PIERRE, S.D. — Gov. Kristi Noem said South Dakota’s state budget will have enough room to launch an industrial hemp program and to raise pay for teachers and state employees.
The Republican governor said that increases in tax revenue and cuts to other programs will carve out enough money to give a 2% bump to funding for pay increases.
Noem will also get the $3.5 million she says is necessary to “responsibly” start an industrial hemp program.
The announcement clears up several outstanding disputes as the session nears its conclusion this week.
