We kick off this Session with the State of the State Address given by Governor Noem last Tuesday. This customary speech opens the legislative session, delivered before both houses of the state legislature sitting in joint session. The address satisfies a constitutional stipulation that a governor must report annually, or in older constitutions described as being “from time to time”, on the state or condition of a U.S. state.
This year’s State of the State has a markedly different theme than what was witness last year with the announcement: “South Dakota is open for business!” Much has changed throughout the world, around the country, and especially within our local communities since January of 2020. The phrase “open for business” took on new meaning as we navigated the year with the challenges presented by COVID-19, and you can expect a laser-focus this legislative session on our state’s continued path to economic recovery.
Governor Noem maintained her rhetoric that South Dakota is the “perfect place to raise your family, grow your business, and live your life as you see fit,” with a heightened focus on the strength of South Dakota’s families in her 2021 priorities overview.
The administration’s COVID-19 response was a recurring topic throughout the address, and Governor Noem acknowledged the state’s medical community and the long hours worked by providers over the past year. She touched on expected topics such as appreciation for our veterans and military and South Dakota’s great outdoors.