Thursday, January 20, 2011

[PenDems (251)] Democrats Respond to Daugaard Budget



TEA PARTY BUDGET IS DISASTER FOR SOUTH DAKOTA


PIERRE —   Governor Dennis Daugaard's budget is an ominous sign that
the Tea Party has infiltrated state government in Pierre, according to
Democratic State Party Chairman Ben Nesselhuf.
       "The governor has apparently taken the helm of political extremism in
South Dakota," said Nesselhuf "Two months ago he refused to
acknowledge there was a budget crisis. Now he says the crisis is so
severe that we must solve it immediately by jeopardizing our
children's future and passing the buck to local governments and
taxpayers back home."
       Nesselhuf said the governor's budget address was less than honest.
"He lists $30 million in cuts to health care for the poor and disabled
citizens — but those $30 million are general funds that are matched by
federal funds. The total loss will be $70 million. That's a huge blow
to South Dakota and will surely slow our recovery from the recession."
       The Democratic leader said South Dakotans are a moderate people who
believe in good schools and in helping children and seniors who need
health care. "The governor's budget ignores those values."
       Nesselhuf is also concerned that the budget proposal will hurt
economic development efforts in South Dakota. "If this passes in the
legislature, what signal does it send to employers and young working
families in South Dakota? The message will be that state government is
run by the Tea Party, and it doesn't believe in public education and
health care. Those two areas are the most important components of our
quality of life."
       "The Tea Party has obviously recruited Dennis Daugaard to their
ranks," he said. "This is disastrous to our future."


--
Ben Nesselhuf
South Dakota Democratic Party
Chairman
605-271-5405

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