Chris Hupke's Blog

Rep. Hunt is speaking to introduce the bill.

We just found out we need a 2/3 vote because there is a need for extra staff/staff time in the Department of the Health and Human Services to take on staff to handle the registry.

Good floor discussion.  

Vote taken 40(Y)-29(N)-1(Excused)

We needed 47 votes to get the 2/3 majority so the bill is considered dead.

SB191 passes to the House.  Critical here was the fact that this year we picked up a couple votes.  Sadly several senators that told us they were opposed to this because there was no funding switched their votes.

This was a good debate and one that we're glad to have.  We have a vote record on this very important issue for families. 

Going into the vote we knew this would be either be an 18-17 victory or a 20-15 Defeat.  Three votes hung loosely and in this vote they went for the bill. 

Senator Heidepriem making his case for government funded pre-k.

Senator Tom Dempster is making the case for government funding of pre-k.  Always making the case that this is for disadvantaged children.

Sadly, there is so much effort into this bill that offers no opportunity to answer the problem these kids have, stuggling home environments.

Dempster is misrepresenting what's possible in government funding - he is claiming faith based organizations can recieve funding.

The Blaine Amendment in our Constitution states that religious institutions can't receive FUNDING!

I have been thinking about this day now since the begining of session.  two pieces of legisaltion that we are very much committed to working on have their day on the floors of the respective houses of their origin.

Join with me to pray that SB191 (govt pre-k) defeated and that HB1262 (adoption)passes.

Stay tuned for the details of the debates.  I'll be in the balcony of both chambers bringing you the play by play.

Just found out that the House will be taking this up late in the day, lots going on!

On the floor of the Senate, Senator Howie asked everyone to look at the sheet handed out by SDFPC listing the 73 cures discovered using Adult Stem Cells.  0 - cures for Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

Senator Bob Gray - Calls to Question

Vote 14 Yes - 20 No's - 1 Excused

Go to our website for the details SB195