Opinion ID: 2117122
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: DeSmet National Guard ArmorySB 171

Text: In 1985, the legislature, by special appropriation, authorized the expenditure of $652,500 by the department of military and veterans affairs to provide state matching funds for the construction of national guard armories and additions. Respondents argue that the national guard armory in DeSmet, South Dakota, was one of the projects eligible for construction from that appropriation. A review of the minutes, however, from the Joint Committee on Appropriations reveals that the 1985 expenditure was for construction at Rapid City, Vermillion, Aberdeen, Mitchell and Sioux Falls. In 1989, the 1985 legislation was amended to extend funding for the construction of certain national guard armories. Respondents argue that part of the funds authorized by the 1989 legislation were earmarked for the DeSmet project. Nothing, however, in the legislative history supports this argument. The 1985 and 1989 appropriations are important to this appeal for one reason: both measures passed by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. Thus, Respondents argue that because the DeSmet project was approved by two-thirds of the legislature twice before, it was not necessary a third time. SB 171 was entitled FOR AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE MONEY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY AT DESMET. Respondents argue that SB 171 was introduced to secure the $76,000 in additional funding, which when added to the remaining 1985 funding would allow the previously authorized DeSmet project to go forward. However, neither the legislative history nor the act itself supports this argument. SB 171 was tabled on February 18, 1992, and funding was included in the General Appropriation Bill. An attempt was made on the Senate floor to remove this funding from the General Appropriation Bill, but the attempt failed. The funding, as part of the General Appropriation Bill, was passed by a simple majority.