Gov. Rounds Announces Nov. 27 Special Session has been Cancelled

Gov. Rounds Announces Nov. 27 Special Session has been Cancelled

Gov. Mike Rounds today sent a letter to all South Dakota State Senators informing them the special legislative session scheduled for Nov. 27 has been cancelled.

The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Senator:

The Democrat and Republican leaders of the South DakotaState Senate formally requested that I convene a special session of the Senate to allow you to investigate allegations against Senator Dan Sutton. I granted your request because the legislature is not allowed to call only one body into session. Therefore, my calling of a special session of only the Senate would save the taxpayers approximately $20,000 per day.

I have received a letter from Senator Sutton resigning from the balance of this term. He stated in his letter that he intends to serve his new term, which starts in January 2007. As a result of this resignation, your bi-partisan leadership has now asked that I cancel the special session. You stated that the new leadership and members of the Senate can decide whether and how to proceed at the regular session, which begins in January 2007.

Our state Constitution does not speak to cancellation of a special session, once called. It is silent on that question. However, the majority of cases from other jurisdictions permit the governor to cancel a special session if that action is taken before the special session actually convenes.

The resignation of Senator Sutton, combined with your request that the special session be cancelled, convinces me that there is no reason for the special session. I will not waste taxpayer funds and legislative time to force you to attend the special session. Any concerns held by the new leadership and members of the Senate may be addressed at the regular session.

Sincerely,

http://www.state.sd.us/governor/