Sioux Falls Chamber legislative lookout for 2010 session

The 2010 South Dakota legislative session started Tuesday with the final State of the State Address of the Rounds administration.

Gov. Mike Rounds used it to highlight the accomplishments of his tenure. In reviewing the state's economy, Rounds said Medicaid and unemployment rates have gone up dramatically, resulting in significant financial burdens to take care of people. While South Dakota's unemployment rate is only half of the national rate of 10 percent, it is still causing stress on Medicaid utilization, unemployment benefits and training needs for the unemployed.

Rounds said the state's emergency reserves are higher now than when he took office and that he intends to use about $31.8 million in reserve funds to cover most of the projected $37 million shortfall in the state budget. The federal government is contemplating a stimulus package that could help with the shortfall in Medicaid but that the use of this money might result in greater shortfall in the coming years because it is one-time money.

He suggested the state can use some of last year's stimulus money earmarked for unemployment with and adjustment to provide for more training for the unemployed as required by federal law.

An important part of his speech for Sioux Falls related to an opportunity to establish a new state park near Sioux Falls at the Blood Run Historical Site. This site, home of an ancient Oneota Indian village, is located in Iowa (approximately 187 acres) and South Dakota (approximately 196 acres) along the Big Sioux River. South Dakota has a two-year option to purchase land that could ultimately become a state park, which would require legislative approval.

This Native American historic site was occupied between 1300-1750 by people of the Oneota culture, including the Omaha, Ioway, Oto and Yankton Sioux Indian tribes. By 1700, Blood Run was a significant cultural center for ceremonial, trade and social purposes and was frequented at times by as many as 6,000 Native Americans.

The site takes its name from the legend of a battle between tribes that made the water in a nearby creek run red. The site is important for its historic and recreational value, which would provide camping, hiking and historical instruction about the Oneota settlement and save the area from development. The Governor said he was excited about the possibilities of a state park so close to the large population base.

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