Howie, R-Rapid City, lambasted the budget proposals by Gov. Mike Rounds, Republican leadership and Democratic leadership as all leading to more spending and more taxes.
"I disagree with the Republican leadership and the Democrat leadership," Howie said. "Government growth should be zero. Any new spending should be matched by spending cuts."
 Gubernatorial candidate Sen. Gordon Howie, R-Rapid City, outlines his call for budget cuts Tuesday. Advertisement |
Howie also called for freezing taxes at their current levels.
"We can't let both parties and their leaders continue to conduct business as usual," Howie said. "It's time to do the right thing for South Dakota taxpayers — stop government growth, freeze the sales tax, gas tax and use taxes, and balance the budget with spending cuts. These are the first steps on the road to getting control of government growth."
Howie said he does not plan to introduce a bill implementing his plan this session but intends to oppose measures such as a proposed increase in the gas tax.
Republican leaders are calling for targetted spending cuts to eliminate this year's structural deficit and offset the cost of rising Medicaid costs. Democratic leaders want across-the-board cuts and are proposing tying the maximum growth in government spending to the rate of inflation.
Sen. Majority Leader Dave Knudson, R-Sioux Falls, who is also running for governor, said the Rapid City lawmaker is not alone in wanting to freeze spending, but said any cuts will be difficult.
"Whether you look at the $36 million you need to find cuts (under the Republican plan) or the $50 million Sen. Howie has articulated, this is going to be real work and involve difficult and challenging decisions," Knudson said. "But I'm confident we'll be able to achieve our commitment."
Howie said he plans to unveil proposals for specific cuts in the next several weeks. He said Medicaid will be on the table.
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