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Joint committee hears request for $6.736 million to buy equipment for state technical colleges; action deferred
Summary
Representatives and the Board of Technical Education sought $6,736,000 to purchase prioritized equipment for the four technical colleges; proponents said state funds would leverage local matching, while the Bureau of Finance and Management recommended opposing because of recent appropriations.
Representative Matt Roby presented House Bill 11‑14 A, requesting $6,736,000 in one‑time general funds to purchase high‑priority equipment for South Dakota's technical colleges. Roby said the technical colleges identified about 100 items totaling roughly $10 million; the institutions would provide approximately $3.3 million in local matches so the state portion would leverage additional local investment.
Nick Wendell and Nick Bridal (Board of Technical Education) testified for the colleges, emphasizing the equipment's role in training students for in‑demand fields such as agriculture, healthcare, welding, precision machining and others. Wendell said industry advisory councils help prioritize equipment and many employers are willing to provide matching contributions.
Grant Judson of the Bureau of Finance and Management opposed the bill, noting the Legislature has appropriated equipment funds in recent years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024) and asking the committee to consider that pattern before adding more one‑time funding.
Members asked for the detailed equipment list; proponents said a comprehensive list was available and would be provided to the committee. After questions, the committee deferred action on HB 11‑14 A.
