South Dakota lawmakers defeated a measure that creates a special legislative committee to investigate Economic Development activities. House Bill 1224 was designed to specifically look at the controversial EB-5 program. Democratic State Representative Kathy Tyler says a committee is needed to investigate the entire EB-5 program thoroughly.
"It’s a standard practice of our legislature to appoint special committees and task forces for special projects. Studying the EB-5 situation in South Dakota is special and intensive. A thorough study will take time and effort, a job for a special committee," Representative Tyler says.
Tyler says this committee could help get a full grasp of the program because it just doesn't only impact the investments of the Northern Beef Packer plant. Opponents of House Bill 1224 say recent audits are enough and another investigation is a waste of resources and time.
