Greetings District 18,
It is clear, even this early in the session, that the mood of the Legislature is more somber than last year. I believe this is appropriate given the difficult decisions we will have to make over the next two months.
With economic forecasts projecting only modest improvement over the next 18-24 months, combined with the fact that South Dakota will lose $70 million in stimulus money for FY 2012, it is crucial that the we pass a budget that is structurally balanced for FY 2011.
It is equally important, with unemployment levels continuing to rise and many South Dakota families struggling, that we balance our FY 2011 budget without increasing state taxes.
Of course this will require making some difficult budget cuts, as many of our colleagues in the business world have already been forced to do. I am confident, though, that by making these tough cuts now, we will put SD in the best possible position to weather this storm going forward.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions.
Nick
