. The state put away hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal level for construction. Tax dollars yes but not all on SD residents. The second billion will be on SD taxpayers backs.
The current anti growth, anti everything leadership is a disaster for our state.
Thank you Jon Hansen, Karla Lems, Scott Odenbach, and Marty Overweg for this mess. Unfortunately South Dakota taxpayers will have to pay for their incompetence.
Yeah, or accept maybe less prison and crime?
The extra billion isn’t because of the delay. If you read the report, it’s because the state passed the so-called “Truth in Sentencing” bill in 2023 after the original recommendation was made. That will massively increase the prison populate, was a major mistake and is going to cost the state billions of dollars of one time and ongoing money if it isn’t repealed.
So you want criminals to run free in our state with no accountability. How about people stop committing crimes. Thank you for reminding me the freedom caucus is against protecting the citizens from harm and from spending money unwisely.
All one has to do is check the votes on HB1025. DeGroot hit the wrong button, forgive that one. But the balance are locked in for wrecking the plan and now need to be held accountable for nearly tripling the cost! That lock step group of house members are embarrassing.
Running a freight train off a cliff is not conservative
Could use some executive leadership here as well. Larry rolled over quickly and put everything on the table. Lots of blame to go around here. Proposing such a big plan without lots of legislative input was a big mistake by Norm and DOC.
Larry couldn’t get 2/3 no matter what he did.
He made the right decision.
I’ve heard that a vote for a new speaker might come with the special session. Especially with these new appointments coming into play.
Get rid of HANSEN.
Get rid of Odenbach.
Amen
Ms. Lems and her Lemmings are now responsible for a Billion dollar price tag. And she wants to be our Lt. Governor?