PIERRE, SD – Thousands of South Dakotans joined Candidate for Governor and Speaker of the House Jon Hansen alongside Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems Thursday night for a packed statewide town hall discussing Hansen’s plan to cut property taxes by 25% and save taxpayers $1.1 billion over five years.
The response was overwhelming. During the live event, 95% of the hundreds who responded said they are unhappy with the current property tax system, and 92% said they support Hansen’s plan to deliver immediate, lasting relief.
“People are tired of seeing their property taxes skyrocket while Pierre spends more than it should,” Hansen said. “Our plan gives power back to homeowners, not bureaucrats.”
Hansen and Lems fielded over a dozen questions from callers across the state, ranging from agricultural land assessments to local school funding. The message from South Dakotans was clear: the status quo isn’t working.
And when asked whether they’d rather see their tax dollars go toward property tax cuts or airport upgrades proposed by the Governor, a staggering 94% said they’d prefer tax relief.
“That about says it all,” Lems quipped. “You can’t land a plane on a tax bill, but you sure can crash a family budget with one.”
Based on the insights and extensive work of the Comprehensive Property Tax Taskforce he vice-chairs, Hansen’s plan includes a 5% reduction in government spending, $120 million in direct property tax rebates, and a permanent safeguard dedicating future growth to keeping taxes low. The plan is designed to lower the burden on all homeowners while also expanding tax relief programs for seniors and veterans.
“This town hall proves what we’ve known all along,” Hansen said. “South Dakotans want real, responsible property tax reform — not more government waste and pet projects.”
