Committee: House Appropriations
Office of Attorney General
Ms. Annie Mertz, LRC, provided budget information for the committee (Document #1).
Attorney General, Mark Barnett, updated the committee regarding the $17 million dollars received
from the tobacco settlement. He emphasized that this money is an unreliable source of revenue
because of the decrease in tobacco usage and risk to payment contingent upon other law suits. Mr.
Barnett recommended that the $17 million be invested and left untouched for 4 years. At the end of
that time the interest earned could be spent, leaving the initial investment in intact.
Mr. Barnett addressed the committee regarding the department budget (Document #2). He said that
last year State Radio had been removed from his budget to the Bureau of Information and
Technology.
Law Enforcement Training- Mr Barnett and Mr. Kevin Thom, gave a review of the training program and the growing need for a new training facility. In order to increase the basic law enforcement academy hours from the present 320 hours to 480 hours they are proposing that training be condensed to 3 courses over 12 weeks. There had been a budget increase of $56,000 to cover the cost of basic coordinator and additional instructional costs. This $56,000 was cut back to $25,000 by the
Governor and Mr. Barnett is requesting that the $56,000 be reinstated. He further emphasized that
no general funds are involved.
Mr. Thom presented the committee with letters in support of increased training period from Mr. Gary
Drewes, South Dakota Municipal League (Document 3), Mr. Don Holloway, President SD Sheriff's
Association (Document 4) and Mr. Duane Heeney, President South Dakota Police Chiefs
Association (Document 5).
The increase of general fund dollars would allow the department to replace equipment that breaks
as well as keeping the computers updated every four years. Mr. Barnett had originally requested
$50,000 and it had been cut back to $25,000. Mr. Barnett said he would go back to the Governor and
request that the original amount be reinstated.
Chair Richter recessed the meeting at 9:30, and reconvened the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Mr. Bill Pike, LRC provided budget information for the committee (Document #6).
Mr. John Jones, Secretary, Department of Human Services, addressed the committee regarding the
department budget (Document #7). Mr. Gib Sudbeck, Director, Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse
reviewed the priority goals, emphasizing the treatment for pregnant women and women with
dependant children.
Mr. Sudbeck explained for the committee that the $40,608 general funds increase was to purchase
services from local community based programs for juvenile corrections patients that have been
through treatment but have relapsed. The method of payment for services between Department of
Corrections and Department of Human Services for alcohol treatment has been changed amounting
to a $24,094 saving in federal funds.
Mr. Grady Kickul, Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services, explained that Rehabilitation is a
federally mandated program that assists in rehabilitation of individuals for employment and self-
sufficiently.
Ms. Patty Warkenthien, Division Director, Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired, reviewed
the services provided to the blind and visually impaired and explained that the major funding source
is from federal funds. She said that one of the major increases in the budget would be for a full time
youth program director for the students at CSD.
Ms. Betty Oldenkamp, Director, Human Services Center, explained that their goals for mental health
have not changed since last year. In response to questions from the committee regarding space
availability, Ms. Oldenkamp responded that there is a waiting list for individuals to be admitted for
treatment. This includes both adults as well as minors.
Secretary Jones told the committee that the requested increase of $115,623 in inflation was due to the high cost of medication.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by:
Representative Putnam
Second by:
Representative Wudel
Action:
Prevailed by voice vote.
Jeanette Black