DELL RAPIDS, S.D. – South Dakota’s handling of child care assistance is drawing sharp criticism on the campaign trail following news that recent state funding cuts were only partially reversed. Democratic candidate for governor Dan Ahlers issued a statement Friday condemning the decision and calling for a fundamental shift in state spending priorities.

Ahlers argued that partial restoration of funds leaves parents and local providers struggling to keep up with rising expenses. In his statement, he noted that South Dakota has spent years analyzing the child care crisis, pointing out that families require affordable, quality care while providers must maintain viable operations and pay reasonable wages.

Ahlers highlighted his experience as president of a local before- and after-school and summer program, stating he has seen firsthand how state funding choices create pressure for families and child care operations.

In contrasting the state’s budget decisions, Ahlers pointed out that it took four years to pass funding for reduced school lunches for South Dakota children, whereas funding for a multi-million-dollar state airplane was approved in a matter of days.

“This should never have happened in the first place,” Ahlers said in his statement. “We don’t need another study telling us South Dakota has a child care problem. We need leaders who will listen and act.”