South Dakota lawmakers leave Capitol after passing $7.5 billion budget

Fiscal conservatives argued government spending has increased too quickly, but others point to rising Medicaid caseloads

PIERRE – South Dakota lawmakers Thursday passed a $7.5 billion budget for 2027, an amount that included unexpected increases for education, Medicaid providers and state employees.

“Well, we did it. We landed the budget plane,” said Rep. Mike Derby, the Rapid City Republican who chairs the Appropriations Committee.

The final budget votes in the House and Senate capped this year’s legislative session, with just one day remaining March 30 reserved for considering any vetoes issued by Gov. Larry Rhoden.