SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The South Dakota Board of Regents released research demonstrating the economic impact the six public universities have in the state.
The Regents are in the second day of their budget hearings.
Regents head Mike Rush says the institutions are economic juggernauts. He says public universities generate $2.6 billion of annual economic impact in the state of South Dakota. He says they directly support 5,628 jobs and another 21,000 through secondary economic activity.
Rush says a lot of South Dakotans rely on the university system. He says sales tax revenue is $143.5 million higher because of direct economic impact. He says approximately 67,850 people live in South Dakota because of the university system.
South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry co-sponsored the research and President Dave Owens says it demonstrates the institution's reach.
Owen says when it comes to the State' s institutions of higher education, they are complicated, living entities that contribute $2.6 billion to the economy.
Owen highlights the return for tax dollars. He says taxes that are sent to Pierre aren't a black hole, it's not money that just disappears. It's money that's used to purchase and provide services and accomplish things for citizens of this state.
House Appropriations Chair Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says the Board is facing issues with enrollment.
Hunhoff says there will be a lot of questions about programs that they're asking for. Each of the universities has some specific things that they're considering
Hunhoff says it's important to see if the universities are making their own goals.
She says to her, it's a challenge between higher ed, vo-tech education, what's the right balance that the State needs to have for kids to be able to get into the programs they want and stay in the state.
Hunhoff says the Regents will have to make a strong case when they request a 6.5% increase in their budget.
The Regents are also requesting five million dollars to continue a tuition freeze for another year.
