Reaction to Governor’s Budget Follows Party Lines

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Reaction To South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard's proposed $4.1 billion state budget is following party lines.

The Republican governor proposed modest increases to account for inflation in state aid to schools, funding for universities and reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities that provide medical services to poor people.

House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton says the governor's speech to lawmakers failed to address the need to fund schools adequately. He says he hopes Republican and Democratic lawmakers can join forces to find more money for school districts.

Senate Republican Leader Russell Olson of Wentworth says he's pleased the governor has left some money uncommitted. He says he doesn't know how the Legislature might decide to spend that money, but he believes some will be invested in education.

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