Delivering Results for South Dakota

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Delivering Results for South Dakota

By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
March 20, 2026

Just last week, we wrapped up another legislative session - and what a session it was.

At the beginning of the year, I outlined my Opportunity Agenda, focused on keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free. I called on the Legislature to take action on several key priorities. When all was said and done, we accomplished everything we set out to do. Every single one of those priorities made it across the finish line.

That kind of success doesn't happen everywhere - but it does here in South Dakota.

Our lawmakers spend fewer than 40 days in Pierre each year. Then they go home, live with the laws they passed, and hear directly from their neighbors about what's working and what isn't. If something needs fixing, they come back the next year and get it right. It's a system built on accountability, and it serves our state well.

This year, we delivered real results for the people of South Dakota.

We passed a balanced budget for the 137th consecutive year. We made historic investments to expand our airports in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. We protected our Second Amendment rights, defended religious freedom, and took further steps to strengthen our pro-life laws.

We also made meaningful investments in rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Fund - ensuring that folks in every corner of our state have access to quality care close to home.

Above all else, we passed the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history.

Senate Bill 96 empowers local communities by giving counties the option to reduce property taxes through a half-cent local option sales tax. Whether it's adopted by a county commission, referred to a public vote, or initiated by the people themselves, it puts the decision in the hands of the folks who know their communities best.

In many of our fastest-growing counties - where property taxes have risen the most - tourism plays a major role in the local economy. That means visitors will help shoulder the burden and help provide real relief for homeowners.

In addition, we worked with legislative leaders to pass Senate Bill 245, which dedicates an upcoming sales tax adjustment to property tax relief statewide. This measure will reduce the statewide mill levy and deliver savings to homeowners across South Dakota, and relief will begin as early as taxes paid in 2027.

Together, these two bills provide both targeted and broad-based relief. They represent a historic step forward in addressing property taxes.

This session was about results. It was about listening to the people and taking action to strengthen our state. That always has been, and always will be, my focus. That is how we keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.

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