South Dakota lawmakers see alignment with Noem as session begins

Workforce needs, the budget and tax cuts will be on the minds of South Dakota lawmakers when the Legislature convenes Tuesday for a two-month session.

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem will address the GOP-controlled Legislature on the session’s opening day. Last month, she presented her vision for the budget to the Legislature, and now it’s up to lawmakers to craft a plan for the next fiscal year, among other measures.

Republican House Majority Leader Will Mortenson said South Dakota’s short session — 38 days spread over about two months — “helps keep us focused on only the most important topics.”

“I tell my caucus often that our only two jobs we absolutely have to do are passing a budget and getting the hell out of there,” Mortenson said.

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Republican majority leaders largely support Noem’s agenda, in part because of South Dakota’s strong finances. State revenues have exceeded the Legislature’s 2023 forecast by 11%, or $115 million, from July through November, the first five months of the fiscal year, according