shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com December 6, 2016 • Page 5 Preparing For A Lean Year By Gov. Dennis Daugaard: In 1963 Gov. Archie Gubbard signed a bill into law which requires governors to submit an annual budget report to the Legislature. The report must be given to each member of the state Legislature on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in December. The law says “the Governor may present such report to the Legislature in person.” On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. in the state House, I’ll honor the tradition of presenting that report in person to the Legislature by giving the annual Budget Address – and I’ll start by talking about the state’s revenue picture. Since fiscal year 2017 began last July, revenue has been weak. The state’s receipts have fallen short each month: in July revenue fell $1.7 million below projections, in August another $3.8 million below, September was an additional $5.7 million short and October was worse yet with a shortfall of $8.7 million. That leaves us almost $20 million short for the current fiscal year. The $20 million shortfall is primar- ily the result of lower than anticipated sales tax numbers. Low commodity prices in our ag sector is one factor which has weakened tax revenues. Although South Dakota exempts most agricultural inputs from the sales tax, large equipment sales are not exempt. When commodity prices were high, ag producers spent more on equipment, and had more to spend on personal items. With lower commodity prices, fewer ag equipment expenditures means less tax revenue and fewer dollars cycling through the economy. The inability of states to collect sales taxes on some internet purchases is another factor leading to weakened tax revenue. The Bureau of Finance and Management estimates that up to $35 million in these taxes goes uncollected each year. As I write this, we are still awaiting November’s sales tax numbers. Reports indicate that national retail sales over Thanksgiving week were strong. I hope that strength will be mirrored by South Dakota’s sales tax receipts. But even if November’s numbers meet our target, it will be a lean year. We won’t have much to support spending increases or take on new expensive projects. This will be a year to focus on our priority areas and maintain our commitments. I do not anticipate a need to make cuts. The situation is not as dire as it was in 2011 when revenue had been declining for two years and we had a structural deficit on our hands. In the last few months our revenue has increased, but the increases have been less than what was projected. South Dakota isn’t the only state where revenues are coming in lower than projected. A number of states are experiencing the same problem. Fortunately though, South Dakota is in a better position than many to deal with the problem. Over the last few years we have maintained structural balance and adhered to conservative budgeting practices. We don’t have unfunded liabilities or out-of-control spending problems. If we remain vigilant this year, we’ll continue on the right track. Shopping Small Can Have A Big Impact By Sen. John Thune Nearly everyone in America is familiar with Black Friday. It’s the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season, and with it often comes an early morning, long lines, and, depending on what you’re looking for, some pretty good deals. Black Friday is nearly synonymous with the big-box retailers that are able to stock their shelves and warehouses and offer the large and well-publicized deals we’re used to seeing on commercials between our favorite TV shows. Not only are shoppers happy with Black Friday deals, but the sales are a boon to the economy, and they help sustain a seasonal workforce who depends on the paycheck. While Black Friday has cemented its place in American shopping history, it’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving that’s quickly gaining its own notoriety. “Small Business Saturday,” as it’s become known, is a nationwide movement that encourages shoppers who brave the long and sometimes fiercely competitive lines on Black Friday to add Main Street’s small businesses to their holiday shopping routine as well. You don’t have to look far in South Dakota to find a small business since there are more than 80,000 of them across the state. You likely know someone who works at a small business, or perhaps you work at one yourself. Small businesses represent 96 percent of all businesses in South Dakota, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and they employ nearly 60 percent of our workforce. It would be an understatement to say small businesses are the backbone of South Dakota’s economy. South Dakota is full of success stories, and if you’ve ever visited downtown Sioux Falls, I’m sure you’re familiar with one: Chef Chris Hanmer’s CH Patisserie. Chris, who is one of America’s top pastry chefs, opened his shop in 2013, and it’s quickly grown into a must-stop location in Sioux Falls. I’d challenge you to eat only one of his famous macarons – one Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads may only result in is never enough. Chris and other small business owners like spinning your wheels. Try to get a little inertia going before him not only have successful brick and mortar stores, but you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed they’re also using the power of the Internet to connect with downhill as slowly as possible. shoppers in other parts of the state and country and grow Don’t stop going up a hill. It’s difficult to move up a hill on their business along the way. an icy road. If possible, get your vehicle moving on a flat roadSmall Business Saturday is a great opportunity to get way first before taking on a hill. Minimize the need to brake on out and support the local small businesses that are often ice. If you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area the first ones to give back and support the communities in where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on which they serve. For many entrepreneurs, to build a successful small business is to build a part of their community. ice-covered roadways. Control the skid. Slamming on the brakes can make the skid We should celebrate their contributions on this Small Business Saturday and continue to support them every month of even worse. In the event of a skid, continue to look and steer the year. where you want to go. Vehicle Preparation and Winter Driving Tips from AAA With winter quickly approaching, drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready to hit the snowy streets. Preventive maintenance is essential for safe driving and greatly decreases the chances of being stranded in the cold. Be prepared for adverse winter weather conditions with the following tips from AAA: Before hitting the road… Ensure engine performance. Replace the air filter as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Get “check engine” lights investigated and quickly resolve drivability problems such as hard starting, rough idling, stalling or reduced power. Winter weather will likely make these issues worse. Make sure your battery and charging system are up to par. A fully-charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. Have your battery and charging sysDo not brake and turn at the same time. Asking your vehicle tem checked for optimum performance – particularly if your to do two things at a time makes it more likely that your tires battery is more than three years old. Also, clean any corrosion will lose traction. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate. from battery posts and cable connections; wipe away dirt and Know your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS) and oil deposits on the case and make sure all hardware is secure. need to slow down quickly, press hard on the pedal. It’s normal AAA members and non-members alike can request a visit for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated. from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test Drive distraction free. Do not text or engage in activities their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved that will distract you while driving. If driving with a passenger, Auto Repair facilities can also test and replace batteries. ask them to carry out activities that would otherwise distract Check your windshield wipers and washers. Wiper blades you from driving safely. should completely clear rain or snow from your windshield If in a winter emergency, stay with your vehicle. It provides with each swipe. Replace blades that leave streaks or miss temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate spots. For the winter months, purchase one-piece beam-type you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight or rubber-clad winter blades to fight snow and ice buildup. In of your vehicle and get lost in blowing snow. Don’t overexert cold climates, be sure to fill the windshield washer reservoir yourself trying to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow. with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze properties. Tie a brightly-colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth Keep an eye on your coolant. Check the coolant level when at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you. capability. The level of antifreeze protection can be checked Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store. mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide Also, check the condition of accessory drive belts and coolant gas to leak into the vehicle when the engine is running. hoses/clamps. Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the Inspect tires to ensure drivability on winter roads. Examine cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Tires with maps. If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough less than 4/32” of tread will have reduced traction in wet and to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline. snowy conditions. Check tire pressure once a month before If possible, stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, driving when tires are cold. In extreme climates, a set of winter stay home. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. snow tires or chains may be a wise investment. In Print and Online! • 665-5884 Get a brake inspection. Have the brake system inspected by M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y a certified technician as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Brake inspection is needed if the fluid level is low, or you notice a brake pedal pulsation, steering pull, grinding sound or Quality... USED Cars, other unusual noise when braking. 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