PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Major changes were made to insurance options for South Dakota state employees this year, with more costs moving to workers.

Eric Olilla, Executive Director of the South Dakota State Employees Organization, says those changes were made while the state was swimming in new dollars.

Olilla says the insurance costs could have been covered by ongoing state funds.

Olilla says he is hearing and seeing a rising tide of people leaving state government.

State workers have to make decisions on their coverage this week.