PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has vetoed a measure that would increase a state fee imposed for inspecting commercial fertilizer.
The measure would increase the inspection fee on most fertilizer from 15 cents a ton to 30 cents a ton, with the extra money going to South Dakota State University for research into fertilizer and soil nutrients.
But Daugaard says the measure amounts to a tax increase that helps a state agency that is already getting a substantial budget increase.
The measure's main sponsor, Sen. Shantel Krebs of Renner, says she believes supporters can get the required two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate to pass the bill over the governor's objections. She says the fertilizer industry supports the fee as a way to avoid federal regulations.
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