Governor Kristi Noem 2023 State of the State

Summary

In her State of the State address, South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Rhoden reflects on the state's strengths - a thriving economy and agriculture industry, record tourism, and top rankings for personal income growth and new housing. She outlines policy priorities including cutting taxes, recruiting businesses and workers, expanding apprenticeships and workplace benefits, supporting families through paid leave and adoption assistance, protecting against foreign threats like TikTok and Chinese land purchases, and honoring everyday heroism of South Dakotans. Rhoden conveys pride in the state's people and optimism for the future while emphasizing freedom, limited government and fiscal responsibility as keys to South Dakota’s success.

Takeaways

• 😊 The governor welcomed a new grandchild named Branch Brian
• 😀 SD has seen tremendous growth in personal income, housing developments, and family-owned businesses
• 🏆 SD State won the national championship in football
• 👪 Proposals to extend paid family leave, provide pregnancy care, and offer adoption assistance
• 💰 Plans to cut taxes, eliminate sales tax on groceries, and provide tax relief
• 🏢 Highlighted companies like Howe, Valley Queen, and gevo investing billions and creating thousands of jobs in SD
• 🔐 Banned TikTok for state government and initiated a national movement to address security concerns
• 🚜 Preventing purchase of SD ag land by foreign entities that may threaten infrastructure or security
• ❤️ Honored nursing home staff and air guard member for acts of heroism in emergencies
• 🤝 Emphasized cooperation to ensure free, efficient and equal government for SD citizens

Q & A

What constitutional requirement does the governor have at the start of each legislative session?

The South Dakota state constitution requires the governor to begin each legislative session by giving the legislature information concerning the affairs of the state and recommending the measures he/she considers necessary.

What industries are growing in South Dakota, according to the governor?

According to the governor, South Dakota's agriculture industry, tourism industry, financial services industry, and other industries are growing.

What does the governor highlight as ways South Dakota promotes stronger families?

The governor highlights paid family leave for state employees, pregnancy and postpartum care for Medicaid recipients, incentives to encourage private companies to offer paid family leave, and adoption assistance for state employees as ways South Dakota promotes stronger families.

What is the governor doing to address child care shortages?

The governor is overhauling child care rules and regulations, releasing $40 million in federal grants for child care providers, partnering with Farm Bureau to provide health benefits for child care workers, and taking other steps to address child care shortages.

How does the governor plan to cut taxes?

The governor plans to cut taxes by eliminating the sales tax on groceries. This would provide relief to all South Dakota families.

What is the governor doing to attract workers from out of state?

The governor is proposing legislation to streamline occupational licensing so workers moving to South Dakota can more easily have their licenses recognized.

How does South Dakota support veterans?

South Dakota is ranked the #1 state for veterans to live and work. The governor also highlights how the National Guard provides assistance during emergencies.

What is the governor doing about national security threats from China?

The governor banned TikTok on state devices due to data privacy concerns with China. She is also working on legislation to prevent purchases of South Dakota agricultural land by Chinese-affiliated entities.

How did the governor honor everyday heroes?

The governor recognized nursing home staff who saved lives during a tornado and a member of the Air National Guard who rescued a woman from a flipped, flooded vehicle.

What is the governor's main message about the state of South Dakota?

The governor's main message is that South Dakota offers freedom and opportunity for people to build their American Dream through limited government, personal responsibility, and private sector growth.