PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has passed a proposal to give state lawmakers more control over how federal funds are spent, defying Gov. Kristi Noem and clearing the way for the House and Senate to then find agreement on the $5.8 billion state budget.
The bipartisan proposal on federal funding passed on the final day of the legislature’s main run with over two-thirds support in each chamber. It passed despite the Republican governor’s ardent objections.
During budget negotiations, a bipartisan proposal emerged to require a legislative budgeting committee to approve state government spending of federal funds if it requires a policy change. That will sunset after one year.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed three spending bills to fund much of state government, including 6% increases for state employees, K-12 education and Medicaid providers. There are also a number of one-time expenditures, including an additional $10 million for nursing home staff and $16 million for a land purchase for a new women’s prison.
March 11, 2022
