SD Voters Approve Balanced Budget Amendment

South Dakota voters have approved a state constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget.

Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard proposed the amendment earlier this year, saying current language implies the budget must be balanced but doesn't require it.

Two provisions limit state debt and provide for an emergency tax to wipe out any deficit.

The amendment Daugaard proposed says the governor must propose - and the Legislature must pass - a budget in which spending does not exceed anticipated revenue.

Opponents say the amendment is not needed and could encourage overly optimistic revenue estimates that lead to deficits.