MITCHELL, S.D.  (MITCHELLNOW) The House Education Committee voted on Monday to recommend against cuts to the state’s high school dual credit program. House Bill 1040 would reduce state funding for the program and save just over $1 million in next year’s budget. The program lets high school juniors and seniors earn college credits before graduation. Last year, 30% of South Dakota juniors and seniors took at least one dual credit course, with some students earning a two-year college degree before finishing high school. Secretary of Education, Joe Graves, said the cut was necessary to ensure South Dakota’s balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Currently, the state pays two-thirds of tuition costs, while students, parents, or guardians pay one-third. The bill requires approval from both appropriations and the full legislature to become law.