Lawmakers Hope To Increase Funding Levels

PIERRE, SD - South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard is preparing to address the legislature with his budget proposal for next year.

The outlook is expected to be brighter than last year's which included cuts in state funding across the board.

South Dakota lawmakers are gathering at the capitol to hear the governor's proposal, which they will then use as a base when considering bills and funding requests when the legislative session begins in January.

Last year, they were faced with tough decisions as they put together a balanced budget. But with those cuts behind them, they now can move forward with any new revenues that come in and distributing those to different areas.

Lawmakers we've talked with hope to see a little more money or at least maintain funding levels for education, medicaid providers and state employees. People who work for the state have gone without a raise for the past three years.

You'll can watch Governor Daugaard address the full South Dakota Legislature for his second budget address on KELOLAND.com when it begins at 1 p.m.