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State Rep. Mike Stevens warns Yankton board about budget limits, explains educational savings account mechanics
Summary
Representative Mike Stevens told the Yankton School Board that one‑time COVID funds are largely gone and warned that new, ongoing programs could make the state budget not 'structurally balanced'; he also explained that placing an educational savings account in the Department of Education budget affects the voting threshold needed to pass it.
Representative Mike Stevens briefed the Yankton School Board on the upcoming legislative session and cautioned that the state budget outlook will constrain new, ongoing program spending.
Stevens said one‑time federal COVID funds have largely been spent and estimated the legislature will have about $44 million in new revenue while facing roughly $86 million in mandatory expenditures, creating pressure to avoid adding ongoing obligations. He described a 'structurally balanced' budget as one that does not rely on one‑time sources to pay recurring expenses and warned that adopting new programs without dedicated revenue could force future cuts.
Stevens also discussed the mechanics of an educational savings account (ESA) proposal. He said placing an ESA in the Department of Education’s budget would require a simple majority vote in the legislature, whereas passing it as a standalone bill would require a two‑thirds vote, and that the appropriations process is the primary avenue to challenge or remove such a line item if it appears in the budget.
Board members asked for information on revenue trends and how proposed changes might affect public education funding; Stevens recommended specific, example‑based constituent input to guide legislators. He also cited larger cost pressures such as prison construction and retirement funding that will factor into budget negotiations.
No action was taken by the board on legislative recommendations; the session served as an informational preview.
