S.D. State Capitol in Pierre. Adobe Stock photo via GDNS.
PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — A tense exchange between Republican legislative leaders in Pierre Thursday morning. Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff accused House Speaker Jon Hansen of fear mongering about economic development efforts, saying it drives investment away from South Dakota. The confrontation came as lawmakers debated competing approaches to regulating and incentivizing data centers in South Dakota. Hansen opposes tax breaks for what he calls “the world’s richest companies,” while Mehlhaff defends economic development tools as necessary to attract investment.
“You don’t want to fear monger on stuff and I think we’ve seen an awful lot of that about just about every economic development idea that’s come along in the last few years,” Mehlhaff said. “And I think that it’s creating a very chilling atmosphere in South Dakota for developers and people who want to make investments.” Mehlhaff warned that developers and investors “are probably maybe looking elsewhere as a result of that.”
As Speaker Hanson began to respond, Senator Mehlhaff cut him off, saying, “Mr. Speaker, I hope we don’t have to have a debate on every issue. You’ve had your say on a lot of stuff now, I’ve made one. So yes, I guess if these press conferences are gonna be debates between the House and Senate and that’s what they’ll be. But I don’t think that’s necessary.”
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