State Senator (SD-21)
Employer / Organization
Next Election
Nov 03, 2020
Filing Window
Jan 01, 2020 - Apr 28, 2020
Description
A South Dakota State Senator serves in the upper house of the bicameral South Dakota State Legislature. South Dakota has 35 senators, who each represent one district within the state. Each senator represents about 24,376 constituents from their respective districts. Primary responsibilities of a senator include, developing budget packages, making taxation decisions, passing legislation, allocating spending, and redistricting in collaboration with other senators and the house of representatives. Additionally, the senate has the exclusive authority to try officials impeached by the house in addition to authorizing certain executive appointments. Leadership in the senate is guided by the Senate President, who, after being chosen by the majority party caucus, and elected by the entire senate body, is charged with assigning each senator to various committees and leadership positions. A South Dakota senator serves a two-year term, with a limit of four terms. The salary of the position is $6,000 each yearly session and a per diem of $129 for each legislative day.