2026 Legislative Platform

The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and the Aberdeen Development Corporation’s joint Public Policy Committee has been meeting over the last several months to determine our 2026 Legislative Platform. Our commitment to business advocacy and quality growth for Aberdeen and the region are stronger than ever and we believe our efforts will continue to advance sound public policy and promote a stable environment for our business community to flourish.

Purpose Statement: Our community and region deserve elected leadership focusing on real issues that affect the daily lives of the citizens like economic growth, public safety, infrastructure maintenance and development, and education not manufactured social controversies. Time and taxpayer dollars should be spent solving real problems, not pursuing political agendas that cause divides or address issues that do not exist. Our organizations believe in practical, results-driven leadership that reflect the values and needs of all – not distractions that waste resources and stall progress.

Below are the key policy areas we will be supporting this session. If you have questions, comments or other input, please reach out to me at gail@aberdeen-chamber.com or (605) 225-2860 or Cam Schock, Public Policy Committee Chair at cam.schock@climatecontrolprofessionals.com.

Education

We support:

• Investment in Northern State University (NSU) operations, facilities, students, and employees to serve as the regional comprehensive university for Northeast South Dakota.
• Investment in Lake Area Technical College (LATC) operations, facilities, students, and employees to serve as the regional technical college for Northeast South Dakota.
• Policies to keep tuition and fees at NSU and LATC affordable.
• Sustained and increased K-12 funding for public schools to maintain competitive teacher salaries and modernized learning environments.
• Early childhood education programs, including public-private partnerships, to improve kindergarten readiness.

Workforce

We support:

• Attracting skilled professionals to the Aberdeen region, including relocation assistance and housing programs.
• Training and upskilling initiatives for incumbent workers to meet evolving industry needs.
• Expanding access to affordable, quality childcare to increase workforce participation.
• The removal of unnecessary income and eligibility restrictions for families seeking childcare assistance while employed.

Energy, Water & Infrastructure

We Support:

• The development of diverse and renewable energy sources to ensure reliability and cost stability; including nuclear and natural gas fired power plants.
• Streamlining permitting for energy infrastructure projects while maintaining environmental protections.
• Securing additional water sources for Northeastern South Dakota to ensure long-term sustainability.
• State and federal funding for regional water pipeline projects.
• Obtaining funding for wastewater system expansions to accommodate industrial and residential growth.
• Regional partnerships to share costs for infrastructure upgrades.

Health Care

We Support:

• Employer-based wellness programs to reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.
• Attracting healthcare professionals to rural and underserved areas.
• Funding for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home-based care.
• The sustainability of Emergency Medical Service Providers.

Economic Development & Local Government

We Support:

• Local governments having the tools and flexibility to address community needs effectively.
• Stable and diverse revenue streams for municipalities and counties.
• Expanding programs that encourage business relocation, expansion, and entrepreneurship.
• Maintaining the Future Fund Program as is.

Transportation

We Support:

• Road, rail, and air improvements to enhance connectivity between Aberdeen and major markets.
• The expansion of freight rail capacity to support agricultural and industrial exports.
• Public transportation systems to ensure access for all residents, including elderly and low-income populations.