Governor Paying $350,000 Rushmore Fireworks Bill With State Economic Development Dollars [View all]

The Noem administration said it would raise private money for a Mount Rushmore fireworks display attended by President Trump.

Instead, taxpayers are footing the bill. And the money’s coming from a fund for research and economic development.

Back in January, state Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen was optimistic about private funding.

“In my opinion, I think a lot of the costs can be borne by sponsorship," Hagen said at the time. "So those are areas that we’re pursuing.”

But the Governor’s Office now says the state is funding the entire $350,000 cost of Friday’s fireworks display. The state has already cut a check for half that amount to Pyro Spectaculars, of California.

https://www.sdpb.org/blogs/news-and-information/governor-paying-350000-rushmore-fireworks-bill-with-state-economic-development-dollars/

Trump is ever the freeloader.