HB0107-Local Government Distributions

***LAC is the Legislative Action Committee of the RWSC (Republican Women of Sheridan County).  Below is the main message showing our position and reasons why we support or oppose a bill. 

We oppose SF0107-Local government distributions unless amended, for the following reasons:

· This bill amends statute to create a perpetual sales and use tax distribution to cities, towns, and counties. Previously the Local Government Distributions bills allocated money each biennium.

· This creates an expectation of the recurring amount with possible future requests that could be made on top of this if the carved out percentage doesn’t fulfill current obligations. 

· Since local governments are a subdivision of the state, it is proper for them to request for their needs; however, overall counties have excess funds. According to recent analysis, county revenues have increased 42% in 5 years (2019-2024), more than a billion dollars higher than expenses. 

· Some counties are not as well off financially as others. This inequity might be a topic for interim legislative study. If so, audit reports of all counties would be needed. The counties must be required to report to legislature on audit findings and resolutions for exceptions. Citizens of Johnson County brought suit to attempt this, but were shut down by the court.

· Please amend the bill to remove the perpetual distribution.

Thank you!