PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- South Dakota lawmakers have passed the $7 billion-plus state budget after a final fight over spending growth and public broadcasting.
The general appropriations bill now goes to Gov. Larry Rhoden.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting became one of the final symbolic fights over the budget.
In the Senate, Republican Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont, offered Amendment 1326B to remove about 296-thousand dollars in added state support for SDPB.
Representative Dylan Jordan tried to do the same in the South Dakota House. Both were defeated at their respective chambers.
Backers said the budget stays balanced and funds the state’s core responsibilities.
In the House, Republican Rep. Mike Derby, R-Rapid City, Joint Appropriations co-chair, defended the budget.
Democrats also backed the bill.
In the House, Democratic Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, said the bill supports key services.
Freedom Caucus members led the opposition, joined by a few other conservative lawmakers, including Sen. Taffy Howard, R-Rapid City.
Howard said lawmakers were still growing government too fast.
In the House, Republican Rep. Josephine Garcia, R-Watertown, said the budget’s long-term growth is worrisome.
We have a separate story with reaction from our area legislators at a separate news page at www.hubcityradio.com.
House Bill 1326 passed the House 50-17 and the Senate 25-9 and now goes to Gov. Larry Rhoden for consideration.
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