South Dakota lawmakers send $7.3 billion spending package to Gov. Noem's desk

Adoption of state spending measure marks end of main run of 99th Legislative Session

(Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

PIERRE — The South Dakota Legislature capped the state’s 99th legislative session Thursday with a $7.3 billion budget deal that exceeds what Gov. Kristi Noem had previously proposed.

But thanks to rosier-than-expected revenue projections, the $27 million in additional funds authorized in this year’s general fund bill that takes effect July 1 didn’t come with any major disagreements between the state House, Senate, or governor’s office.

“This particular process of putting together the general budget does not come easy,” said Rep. Lance Koth, a House appropriator, who lauded his colleagues for their efficiency and cooperation in mostly honoring the governor’s agenda to keep state spending to the basics this Legislative session after years of Covid-era stimulus spending. “All the negotiation that went on between the House and the Senate, I think, was phenomenal.”

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