Noem Signs Six Bills Into Law
Governor Kristi Noem signed the following pieces of legislation today


Noem Streamlines Education Processes for Military Families, Signs Additional Legislation into Law
Governor Kristi Noem yesterday signed legislation to streamline school enrollment processes for military families relocating to a new school district.

Governor's Column: Putting Knowledge to Work
Growing up, I loved working on the farm with my dad. It’s a good thing, too, because there was plenty of work to get done. We’d stay in the fields from dawn to dusk, but we didn’t know any other way.


Noem Levels Scholarship Playing Field for Homeschool Students, Signs Eleven Bills into Law
Governor Kristi Noem today signed a bill to make homeschool students eligible, on an equal basis, for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship.


Noem Appoints Bies, Whitmyre to Game, Fish and Parks Commission
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she has appointed Travis Bies of Fairburn and Robert Whitmyre of Webster to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission.


President Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Lawmaker
President Donald Trump today ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, February 9, 2019, to honor the life of former Representative John David Dingell, Jr. of Michigan.

Noem Approves Nine Bills
Governor Kristi Noem signed the following pieces of legislation this afternoon:

Governor's Column: Advancing Agriculture
Agriculture is the foundation of South Dakota's economy and our number one industry – by a significant margin. All in all, it contributes about $25.6 billion to the economy, so when ag prospers, South Dakota prospers. Of course, when droughts hit or markets slide, everyone feels that too.

Noem Encourages Legislators to Table Industrial Hemp Discussions
Governor Kristi Noem today asked the South Dakota legislature to table discussions on legalizing industrial hemp this legislative session.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Lawmaker
Governor Kristi Noem today ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8am until sunset on Friday, February 8, 2019, to honor the life of former state legislator Carol Fitzgerald of Rapid City.


Noem Selects Sixth Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today announced the selection of Christina Klinger to serve as judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Noem Vetoes Bill Regulating Solar Energy
Gov. Noem today vetoed Senate Bill 14 and sent the following message to the South Dakota Senate:


Noem Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address
Governor Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address.

Noem Approves Legislation to Expand South Dakota Energy Potential
Governor Kristi Noem today approved legislation to expand South Dakota renewable energy production.


Governor's Column: Protecting Our Way of Life
More than 230 years ago, the Founding Fathers of our country penned the Constitution that has since laid the framework of centuries of policies. Many things have changed since then, but our core American values have not.


Noem Approves Constitutional Carry Legislation, Nine Other Bills
Governor Kristi Noem today signed her first bill into law. SB47, which Noem signed today, will further protect the Second Amendment rights of South Dakotans by allowing constitutional carry.


Committee Approves Noem’s Bill to “Crack Down” on South Dakota Abortion Providers
Governor Kristi Noem today applauded the Senate Health and Human Services Committee after their approval of her bill to further “crack down” on South Dakota abortion providers.

Governor's Column: Revitalizing Rural South Dakota
Hometowns are the heartbeat of South Dakota. I’m proud to be from a rural hometown. It’s where I learned the values of hard work and self-reliance, where Bryon and I chose to raise our kids, where we started an insurance business and hunting lodge, and where my family has farmed and ranched for a century. But many small towns like ours are struggling today.


Governor's Column: Expanding Broadband
Earlier this month, I announced my plan to close the broadband gap. Partnering with others, I want to connect as many more South Dakotans as possible to high speed internet over the next four years.


Noem to Deliver Budget Address Wednesday
Governor Kristi Noem will deliver her 2019 Budget Address to a joint legislature on Wednesday, January 23 at 1pm CT in the state House Chamber.

Noem Taps Pierre Attorney for Deputy General Counsel
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Katie Hruska will join her staff as deputy general counsel.


Governor's Column: Battling the Meth Epidemic
Earlier this month, I placed my hand on my dad’s worn Bible and made a promise to South Dakota to govern in a way that respects and benefits every person in our state. I promised to serve in a way that improved things for the next generation. My dream? To grow our state into a place where our kids can thrive. We’re going to produce a stronger tomorrow for the next generation.

Governor's Column: Battling the Meth Epidemic
Earlier this month, I placed my hand on my dad’s worn Bible and made a promise to South Dakota to govern in a way that respects and benefits every person in our state. I promised to serve in a way that improved things for the next generation. My dream? To grow our state into a place where our kids can thrive. We’re going to produce a stronger tomorrow for the next generation.


Noem to Appoint Secretary of Social Services
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that M. Gregory DeSautel, MD will join her cabinet as Secretary of Social Services. He will officially be appointed February 1.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Lawmaker
Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. CST until sunset on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, to honor the life of former state legislator Kenneth “K.O.” Kauth of Huron.


Noem Taps New Underwood Native for Policy Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Jason Simmons, a New Underwood native, will join her staff as a policy advisor.


Noem Announces Cabinet and Staff Hires
Governor-elect Noem today announced the following cabinet and staff hires:

Noem Announces District 9 Legislative Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that she will appoint Rhonda Milstead of Sioux Falls to represent District 9 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The vacancy was created after Representative-elect Deb Peters announced she would not take the oath of office in January. Milstead will serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.


Noem to Appoint Hughes County Sheriff to Cabinet Seat
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Sheriff Michael Leidholt will join her administration as Secretary of the Department of Corrections.


Noem Announces Secretary of Tribal Relations
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that David Flute, a lifelong member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, will join her administration as Secretary of Tribal Relations.


Noem Announces Another Wave of Staff Hires
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced another wave of governor’s office staff hires. The following people will begin serving on January 5, 2019.

Noem Selects DSU Dean to Lead Department of Education
Governor-elect Kristi Noem, a long-time advocate for education, today announced that Dr. Ben Jones will join her administration as Interim Secretary of Education.

Final Day For Viewing Capitol Christmas Trees Dec. 25
The final days for viewing capitol Christmas trees are near. The decorated Christmas trees in the South Dakota Capitol will only be on display through Tuesday, Dec. 25. The display is open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST.


Noem Taps Vanneman for Secretary of Agriculture
Following a nation-wide search to find the best and brightest to serve South Dakota’s largest industry, Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Kim Vanneman will join her cabinet as Secretary of Agriculture.

Noem Announces District 31 Legislative Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that she will appoint Dayle Hammock of Spearfish to represent District 31 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The vacancy was created after the passing of Rep. Chuck Turbiville, who was reelected posthumously on November 6. Hammock will serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.


Noem Names Appointment for Veterans Affairs Secretary
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Greg Whitlock will join her administration as Secretary for Veterans Affairs.


Noem Applauds TAG Following Retirement Announcement
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today applauded the dedicated service of Major General Timothy A. Reisch following his retirement announcement. Reisch has served as The Adjutant General (TAG) for South Dakota since April 2011. He will continue serving until his retirement in June 2019.


Governor-elect Noem Announces Staff Hires
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced a key round of governor’s office staff hires. The following people will begin serving on January 5, 2019.

News Tips For December 8 – 14, 2018
Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. CST – Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is hosting a Frontier Christmas. Celebrate the season with Christmas crafts, roasted chestnuts, homemade bread, sleigh rides and caroling. Find more information online, or call 605-448-5474.


Noem Announces GOED Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Steve Westra will serve in her administration as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).


Noem Statement on Governor Daugaard’s Final Budget Address
Governor-elect Noem released the following statement following Governor Dennis Daugaard's final Budget Address:


Governor-elect Noem Seeks Public Input for District 9 House Nomination
Governor-elect Kristi Noem is seeking public input as she looks to appoint a service-first South Dakotan to fill the District 9 House vacancy. The opening was created after Representative-elect Deb Peters announced she would not be taking the oath of office in January. Peters will continue serving until January 4, 2019. Governor-elect Noem will appoint a legislator to serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.


President Orders Flags At Half-Staff To Honor The Life Of Former President George H.W. Bush
President Donald Trump has ordered flags at half-staff immediately for 30 days to honor the life of former President George H.W. Bush.


Gov. Daugaard To Give Farewell Address and Final Budget Proposal on Tuesday
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will give his farewell address and final budget proposal on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. CST in the state House Chamber.

Capitol Portrait of Gov. Daugaard To Be Unveiled
Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s official portrait will be unveiled for the public on Tuesday, Dec. 4. The brief ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. CST, following the Governor’s budget address.

News Tips For December 1 – 7, 2018
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will give his final annual Budget Address in the State House Chamber.


Noem Invites "Trailblazers" to Apply for Cabinet Openings, Announces Key Administration Appointments
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced a targeted talent search for seven key cabinet posts: Secretary of Education, Secretary of Agriculture, Commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, Secretary of Social Services, Secretary of Human Services, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary of Tribal Relations.


Governor-elect Noem Names Leadership Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced three key leadership team positions for her Governor’s office.


South Dakota Maintains Highest Ratings with Moody’s and S&P
Today, Standard & Poor Global announced it has reaffirmed South Dakota’s AAA Issuer Credit Rating with a stable outlook.

Governor's Column: Making Progress on Teacher Pay
As I enter my final weeks as governor, many people are asking me to reflect on my time in office. I’m not a person who worries much about a “legacy.” I just hope that I have left things a little better than I found them. It is hard, though, not to reminisce about the events of the last eight years. One memory of which I’m very proud is the progress we made on teacher pay.

News Tips For November 24 – 30, 2018
Monday, November 26, 11 a.m. CST – The School Finance Accountability Board will meet via teleconference with a public listening place available on fourth floor of the Capitol Building in Room 412, 500 E. Capitol Ave.