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Sutton: Daugaard’s Final Budget Lacks Vision, Fails to Invest in SD

By Cory Allen Heidelberger on 2017-12-06

Senate Minority Leader Billie Sutton (D-21/Burke), the Democrats’ standard-bearer in the 2018 gubernatorial race, joins the chorus of disappointment greeting Governor Dennis Daugaard’s bleak final budget address:

Sen. Billie Sutton, speaking in Aberdeen, SD, 2017.11.13.
Sen. Billie Sutton

South Dakotans know the importance of living within our means and balancing our budget responsibly. As a state legislator and member of the appropriations committee, I know first hand how to cut unnecessary spending while also making the necessary investments that will grow our economy. We must live within our means, but unfortunately yesterday’s Budget Address lacked a plan or vision to improve the anemic economic condition in South Dakota.

Ag income and non-farm income are both struggling in South Dakota. Housing starts are falling behind, and unemployment has risen. In tough times, we must prioritize to make strategic investments that improve the economy. Strategic investments like our children’s education, public/private partnerships for early childhood education, needs-based scholarship opportunities, job training programs for those looking to advance their careers, improving housing opportunities, increasing salaries and wages, and improving healthcare access will all positively impact the economy throughout the state.

We also need to ensure tax payer dollars are being spent wisely, not mismanaged or steered to political insiders for personal gain. With the corruption we have seen in state government, more must be done to ensure government funds are properly administered, accounted for, and transparent to the people [Sen. Billie Sutton, press release, 2017.12.06].

Senator Sutton mentions job training programs. Dare I note at this point that the Noem/Trump-shuttered Molded Fiber Glass received $400K for workforce development and training from the Governor’s Future Fund in August 2008, $350K in May 2009, $100K in January 2011, $60K in May 2013, and $160K in September 2013? Maybe part of stretching our state tax dollars includes electing a Congressman who won’t work against South Dakota’s investments?

Published in South Dakota

One Comment

  1. jerry 2017-12-06 20:38

    Indeed “Maybe part of stretching our state tax dollars includes electing a Congressman who won’t work against South Dakota’s investments” Krebs has already come out of the closet and said her agenda will be trump’s agenda. She is so willy nilly, she had no plan nor does she have a platform. I’m with stupid, should be her bumper sticker. Cute, but certainly not what we need to develop our state.

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