South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem released her budget proposal to the legislature this week. Her plan would spend close to one billion dollars on major infrastructure projects including water and wastewater, housing along with major spending on childcare and tourism.

Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says it’s a major change in direction….

Stevens says most legislators have been conservative when it comes to spending….

Stevens says he is supportive of the six percent increases in pay for teachers, state employees and health care providers….

Stevens says there is the potential for intense debate over the details of the spending plan.