South Dakota House Bill HB1237

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/22
• Refer: 2/4/22
• Report Pass: 2/22/22
• Report Pass: 2/23/22

Caption

Make an appropriation of moneys received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to provide cash assistance to South Dakota citizens.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would facilitate a substantial financial aid program for South Dakota residents, particularly those with lower incomes. By providing $200 per filer and dependent, it seeks to alleviate financial burdens that may have resulted from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill represents a commitment to supporting the state’s recovery and the well-being of its citizens during challenging economic times. It also underscores the state’s utilization of federal funding aimed at revitalizing local economies.

Summary

House Bill 1237 aims to appropriate $156,173,000 from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to provide direct cash assistance to citizens of South Dakota. The assistance targets individuals and families filing specific income tax returns, ensuring that eligible residents receive payments based on their adjusted gross incomes. The bill emphasizes the distribution of funds by January 1, 2025, allowing the Department of Revenue to manage the application process and review the distribution method carefully.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1237 appears to be supportive, given its aim to deliver financial assistance to affected citizens. Stakeholders in favor of the bill emphasize its importance to help families navigate financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic. However, there may be varying opinions regarding the adequacy of the appropriations and concerns about the efficiency of the distribution process. Overall, the sentiment reflects a need for targeted economic support within the community.

Contention

While there is support for providing cash assistance, some points of contention may arise regarding the bill's implementation and distribution process. Critics might question whether the funding is sufficient to meet the needs of all eligible residents and the method by which the Department of Revenue will assess applications to prevent inaccuracies or abuse. Ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution process will likely be central themes in ongoing discussions about the bill.