Legislative Priorities

I have been honored to serve District 11 in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. I currently serve as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. From that perspective, I prioritize the institution of the Legislature. I stive to have good processes in place, fair bill hearings in committees, civilized conduct on the Floor, professional interactions between Chambers and branches of government to name a few.

In the House I served on the Appropriations Committee eight years. As the former Chair of Appropriations and a member of the Government Operations and Audit Committee, I have fought for the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, safeguarding the full funding of our State pension and protecting our State trust funds from being used for one-time expenses. Many of my accomplishments as the Appropriations Chair are reflected in prioritizing a State budget that never exceeds revenues.

I am also proud to say that during my service in Pierre, I have sponsored, co-sponsored and supported legislation based on principles that:

Cut Taxes
Shrink Government
Protect our Families
Defend our Constitutional Rights
Strengthen & Improve our Education System
Ensure a Healthy Business Environment & Keep Government out of Business
Improve and Maintain State Highways, Roads and Bridges
Protect our Elderly and Disabled
Prioritize Justice & Public Safety

10 Reasons to Re-Elect Chris Karr

CONSERVATIVE LEADER: Hundreds of proven conservative votes and leadership as President Pro Tempore, Chairman of Appropriations and Majority Whip Leader. Hailed as “Fiscal Champion”, “Principled Leader”, “Champion for Freedom” by Americans For Prosperity.

TAX CUTS: Sponsored and supported bills to cut sales tax, gas and food taxes, and property taxes for the elderly and disabled. SD has strong reserves and surpluses should go back to taxpayers. Dollars are better spent in the hands of tax payers. Government should only spend what it needs.

CONVENTION OF STATES: Consistently supported an Article V Convention of States to reign in the Federal Government on spending and term limits. The Federal Government needs to have a balanced budget and stop deficit spending.

FAMILIES: 90% Pro-Family Voting Record from Family Voice.

UNBORN: Received an "A" Rating from SD Right to Life.

SECOND AMENDMENT: Our individual 2nd Amendment rights to keep and bear arms ‘shall not be infringed.’ NRA – “A” Rated

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Led the Appropriations Committee to fund the needs of the Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation, so they can fight the drug epidemic, investigate murdered and missing indigenous people and replace life-saving equipment, to name a few.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Led the way in streamlining academia and finding efficiencies in our Regental Universities (SB55) and worked with Universities and Technical Colleges to freeze tuitions increases (FY2023).

CONSERVATION: Sponsored and supported funding to provide long-term clean up of the Big Sioux River and adjoining water ways in 2021 and additional funding in 2026 for all SD surface waters.

COMMUNITY: Continuously champion support for Community Support Providers and organizations that care for individuals with disabilities and mental health needs – including Lifescape, Dakotabilities, Volunteers of America.

I have served in several leadership roles in the Senate and the House of Representatives and I have worked hard to be an effective leader and work with all members of the House, the Senate and the Executive Branch – but there is still more work to be done.

I would like the opportunity to further address the issues that face South Dakota by representing District 11 in Pierre and I would greatly appreciate your support. I am asking for your vote on June 2nd!