FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2023

Contact: Ian Fury

Gov. Noem Celebrates Record Low Unemployment Numbers

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem celebrated new record low unemployment data from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). This data shows that fewer South Dakotans needed unemployment benefits in 2022 than in any year since this data has been tracked.

“South Dakota’s jobs market is thriving. We are setting an example of the power of the American work ethic. The careers of the future are available right here,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Thanks to our incredible economic strength, fewer South Dakotans than ever are having to rely on unemployment benefits to keep food on the table for their families.”

In 2022, DLR sent 5,736 1099Gs, which are the tax form for recipients of government benefits.  This is 25%  lower than the previous low of 7,608 in 2018. For comparison, in 2020, 47,314 1099Gs were sent.

South Dakota’s 2.3% unemployment rate is the lowest in state history.

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