TODAY: Lt. Gov. Rhoden to Announce “Governor’s Cup” Rodeo Event in Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will join officials of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, CINCH Marketing, and the city of Sioux Falls to announce details of the Governor’s Cup/CINCH Playoffs coming to Sioux Falls in September 2023.


Governor Kristi Noem: Our Rural Way of Life
When I first ran for Governor, South Dakota needed new opportunities. For years, our economic growth had not kept up with the nation. Young South Dakotans were too often leaving our state to pursue college or a career. Cities like Sioux Falls were growing, but our rural communities were slowly falling behind.

Governor Noem Announces State Support for Indian Relay Championships
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced state support for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council’s 2022 Championship of Champions, which is taking place this afternoon in Fort Pierre.


Gov. Noem & Attorney General Vargo Praise Ruling on Head Start Vaccine Mandate
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and Attorney General Mark Vargo praised a Louisiana federal judge’s permanent injunction that blocked President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for the Head Start program. The injunction was issued earlier this week.


Governor Kristi Noem: The Best State In the Country to Do Business
2022 is on track to be another fantastic year for economic investment in South Dakota. Since I took office, I have championed our state as the best place in the country to do business. We had all the ingredients to succeed, even before the COVID pandemic hit, but now we’re breaking records for economic growth and business investment.


Gevo Breaks Ground on Largest Economic Investment in South Dakota History
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Gevo has broken ground on the largest economic investment in South Dakota history – a world-class sustainable fuel production facility in Lake Preston.


Governor Noem Successfully Treated for Back Injury at Mayo Clinic
PIERRE, S.D. – Today Governor Kristi Noem announced that following several weeks of medical treatment in South Dakota for a back injury, the Governor underwent successful back surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Student Debt Forgiveness Plan
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 21 of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to President Biden saying they oppose his plan to forgive students their federal loans, saying that debt would then have to be paid for by taxpayers. You can read the letter here.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sundown on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in honor of Patriot Day.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until sunset on the day of internment in honor of former Queen Elizabeth II.

Governor Kristi Noem: Defending Our Constitution
Our nation loves to celebrate holidays. Today, I want to talk about one day that does not get enough attention: September 17, Constitution Day.


Governor Kristi Noem: Celebrating Hard Work
The beginning of September brings us to Labor Day weekend and the start of Workforce Development Month across the country.


Gov. Noem Pledges to Keep Elections Free and Fair
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem sent a letter to the South Dakota State Legislature, thanking them for their continued emphasis on free and fair elections in South Dakota. In the letter, Governor Noem promised to continue working with legislators on election integrity in the upcoming legislative session. You can read the Governor’s letter here.


Governor Kristi Noem: Public Safety Impacts All of Us
When I was younger my dad always said, “Kristi, we don’t complain about things. We fix them.” As Governor, I focus on fixing problems for our state every day, especially when it comes to public safety. I consistently look for new ways to make our communities safer.


Gov. Noem and Colleagues Support Keeping Schools Open
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 14 of her fellow Republican governors issued a joint statement opposing efforts that would disrupt the new school year, saying that any delay in school schedules hurts the educational process of children.


Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Federal Government’s Emissions Proposal
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and six of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to the Southwest Power Pool, Inc., expressing concern about the federal government implementing “a Good Neighbor Plan” that would govern the interstate transportation of emissions while ignoring state-designed plans that are already in place. You can find the letter here.

Gov. Kristi Noem: Raising the Bar
I’ve never been the type to settle for “good enough.” No matter what I’m doing, I try to strive for excellence. That’s all the more true when it comes to policies that impact our kids. Everything that I do as Governor is to make our state safer, stronger, and healthier for our kids and our grandkids, and I want to set the bar. We should set an example for the entire nation and send the message that South Dakota pursues excellence for our kids.


Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden Announces STEM Award for Lakota Tech High Schoo
Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Today, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that Lakota Tech High School will receive an award for its STEM programming from the National Lieutenant Governors’ Association Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program! NLGA awarded the school $1,000 as part of a national call for applications for funding STEM programming and curriculum in schools.

Gov. Noem Announces Pay Increases for Correctional Security Officers
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced immediate pay increases for correctional security officers at the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC).


Governor Noem Accepting Applications for Fall Interns
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office fall 2022 internship program.


Gov. Noem Releases Report from Department of Education on Critical Race Theory and Divisive Concepts
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem released a report from the Department of Education (DOE) detailing examples of Critical Race Theory and other divisive concepts in DOE policies, guidance, websites, trainings, content standards, or other materials.

Gov. Noem Announces Draft Social Studies Standards
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem released draft social studies standards for K-12 students in South Dakota.


Gov. Kristi Noem: Fast Bikes, Fresh Air, & Freedom
For more than 80 years, late summer has brought thousands of motorcycles to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Bikers come from across the country – and around the world – to participate in the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They bring with them their money, supporting our local businesses and helping our state revenues. And they enjoy the beauty and freedom that South Dakota has to offer.


Gov. Noem and Colleagues Ask President Biden to Lift Vaccine Mandate on International Travel
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 16 of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to “end the requirement that all non-U.S. citizen travelers entering the United States be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.” You can find the letter here.


Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Circuit Court Judge Jon Flemmer
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, Aug. 9, in honor of 5th Circuit Court Presiding Judge Jon Flemmer of Webster. He became a circuit court judge in 1999 and was the longest serving circuit judge in the state.


Gov. Kristi Noem: Starting the Conversation
Hope has power – it drives us to achieve incredible things that we never thought possible or endure difficulties that previous seemed insurmountable. Unfortunately, for the same reasons, hopelessness can hold tremendous power over a person’s life, too. Too often, that loss of hope leads to suicide, a suicide that is entirely preventable. Suicide is a growing public health issue in our country and in South Dakota, and it affects each of our lives in some way.


Gov. Noem & Colleagues Oppose Democrats’ Spending Bill
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 21 of her fellow Republican Governors issued the following joint statement opposing the Democrats’ Spending Bill:

Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until midnight tonight (Thursday) in honor of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana who died Wednesday in a vehicle crash.


South Dakota Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration Approval For June Storm
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that South Dakota has received a Presidential Disaster Declaration that allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help South Dakota local governments in six counties statewide recover from public infrastructure damage sustained as a result of a tornado, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and hail that occurred June 11-14, 2022.


Governor Kristi Noem: 50 Years of Title IX
Nostalgia can be bittersweet.


Gov. Noem and Republican Governors Call on President Biden to Defend Equal Opportunities for Girls and Women
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem led a coalition of 15 Republican Governors urging President Joe Biden to defend equal opportunities for girls and women. In a letter to President Biden, the governors challenge him to reject the rule and policy changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which would completely reinterpret Title IX.


Governor Kristi Noem: Cautiously Optimistic: South Dakota’s Finances and the Future
Earlier this week, the State of South Dakota closed the financial books for fiscal year 2022 with a record-breaking $115.5 million surplus. This historic surplus was a combination of revenues unexpectedly being $72.3 million above what was adopted by the legislature this past session and the general fund budget for state government operations having expenses $43.2 million less than budgeted.

Gov. Noem Appoints Mark Roby to Housing Board
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem appointed Mark Roby to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s Board of Commissioners. This appointment is effective immediately.


South Dakota Ends Fiscal Year with $115 Million Surplus
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that South Dakota closed the 2022 budget year on June 30 with a surplus of $115.5 million. Total general fund revenue for fiscal year 2022 finished $72.3 million higher than adopted estimates, and the state general fund budget ended with expenses $43.2 million less than budgeted.

Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Former State Senator Henry Carlson, Jr.
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, July 19, in honor of former State Senator Henry Carlson, Jr. of Sioux Falls. He served in the State Senate from 1977-1978 and from 1983-1984.


Gov. Noem, Legislators, and Pro-Life Advocates Issue Joint Statement on South Dakota Policies for Life
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem, legislators, and pro-life advocates issued a joint statement on South Dakota’s policies to save lives and help mothers:

Governor Kristi Noem: Visiting Mothers and Their Newborn Children in Our State Prisons: Hope for the Future
In my four years as Governor, I have focused on finding ways that our programs can positively impact the next generation. This goes beyond reading about what state government does—I go out and see these programs for myself so I can understand exactly what we can do to improve them.

Gov. Kristi Noem Discusses Foreign Policy Strategy with Secretary Condoleezza Rice
PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA – Earlier this week, the Hoover Institution hosted Governor Kristi Noem for a discussion with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The discussion focused on foreign policy strategy, as well as South Dakota’s pro-freedom policies. A few key quotes can be found below.


Gov. Noem Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for June 11-14 Storm Damage
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration and signed Executive Order 2022-08 to help South Dakota local governments recover from public infrastructure damage sustained as a result of tornado, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and hail that occurred June 11-14, 2022 in six counties statewide.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Prime Minister of Japan
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until sunset on Sunday, July 10, 2022, in honor of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

Governor Kristi Noem: Building Stronger Families Together
Strong families are the foundation of our communities and the backbone of our state. We need to continue to work together to support families across the state to ensure a brighter future for all of South Dakota. Since taking office, I have prioritized standing up for families across South Dakota, recognizing that stronger families will build stronger communities.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Victims of Shooting in Highland Park, IL
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until sunset on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in honor of the victims of the tragic shooting in Highland Park, IL.


Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Former State Representative Gary Jerke
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, July 2, in honor of former State Representative Gary Jerke. He served from 2005-2008.

Governor Kristi Noem: Land of the Free Because of the Brave
The patriotism South Dakotans display on the Fourth of July has deep roots in our state’s history. In fact, we waved the Stars and Stripes before we even became a state! The Dakota Territory in the 1880s stood out for its love for civic virtue, and historians recount how few holidays rated higher than Independence Day to the settlers. Those same historians note that this ingrained love for America explains why so many South Dakotans served in the World Wars, and why we as a state revere our veterans.

Telemedicine Abortion Ban Becomes Law Gov. Noem Repeals Executive Order
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Friday, July 1, HB 1318, which bans telemedicine abortions in South Dakota, becomes law. In preparation for the law taking effect, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2022-07, which repeals her previous executive order on the subject.

Girls’ Sports Legislation Becomes Law Gov. Noem Repeals Executive Orders
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Friday, July 1, SB 46, which protects fairness in girls’ and women’s sports, takes effect. In preparation for the law taking effect, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2022-07, which repeals her previous executive orders on the subject.


Expansion of Bright Start Program Taking Effect
PIERRE, S.D. – On Friday, July 1, the statewide expansion of Governor Kristi Noem’s Bright Start program will take effect. Bright Start provides nursing services and more for eligible moms through pregnancy until their child’s 2nd birthday.

College CRT Ban Becoming Law
PIERRE, S.D. – On Friday, July 1, HB 1012, which protects college students and faculty from mandatory Critical Race Theory trainings and orientations, takes effect.


Repeal of Concealed Carry Fees Becoming Law
PIERRE, S.D. – On Friday, July 1, SB 212, which eliminates all concealed carry permitting fees in South Dakota, becomes law.

South Dakota Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration Approval
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that South Dakota has received a Presidential Disaster Declaration that allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help South Dakota local governments in 20 counties and on two reservations recover from public infrastructure damage sustained as a result of tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that occurred on May 12 in the eastern part of the state.