By Todd Epp, South Dakota Broadcasters Association. This story written with the assistance of Grammarly AI.
PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Some members of the Joint Appropriations Committee think the state of South Dakota should consider reviewing its Property Tax Refund for Elderly and Disabled Persons program.
The 50-year-old program provides small refunds to low-income people over 65 or those with disabilities. It was once funded for millions of dollars annually, but participation has decreased. The average refund is currently about $235.
The program needs to be more straightforward, according to citizen advocate Cathy Brechtelsbauer of Sioux Falls.
Several committee members suggested that the state should look at other programs that assist people experiencing poverty with sales and property tax relief.
The committee voted 16 to 0 in favor of appropriating $425,000 for the program. SB28 now goes to the Senate.
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