Government

A South Dakota legislative panel has decided to have an outside agency review the operation of the Legislature's professional staff.

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PIERRE - There are few things more maligned than the professional politician. They are just about as popular as cockroaches, but unlike the unwelcome insects, full-time legislators would actually do the state of South Dakota some good.

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PIERRE - In order to take control of the Senate, Republicans would need to pick up 6 seats. This opening represents a prime opportunity for them to gain one, as there is not a Democratic heir apparent in this deeply red state.

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SIOUX FALLS - Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota says he's retiring at the end of his term, acknowledging he remains limited by a recent "health crisis."

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PIERRE - Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner has signaled that he intends to force the President to agree to more spending cuts when next the debt ceiling needs to be raised, which should occur in May.

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PIERRE - The South Dakota Legislature's Executive Board has chosen Republican Sen. Ryan Maher of Isabel as its chairman and Republican Rep. Lance Carson of Mitchell as its vice-chairman.

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SIOUX FALLS - Senator Tim Johnson is set to announce Tuesday whether he will seek re-election in 2014.

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PIERRE - South Dakota legislative leaders expect a short working session when lawmakers meet for the final day of this year's legislative session.

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PIERRE - South Dakota officials say low-income elderly and disabled homeowners have until April 1 to apply for a property tax break.

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PIERRE - Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed into law a measure that increases the daily allowance South Dakota lawmakers get to cover the cost of lodging, meals and other expenses during the annual legislative sessions.

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