PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill to freeze tuition at the state's public universities and technical schools.

The House initiative uses $42.3 million in one-time spending to provide for the early repayment of four bond issues. That's expected to save the state $3.7 million annually, which will be repurposed to fund tuition buy downs.

The move is should also stave off $14.6 million in future interest and fees.

Daugaard says the freeze will make college more affordable and put the state "on a stronger financial footing for years to come."

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


See Also:

More From KXRB