Noem Recognizes Tribal Groups During State-Tribal Relations Day
Governor Kristi Noem this week attended the State-Tribal Relations Awards Ceremony where she presented certificates of commendation to two tribal groups who have done “extraordinary work” to combat the flow of drugs in their communities.

Governor's Column: South Dakota is OPEN for Business
One of our main priorities last year was recruiting new industries to South Dakota and helping businesses who are looking to grow or expand. And people have responded. It’s not hard to understand why. There are so many reasons why South Dakota is the best place in the nation to do business.


Noem Calls on Businesses to Register for South Dakota Week of Work
Governor Kristi Noem, in partnership with the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Dakota Retailers Association, today called on businesses to register for the South Dakota Week of Work April 20-24, 2020.


Noem Reaffirms Support of Israel, Condemns Anti-Semitism, Signs Executive Order Against BDS Campaign
Governor Kristi Noem today signed an executive order that joins 27 other states in condemning Anti-Semitism and standing against the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. The Executive Order directs state entities not to contract with businesses supporting the BDS campaign.


State of the State Preview – Governor Kristi Noem: “South Dakota is OPEN for Business”
On Tuesday, Governor Kristi Noem will deliver the annual State of the State Address. Among other topics, Noem will outline why South Dakota is the best state in the country to own and operate a business.


Governor's Column - Four Guardrails: A Path Forward for Decriminalizing Industrial Hemp
Over the last year, we’ve had a long conversation about industrial hemp. I’ve been grateful to talk with folks about the topic and hear different perspectives at townhalls, coffee shops, basketball games, and everywhere in between. On January 9, I outlined for the legislature a path forward – four guardrails, if you will – on hemp.


Four Guardrails: Noem Proposes a Path Forward for Decriminalizing Industrial Hemp
Governor Kristi Noem today sent the legislature her “Four Guardrails” for a path forward on decriminalizing industrial hemp.


Noem Appoints Schoenfish, Overweg to Serve District 19
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she has appointed current Representative Kyle Schoenfish to fill the District 19 vacancy in the South Dakota State Senate.


Noem Announces more than $21.9 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved more than $21.9 million for water, wastewater, watershed, recycling, and solid waste projects. The board met today over the Digital Dakota Network.

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Monday, January 6, 2020, to honor the life of George Blair, a former legislator.

Governor's Column: Keeping Resolutions for 2020
Studies show we’re more likely to achieve our resolutions if we set specific goals. And once those goals are set, we ought to tell someone so we don’t go it alone. With this approach in mind, I decided to put together a list of specific and public resolutions for 2020 that will move us toward a stronger South Dakota.


Noem Announces District 35 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Jessica Castleberry to represent District 35 in the South Dakota Senate, effective January 1, 2020. The vacancy was created after Lyndi DiSanto announced her resignation. Castleberry will serve during the 2020 legislative session.


Governor's Column: A Year of Progress
With another holiday season nearly behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many things we’ve accomplished this year.


Governor Noem Announces Staff Changes for the New Year
Governor Kristi Noem today announced the addition of Maggie Seidel as Senior Advisor and Policy Director, as well as the departures of Joshua Shields, Chief of Staff to the Governor's Office, and Emily Kiel, Communications Director.


Governor's Column: Merry Christmas!
This Christmas season, hold the people you love tightly. Reflect on the year gone by and the areas you’ve grown. Give thanks regardless of your circumstance. Set goals for the new year. And maybe play some Yahtzee too.

Noem, BFM Release Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Governor Kristi Noem and the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM) today released the State’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2019. The annual report includes the state government’s complete financial statements.

Noem Responds to Presidential Executive Order on Refugee Resettlement
Governor Kristi Noem yesterday issued a letter of consent to Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in response to an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump on Sept. 26, 2019, concerning enhanced state and local involvement in refugee resettlement.


Noem Statement on RFS Final Rule
Governor Kristi Noem today issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s ruling to establish the required renewable volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Friday, December 20, 2019, to honor the life of Sheldon Songstad, a former legislator.

Noem Statement on House Passage of USMCA
Governor Kristi Noem today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):


Noem, Rounds Request U.S Army Corps of Engineers Increase Missouri River Mainstem Dam Releases to Prepare for Spring Runoff
Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requesting a marginal increase in releases from Gavins Point Dam. This would allow additional storage in the dam system to accommodate runoff this upcoming spring. Additionally, Noem and Rounds urged USACE to take measures to improve predictions in order to prevent significant flooding during wet years and to make sure water is available during a drought.

Noem Re-Appoints Team to Assist Counties in Mitigation Efforts
On December 10, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order re-appointing the Hazard Mitigation Team. The team consists of representatives from 11 state agencies and other non-governmental personnel and is designed to assist counties in mitigation planning efforts.


Noem Encourages South Dakota Leaders to Apply for the White House Fellows Program
On behalf of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, Governor Kristi Noem today encouraged “up-and-coming South Dakota leaders” to apply to the White House Fellows Program.

Governor's Column: Lead Now.
South Dakota thrives when South Dakotans lead.


Governor Noem Announces Changes to Oversight of Private Treatment Facilities for Children and Youth
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she will bring legislation in the 2020 session that will improve the oversight of private treatment facilities for children and youth.


Governor's Weekly Column: Driving Opportunity
It’s been a difficult year, yes, but we have tremendous opportunity before us. The growth of our current industries and the attraction of new ones will drive opportunity. Expanding on some already successful initiatives will drive opportunity. And laying the foundation to enhance our competitiveness with respect to other states will help ensure our top talent stays in South Dakota – creating more opportunity for years to come.

Noem Orders Flags at Half-Staff for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Upon the directive of President Donald Trump, Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 7, 2019, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.


Noem Proclaims Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration Day, Assembles Women’s Vote Centennial Delegation
Governor Kristi Noem proclaimed today as “Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration Day” in South Dakota. On December 4, 1919, South Dakota was one of the first states to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment, approving it during a special legislative session.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, to honor the life of Kermit Staggers, a former legislator.

Governor Noem’s Budget Provides Disaster Relief
Governor Noem’s budget builds partnerships with local governments to provide disaster relief resources and implement programs to mitigate future disasters.

Governor Noem’s Budget Supports Education in South Dakota
Governor Noem’s budget better equips educators and schools by adjusting funding formulas for general and special education.

Governor Noem’s Budget Supports Long-Term Care Services
Governor Noem is building sustainable models of care to ensure individuals have improved access to quality, long-term care services.

Governor Noem’s Budget Strengthens Families
Governor Noem is strengthening families by designating funds for foster parent training, supporting family reunification, and improving services for child maltreatment victims.

Governor Noem’s Budget Improves Public Safety
Governor Noem is prioritizing the safety of families and communities by combating the meth epidemic and equipping law enforcement with modernized communication tools.

Governor Noem’s Budget Invests in Next Generation Industries
Governor Noem is investing in next generation industries by increasing high-speed internet access, bolstering cybersecurity development, and investing in healthcare training programs.

Noem Announces District 32 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she is appointing Helene Duhamel of Rapid City to represent District 32 in the South Dakota Senate.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Saturday, November 30, 2019, to honor the life of T. Loren Christianson, a former legislator.

Governor's Column: Giving Thanks
From my family to yours, have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

South Dakota Launches Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Veterans Affairs, Military, and Transportation this week launched the new Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program. The program will dedicate state bridges after South Dakotans who died while in active service. More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Noem Seeks Public Input for District 35 Senate Nomination
Governor Kristi Noem is seeking public input for a District 35 Senate vacancy. The opening was created after current State Senator Lyndi DiSanto announced her resignation effective December 31, 2019.


Governor's Column: Meth. We’re On It.
It seems we’ve captured attention not just in South Dakota, but around the country and even the world with our new anti-meth campaign. We needed that. In today’s age, traditional messages don’t cut through the noise. We knew we needed to make a bold statement to make people stop and think… and it is working.


President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Southeast South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that President Donald Trump has approved a presidential disaster declaration for September storm damage done in South Dakota, including the three tornadoes that struck Sioux Falls and the extreme flooding in communities such as Madison and Mitchell.


Noem Announces Details for Christmas At The Capitol Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the 2019 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. CST. The public is invited to join Governor Noem, First Gentleman Bryon Noem, and Pierre Mayor Steve Harding as they welcome guests and light the Capitol trees.


Noem Waives Hours of Service Regulations to Deal with Propane Shortage
Governor Kristi Noem has signed an executive order granting extended hours of service for commercial delivery of propane products in South Dakota.

Noem Celebrates Advancements in Internet Access for South Dakota K-12 Schools
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that 100 percent of K-12 school districts in South Dakota now have access to high-speed internet on par with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) short-term goal of 100 kbps per student.


Governor's Column: Honoring our Nation’s Veterans
When I became governor, I told my team that I wanted to be a governor that doesn’t just say thank you to our veterans – the people who fought for our freedoms. I want to be a leader that demonstrates that gratitude in the policy we make and the actions we take.

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Gene Abdallah
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Monday, November 11, 2019, to honor the life of Gene Abdallah, a former legislator.


Noem Proclaims November as Adoption Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month and has encouraged families to record short videos about their adoption experience and share them on social media using the hashtag #SDAdoptionMonth.

Noem Recognizes Businesses, Individuals Who Contribute to Disability Employment
This week, Governor Kristi Noem presented the 2019 Governor’s Awards to South Dakota businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities.


Noem Displays MMIW Quilt in South Dakota State Capitol
This week, Governor Kristi Noem hosted a ceremony to display a quilt presented to her following a June horseback ride to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The quilt is currently displayed in the Governor’s Reception Office and will be permanently displayed in the South Dakota State Capitol.

Noem Releases Statement on USDA Hemp Guidelines
Governor Kristi Noem today issued the following statement regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new regulatory guidelines for industrial hemp:


Governor's Column: Protecting and Preserving Our Outdoor Treasures
South Dakota's beautiful outdoors are here for all of us to enjoy – for today and for the next generation. We must all take care of them together.

Noem Launches Registration for Inaugural South Dakota LEADS Conference
Governor Kristi Noem today launched registration for the first-ever South Dakota LEADS Conference. The free, one-day event will feature dynamic speakers including Clint Pulver, and specialized tracks for teachers, students, and women. The event will happen Monday, Dec. 9 in Sioux Falls.


Noem Urges EPA to Reconsider Proposed Biofuels Rules
Governor Kristi Noem and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz yesterday sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging the agency to honor President Donald Trump’s commitment to follow the Renewable Fuel Standard.


Lieutenant Governor Rhoden to Host Trick-or-Treat Festivities at Governor’s Residence
Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden and Sandy Rhoden will host the annual trick-or-treat festivities at the Governor’s Residence in Pierre on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. CT.


State Senator Solano Announces Resignation, Noem Seeks Public Input on Replacement
Senator Alan Solano today announced that he will resign his seat in the State Senate effective November 30. Solano has represented District 32 in the State Senate since 2014.

Noem Requests Federal Help for Southeastern South Dakota Following September Tornadoes, Floods
Governor Kristi Noem has requested a presidential disaster declaration for damage done by September storms in South Dakota, including the three tornadoes that struck portions of Sioux Falls and extreme flooding that occurred in the cities of Madison and Mitchell.


Noem Releases Statement after Parties Involved in DRA v. Noem File for Settlement
Governor Kristi Noem today released the following statement after the parties involved in Dakota Rural Action v. Noem filed for a settlement.


Noem Announces District 23 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she has appointed James “JD” Wangsness to represent District 23 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The vacancy was created after Rep. John Lake was appointed to the District 23 Senate seat. Wangsness will serve during the 2020 legislative session.


Governor Noem, Bryon Noem Launch First Gentleman’s Initiative
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and First Gentleman Bryon Noem today launched South Dakota’s first-ever First Gentleman’s Initiative on social media.