Black Hills lawmaker who resigned this week had contracts with state

Jess Olson says ongoing health issue would have prevented her from attending upcoming South Dakota Legislative Session, conflict didn't factor into departure

A Black Hills lawmaker who resigned this week signed contracts with the state while serving in office, a potential conflict with the state Constitution.

A review of state financial records by The Dakota Scout has found that a business owned by former South Dakota legislator Jess Olson has had at least two contracts with the state, both personally signed by the District 34 Republican during her tenure in office.

Stay Graceful Inc., an in-home health care agency based in Rapid City and registered to Olson on the Secretary of State’s business registry, is listed on the state’s online checkbook as a vendor, contracting for Medicaid reimbursements through the South Dakota Department of Human Services.

DHS’s active contract with Olson’s business was signed by Olson on Aug. 7, 2022, and runs through May 2024.

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