PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The leader of the Republican majority in the South Dakota Senate says he will introduce a bill to create a state program that awards scholarships based on financial need.
 
Sen. Russell Olson of Wentworth says South Dakota is the only state that has no scholarship program based on financial need. He says details are not yet worked out, but he intends to use money available for one-time use to create an endowment fund for the scholarships.
 
Olson says Alumni associations at the state universities and technical schools would be asked to match the state money for scholarships.
 
House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton says he would welcome a change to get a needs-based scholarship started. He says low-income students have a hard time affording college in South Dakota.