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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) According to a release from Gov. Mike Rounds, a new report by the Pew Center on the States shows that South Dakota's state government is tied for ninth best in the nation when it comes to balancing the budget.

The state Constitution requires a balanced budget, and Rounds credits the Legislature with taking that role seriously and being "fiscally prudent." The Pew study gave South Dakota state government a score of 12 on a scale that considers 30 to be the most fiscally imperiled and zero to be the most fiscally sound. New Mexico and West Virginia were tied with South Dakota.

Rounds will unveil his annual budget proposal to the Legislature on Dec. 8.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-18-09 0520CST | save this article / add to your favorites list