State Budget Deadline Approaching

The South Dakota Legislature is working to pass a state budget before the main run of this year's legislative session ends Friday.

The Joint Appropriations Committee has delayed making amendments to the $4.1 billion budget until the panel can determine how much is available to spend for the operation of state government in the budget year beginning July 1. That's because other bills being considered by the Legislature also will spend money.

The Appropriations Committee plans to meet Thursday to begin putting the final touches on the budget bill. But lawmakers say the budget won't be ready for consideration by the House and Senate until Friday, the final day of the main run of the session.

The Legislature returns March 25 to consider vetoes issued by Gov. Dennis Daugaard.