SD
South Dakota House Bill HB1243

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HB1243

Introduced
1/27/22  
Refer
1/31/22  

Caption

Make an appropriation to the Board of Regents for a cost-of-living increase and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The legislation includes a stipulation that any postsecondary institution increasing tuition or fees for the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters shall become ineligible for the appropriated funds. As a result, this measure is designed to promote budgetary restraint within institutions, encouraging them to prioritize employee compensation while maintaining stable tuition rates for students. This move aims to strengthen support for those working in education, thereby fostering a more stable educational environment.

Summary

House Bill 1243 is intended to allocate funds to the South Dakota Board of Regents specifically for a cost-of-living increase for employees at postsecondary educational institutions. This bill appropriates a total of $10,000,000 from the general fund, targeted at boosting the salaries of faculty and staff who are funded by tuition and fees. The emphasis is on ensuring that these increases are implemented without raising tuition or fees in the upcoming academic semesters, highlighting a concern for educational accessibility and affordability.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HB 1243 could involve the implications of tying salary increases to the freeze on tuition. Critics may argue that the constraints placed on tuition hikes could hinder institutions' financial flexibility, particularly in the context of inflation and rising operational costs. Additionally, the bill's emergency declaration indicates the urgency of the situation, which could evoke debate on the appropriateness and necessity of such an emergency funding measure.

Final_notes

Ultimately, HB 1243 serves as a strategic response to the financial needs of educational institutions in South Dakota, aiming to balance employee compensation with student affordability. If successful, the bill may enhance the attractiveness of South Dakota's postsecondary institutions, although it will also necessitate careful fiscal management from the institutions concerned.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD HB1022

Authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and renovation of, and construction of an addition to, the Stanley J. Marshall Center at South Dakota State University, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB32

Make an appropriation for the purchase of cybersecurity upgrades by the Board of Regents and to declare an emergency.

SD HB1021

Authorize the Board of Regents to acquire property, contract for the design and construction of an athletics events center at Dakota State University, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB43

Authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design, renovation, and construction of an addition for a health sciences center at Black Hills State University–Rapid City, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB42

Authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of an addition to the wellness center at the University of South Dakota, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB130

Authorize the Board of Regents to acquire property, contract for the design and construction of the Dakota State University Applied Research Lab, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD HB1209

Make an appropriation to the Board of Regents for improving the National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota and to declare an emergency.

SD HB1064

Make an appropriation for increases in the construction costs of infrastructure at Lake Alvin and Newell Lake, and to declare an emergency.

SD HB1022

Make an appropriation for increased costs related to the construction of the new state public health laboratory, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB172

Make an appropriation for design costs related to the health services center at Black Hills State University–Rapid City, and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.