VIEWPOINT | South Dakota's surplus should feed more than a bottom line

Guest column by Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-District 15 (Sioux Falls)

Kadyn Wittman

Earlier this week, Gov. Larry Rhoden proudly announced that South Dakota ended the fiscal year with a $63 million surplus. On top of that, the Legislature left another $106 million intentionally unspent — bringing the total cushion to $169 million. As someone who believes in fiscal responsibility and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, I’m glad our state is on solid financial footing. But I can’t help but see those numbers and know we left far too much on the table, rather than using it to help South Dakotans who need it most.

For the past three legislative sessions, I’ve introduced a bill to expand free school lunches to more South Dakota students. Each year, it’s been a practical, targeted solution with a small price tag; this year’s version came in at just $616,000 annually. And yet, once again, the Governor’s Office opposed the bill. In fact, they were the only voice of opposition in committee.

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