PIERRE, SD – The budget and how to slice it up is always a major debate for South Dakota legislators but the 2021 session may have the problem of extra money.
Senator Jim Bolin of Canton says because of solid sales tax revenues and other factors, they expect a big chunk of one-time money. “What will we do with the money? I don’t know,” says Bolin. “Will we pay off state debt? Will we invest more in tech schools, colleges, or more for nursing homes? I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see.” He added, “But that’s going to be an issue. We willl have quite a bit of one-time money that can be spent. I would say above $50 million.”
Bolin says there will be a lot of talk about improvements around Ellsworth Airforce Base (EAFB). “There will be a need to spend some of that money to get ready for the increase in usage at Ellsworth. They will be bringing a new bomber to EAFB, one of the very few bases in the country that will house those bombers.”
Bolin says the base expansion will bring more people and traffic in and around Rapid City. “There will be a need for more infrastructure that the state is going to have to invest in to make sure that Ellsworth remains a key component of life here in Spouth Dakota, especially in western South Dakota. So I would say some of that money will very likely be invested in the infrastructure surrounding EAFB.”
Governor Kristi Noem will deliver her budget ideas to the legislature early next month.
