SD State Legislature Candidate Survey: Mike Weisgram

FORT PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota Information Now) – Rep. Mike Weisgram (R-Fort Pierre) is operating for re-election to the South Dakota Home in District 24. Cities in District 24 embrace Pierre, Fort Pierre, Highmore, Onida and Philip. Weisgram at present faces three different major challengers; Will Mortenson, Jim Sheehan, and Mary Weinheimer.

1. Inform us about your self?

I’m operating for re-election to the Home from District 24. I’ve served for one time period (two periods). A central South Dakota native, I’ve small enterprise expertise (37 years) and was a Metropolis Council member for 5 years. Married to Judy for 43 years, father of two, and grandfather to 6. Have served on many civic committees, boards, and councils, my character, work ethic, and judgement is a product of my experiences.

2. Why are you operating for workplace?

I’m operating to make use of my experiences to advertise widespread sense options to issues which can be current in our communities and state. I’m operating to guarantee the American dream to following generations. Most of my children stay in central South Dakota and I wan t to maintain our values as a foundation for the way we stay our lives in South Dakota. I attempt to assist all of the residents of South Dakota by means of optimistic laws.

3. What can be your high three priorities if elected?

Move a fiscally sturdy balanced price range for the state. Introduce laws to assist Cities take care of deserted houses, assist Counties take care of the elevated prices of court docket appointed attorneys for his or her residents, assist South Dakota Pharmacists take care of unregulated Pharmacy Profit Managers (middlemen between large Pharmaceutical Corporations and native impartial pharmacists) to make sure their livelihood in smaller South Dakota cities.

4. What relative expertise would you convey to the workplace?

The expertise of two periods being a state consultant and a Metropolis Councilman. Small enterprise expertise in making payroll, paying taxes, and recruiting employees.

5. Do you assist tax aid for South Dakotans? In that case, what kind and the way would you make it occur. Sure, I volunteered (and was chosen) to be on a legislative interim examine committee relating to South Dakota’s property tax construction and spreading the tax burden. Hopefully the examine will determine enhancements in our system of taxing property for revenues to fund training and native governments. Additionally, the SD Division of Income has a gross sales tax (partial) refund program at present accessible to senior residents and residents with disabilities. I intend to work with DOR officers to extend the bounds of eligibility for extra residents to take part in.

6. Housing availability has turn into a problem for a lot of South Dakotans. How would you search to make housing extra inexpensive?

Final session yielded HB 1033 that gave the SD Housing Authority funding to assist with housing infrastructure to encourage extra housing alternatives. That program is simply getting vetted and hopefully shall be accessible to builders quickly.

7. South Dakota correctional services have been coping with plenty of points, most distinguished amongst them overcrowding and staffing. What would you do to fight these points?

The intent of the SD Legislative Interim Examine Committee on correctional wants is to check the jails and prisons throughout the state and discover alternatives for collaboration throughout the state’s correctional plan. Hopefully environment friendly and efficient options may be recognized, and laws could also be introduced ahead subsequent session.

8. What steps ought to the legislature take to entice younger folks to remain within the state?

Though another states and huge cities have provided incentives for shifting prices, forgivable loans for closing prices, and matching personal employers signing bonuses, I don’t assume the legislature would have an urge for food for initiating these measures. Continued efforts to have clear water, clear air, sturdy regulation enforcement, secure and proficient colleges, low secondary training tuition prices, pleasant enterprise surroundings, sturdy recreation decisions, and the convenience of getting round are our sturdy factors and funding these targets must be the legislatures priorities.

9. Do you assist any adjustments to the way in which elections are run in South Dakota?

I’ve not seen any proposals to the present election legal guidelines however welcome any recommendations by the Secretary of State or curiosity group.

10. A U.S. Supreme Court docket determination is looming on a landmark abortion case that would in the end overturn Roe v. Wade. Governor Kristi Noem has indicated she wish to ban abortion outright, and a “set off regulation” already on the books would accomplish that, with solely an exception in place when the mom’s life is in danger. Do you assist banning abortion to this extent? If not, what exceptions would you wish to see made?

Sure. I’d take heed to different arguments / proposals, however I really feel life is a present from the Holy Spirit and is sacred. Nobody might get rid of it at will.

11. What’s your stance on legalized leisure marijuana?

I’ve not supported it prior to now and am unlikely to take action sooner or later.

State legislative candidates in contested districts this major season have been emailed the identical survey to finish for Dakota Information Now/KOTA Territory Information. Candidates have been requested to maintain their responses restricted to roughly 4-5 sentences for every query. Except a fast spelling and grammar examine, solutions weren’t edited by the poster. Those that responded to the survey questions had their outcomes posted.

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