Daugaard: Sequestration cuts could require special session

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PIERRE (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard says a special session of the South Dakota Legislature might be needed if the automatic federal spending cuts that take place Friday have a long-term effect on state programs.

Daugaard says the federal spending cuts will have an impact on a number of state programs. But he says he expects President Barack Obama and Congress will take action to reverse or modify the cuts within a few months.

The Republican governor says state government can manage the cuts through the end of the current state budget year June 30.

But he says if the federal cuts are prolonged and have significant impacts, the Legislature might need to be called into a special session to adjust next year's state budget.

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