PIERRE, SD (KELO-AM) If you want something you have to pay for it.
That is a key but simple element of the political philosophy of South Dakota House Speaker Mark Mickelson, Republican from Sioux Falls. And he thinks it's what most South Dakotans believe about new government programs.
"One thing we won't do in South Dakota is burden our children with debt that we borrow to pay for it," Mickelson shares on KELO Radio's It's Your Business Show with Bill Zortman.
He sees roads, education, and public safety as the primary responsibilities of state government in Pierre. So if you want icing on that basic cake, the money must come from somewhere and that means higher taxes.
"If people want something, go ahead and tag the tax increase right next to it so that people understand that, yes, you can have something but there will be a price tag associated with it," says Mickelson.