Fighting for Rural South Dakota: Rep. Kent Roe Delivers on Infrastructure, EMS Support, and Local Schools
- Steve Jurrens
- May 27
- 3 min read
As the June 2nd primary election approaches, District 4 Representative Kent Roe outlines his legislative victories and his vision for a second term.
As the final furlongs of the campaign season approach, South Dakota District 4 Representative Kent Roe is focused on the issues that matter most to rural communities. In a recent wide-ranging interview with news broadcaster Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD, the first-term legislator reflected on a productive legislative Session in Pierre and laid out his case for re-election, emphasizing his commitment to non-intrusive government and practical solutions for local challenges.
“I’m trying to create a pathway for folks,” Roe noted during the interview, discussing the complex balance of state legislation and local impact. Throughout his first term, Roe has proven himself to be a dedicated advocate for rural infrastructure, healthcare, and educational funding.
Upgrading Rural Infrastructure for Modern Agriculture
Having grown up on township roads just east of Hazel, Roe understands firsthand that rural infrastructure is the lifeblood of South Dakota’s agricultural economy. He highlighted the dramatic changes in farming equipment over the decades—from simple two-track wagon trails to today’s massive, heavy machinery—and the intense strain this places on local roads and bridges.
To address this, Roe heavily supported Senate Bill 240, which established the Rural Access and Infrastructure Fund. Thanks to this legislation, $5 million will be directed to townships for critical infrastructure funding, whether for cleaning out road ditches, replacing aging bridges, or upgrading culverts to bear modern loads. Additionally, Roe championed legislation (HB 1048) to continue expanding broadband infrastructure statewide, ensuring that rural businesses and families stay connected in a digital world.
Cutting Red Tape for Local EMS Volunteers
In District 4, emergency medical services are almost entirely reliant on dedicated volunteers—friends and neighbors who wake up in the middle of the night to answer a call for help. Roe has made it a priority to ensure these local heroes aren’t bogged down by bureaucratic red tape.
“These folks want to be there to care for you when you need it. They don’t want to be stuck filling out forms... I think anyway we can help local EMS and ambulance services is critically important.”
Recognizing the stress that excessive paperwork places on volunteers, Roe is actively working with the Secretary of Health to streamline the reporting process. By pushing for a centralized system, Roe aims to remove the administrative burden from local responders so they can focus strictly on patient care. Furthermore, Roe has supported the distribution of federal Rural Health Transformation funding to support rural ambulance care, nursing homes, and local clinics.
Keeping Local Tax Dollars in Local Schools
When it comes to economic development and renewable energy, Roe believes firmly that the communities hosting these projects should reap the benefits. Currently, local school districts and counties receive 100% of the tax revenue generated by wind energy projects for the first five years, after which the revenue drops to 0%.
Roe has been fighting to change that. Partnering with fellow legislators, he introduced bills designed to keep that locally generated revenue at home. With 11 or 12 school districts in District 4 generating wind energy, Roe’s legislation aims to ensure those funds continue to support local scholarships and athletic programs, rather than being redistributed away from the communities that host the turbines.
Make Your Voice Heard on June 2nd
Representative Kent Roe is asking for your vote to continue fighting for District 4 in Pierre.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Voting early? Absentee voting is available right now at your local county courthouse. You can request a ballot, fill it out on the spot, and cast your vote today.
Learn more at www.kentroeforhouse.com
Paid for by Kent Roe for SD House
