Lawmakers Optimistic on the Economy

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A survey by The Associated Press shows that
more South Dakota lawmakers are beginning to be upbeat about the
economy than are worried about a further decline.
     About 57 percent of the lawmakers responding to the survey say
they believe the economy will improve in the next year. Another 29
percent believe the economy will stay the same, while 14 percent
believe it will falter.
     In his budget speech last month, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said South
Dakota's economy is recovering slowly. But he said national and
international problems could drag down the state's economy.
     Legislative leaders say they generally are optimistic about the
economy. They say the Legislature's outlook for the economy likely
will influence spending decisions in the legislative session that
starts Tuesday.