Senate leaders: Governor's office signed off on $200M housing bill in December

Governor's office urged South Dakota Housing Development Authority not to distribute funds in 2022

Legislative photos courtesy of Johnny Sundby Photography, Inc.

Legislation authorizing the largest workforce housing program in South Dakota history that’s been mired with delays for nearly two years had the blessing of the governor’s office before its passage.

That’s according to GOP leaders in the state Senate who this week are pushing back on assertions by Gov. Kristi Noem that they’re responsible for the $200 million still not being spent.

“I’m not looking to take a shot back at them, but these are the facts,” Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree told The Dakota Scout Tuesday after Noem earlier in the day blamed the Legislature for the program still not being operational. “The truth is they saw the language and signed off on it in December.”

NEWS: Noem says 'houses would be built' if Legislature didn't meddle with $200M housing initiative