South Dakota lawmakers say they are turning their focus to the state budget when they return to work after the Presidents Day weekend, though Republicans and Democrats have laid out different visions of how to use that money.

Legislators have settled on revenue projections that are $19 million more than Gov. Kristi Noem's predictions in December. Democrats want the state to fund inflationary pay increases for teachers, state employees and service care providers.

They also want their Republican colleagues to pay $32 million from the state's education trust fund. Republicans, who dominate both legislative chambers, are expected to take a more conservative approach to ensure the state balances it budget.

The final day of the legislative session is Thursday, March 12. After a break of more than two weeks both bodies will gather back at the Capitol to review any Governor vetoes.

Source: AP

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