011210 Democratic Reaction
Air Date:01/12/2010
By Erin Heinert
The Leaders of the Democratic Party held a press conference after South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds delivered his State of the State address. Putting a cap on government spending and cutting state full-time employees is the major reform democrats are pushing for this session.
Speaking with other members of the Democratic Party behind him on the capitol buildings grand staircase, Senator Scott Heidepriem outlined the Democratic agenda. Heidepriem advocates cutting state-funded jobs. He says while he does not doubt the passion and commitment of state employees, having so many isn't helping the state's economic condition.
"But the way that passion manifests itself, is that they want to do even more," Heidepriem says. "Good management says, ‘That's great but you've got to hold down the aspirations of some departments if you are going to change priorities and grow in other departments.'"
Heidepriem says the state should return to the amount of full-time employees before the Rounds administration, which is 1,500 fewer than now.
Member stations can download the audio file here.
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