SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.COM) The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is glad that the transgender locker room bill went nowhere in the State Legislature this year.
Chamber Lobbyist Mark Lee says it is a solution in search of a problem. He says even supporters of such legislation can't give specific examples.
"That says to us that the people who are dealing with this issue out in the school districts and other places are figuring it out. God bless'em. Let's let them keep doing their work," Lee tells KELO Radio's Greg Belfrage Show.
Lee says that transgender laws would have a serious economic impact on Sioux Falls with the loss of NCAA and Summit League tournaments as one example.
Overall, The Chamber is pleased with what came out of the 2017 State Legislature, especially the repeal and replacement of Initiated Measure 22. Lobbyist Lee even supported the replacement bill on limiting how much lobbyists can give in gifts to lawmakers. He says there were just too many unintended consquences and too many constitutional issues with IM 22.
Lee acknowleged it was a tough budget year with slowing tax revenue in part because of the ailing farm economy.
