Who are South Dakota’s biggest employers? Hospitals, government, and grocers:
One out of five of your neighbors works for one of our three big hospital systems; the federal, state, or Sioux Falls or Rapid City metro area government; or for Walmart or Hy-Vee.
Mr. Trump’s government shutdown & furlough has about 2.5% of South Dakotans either working without pay or not working and not paid. Most of the federal jobs (and their contractors,) are at pay rates greater than the state’s average salary since most require education or advanced education and many have a regional focus. These employees will defer or cancel purchases for the foreseeable future until back-pay is assured. His furlough will reduce sales and gasoline tax collection while folks hunker down awaiting the end of his tantrum. Ellsworth is open – but little else from the federal government in SD.
Continue voting against your interest, SD.