Republican Leaders Focus On Budget

Air Date:01/21/2011

By Kealey Bultena

Republicans in Pierre are focusing on South Dakota’s budget this session. Senate Majority Leader Russ Olson says other bills are important, but his main objective is to solve the state’s financial problems.

"I don’t know that you’re going to see a larger caucus position or a more defined caucus position on anything besides the budget. I see a lot of social bills that are going to come in next week or potentially have the ability to come in, and I don’t see that those are where we’re going to take a caucus position on it. I really do think the main players are focused on the budget and getting us out of this financial situation that we’re in and doing it sooner rather than later," Olson says.

Olson says it’s time for South Dakota to fix its money issues this year. Democrats propose a three-year plan to get the budget back on track, including using reserve funds.

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