About Us

OUR MISSION

The South Dakota Budget & Policy Project promotes responsible and equitable fiscal policies through research and education.

WHAT WE DO

To accomplish this mission, we conduct independent research and educate the public and policymakers on fiscal policy options with particular attention to their impact on South Dakota families.

Specifically, South Dakota Budget & Policy Project:

  • Researches and analyzes the social and economic impact of current state spending and taxation policies on South Dakotans and the potential impact of policy alternatives.
  • Publishes issue briefs and in-depth reports on important fiscal matters.
  • Presents written analysis and oral testimony to the state Legislature and other public bodies.
  • Disseminates accurate and timely information to the media and interested groups.
  • Works with statewide and local organizations to improve public understanding of fiscal issues.
  • Advocates for change in existing state fiscal policy and the policy-making process when research reveals other alternatives that better serve the public interest.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Reliable: The information produced is factual and nonpartisan ─ users can be confident that the content is accurate.

Accessible: Work products are available to any interested parties.

Timely: Priority is given to key issues currently before state policymakers.

Insightful: The purpose of the analysis is to deepen public insight into fiscal policy issues.

WHO WE ARE

The South Dakota Budget & Policy Project began in 2009 as a project of South Dakota Voices for Children with funding support from the Northwest Area Foundation.  We are associated with the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative – a network of state-level nonprofit policy organizations working for equitable, responsible and sustainable budget and tax policies.

South Dakota Budget & Policy Project’s work is informed by an Advisory Council comprised of representatives from diverse South Dakota communities with various areas of expertise and points of view.

A Project of   with funding support from