Legislator Encourages Feedback
Air Date:01/20/2011
By Kealey Bultena
Lawmakers have thirty-five days to balance the state’s budget. Governor Dennis Daugaard recommends cutting all state government by at least ten percent. Whether lawmakers agree or disagree with the governor, they want to hear from South Dakotans.
State Senator Mark Johnston says the state’s financial strife is certainly one way to start his first term in office. With heavy decisions ahead, Johnston says he and other lawmakers are looking for feedback from the people of South Dakota.
"Every one of us is looking for ideas, and a lot of people already have ideas. But it’s going to be an interesting 35 days. It’s going to be a very, very active rest of the session, now that we know where we sit. My blackberry has been buzzing, hearing from constituents already as they watch this on SDPB, listen on the internet, whatever the case. And that’s the thing that we always have to remember is being the stewards of the taxpayers’ money," Johnston says.
Johnston says the governor’s budget is a response to South Dakotans, who want a grip on the state’s finances and don’t want higher taxes.
Member stations download audio file here.
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