South Dakota

What Are the Budget Issues Facing South Dakota?

In 2009, South Dakota faces a $27 million budget gap representing 2.2% of the general fund. In 2010, South Dakota is looking at an even greater $32 million shortfall, 2.7% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in South Dakota

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $120,000,000 in relief for South Dakota’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $104,300,000 in relief to the state of South Dakota to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $39,000,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $33,700,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $7,200,000 for other education programs in South Dakota’s schools.
• $42,000,000 in food stamps for 67,000 South Dakota men, women, and children.
• $3,300,000 in emergency shelter grants for 900 households.
• 32,000 South Dakota children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $5,460,030 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 1,440 South Dakota children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 17,037 South Dakota families.
• $3,300,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $2,900,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have South Dakota’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
John Thune (R)

Tim Johnson (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information