In lean year, governor offers no increase in ‘big 3’ spending

After several years of revenue surpluses that allowed for spending increases and ambitious government projects, the state of South Dakota expects a lean funding outlook, a reality reflected Dec. 2 in Gov. Larry Rhoden’s budget address.

In his first budget address to the Legislature since becoming governor in January, Rhoden proposed no annual state aid increase for the so-called big three core fund…