Frustrations Building Over Fiscal Cliff

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
December 11, 2012 6:51 PM


Time is ticking away for the federal government to reach a deal and prevent the country from tumbling over the so-called, ‘fiscal cliff.’

Politicians in Washington only have until the end of the year to reach a deal or tax cuts set up a decade ago will disappear.

And without a deal settled on, some South Dakotans are losing faith for both sides of the aisle.    

“The confidence level is already negative. I don't know how you lose more. I suppose the meter could go more negative,” said Joe Zueger.  

“I don't think that they're coming together as well as they could be on both sides,” said Lisa King.

While some are frustrated, they're also concerned about the country's economic future.

“I'm worried about the country and the amount of debt our country has and where we're going.  And, what our elected leaders are doing about it,” said King.  

“One way or the other, something’s going to happen. But, I think it's really tough to tell what it is and I think the psychological chilling effects in investments and wide swings on peoples accounts and that sort of thing concerns me the most,” Zueger.

With a country still rebounding from a recession, families looking to keep their finances balanced hope something can be worked out.    

“Adding taxes on top of that, I just think it's going to be crushing to a lot of middle class families,” said King.  

And as time continues to pass by, one person hopes for a change in Washington.

“Bring us all back together as a nation, not one party against another. I think we've done enough damage that way,” said King.