Trump Budget a Disaster for South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota Democratic Party released the following statement in response to today’s release of President Donald Trump’s budget plan, which includes massive cuts to programs for agriculture and rural communities:
“Donald Trump’s budget plan would devastate hardworking families in South Dakota and around the country. It slashes important programs these families depend on, such as afterschool programs and college financial aid, while gutting important investments in infrastructure and American industry.
“South Dakota would be especially hurt by the drastic reduction in the discretionary budget of the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Trump’s budget plan calls for a$4.7 billion cut in that budget, which amounts to about a 21% reduction from last year’s budget. Some of the important programs the budget would eliminate include:
- the Water and Wastewater loan and grant program, which helps with rural water and waste infrastructure
- aspects of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, which supports business development and job opportunities
- the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program, named after former Senators George McGovern and Bob Dole, which distributes food aid to children living in poverty abroad
“This budget would be a disaster for South Dakota’s family farmers, producers, and ranchers, and shows just how little Donald Trump cares for rural communities and those whose livelihood depends on the ag industry. Representative Noem and Senators Rounds and Thune will have to decide who they stand with: Donald Trump or hardworking South Dakota families.”
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