South Dakota lawmakers passed a $4.3 billion budget late Friday night. Despite lower than expected revenue projections, the budget provides for increases in Medicaid reimbursements, state employee salaries and education funding. Lawmakers also passed a bill that increases funding for roads and bridges. It raises the gas tax by six cents and raises license fees and license plate feed by 20 percent. Lawmakers return to Pierre on Monday, March 30 to consider any gubernatorial vetoes.
Yesterday Senate Minority Leader Billie Sutton discussed the 2015 legislative session. Today House Speaker Pro Tempore Mark Mickelson joined Dakota Midday and offered his perspective on lawmakers' accomplishments this session.