SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has offered her budget proposals for the next year while acknowledging that money is tight and instructing state agencies to reduce spending.
The Republican governor delivered her budget address in Pierre on Tuesday. The governor told legislators to brace for slower economic growth amid disaster recovery from storms, uncertainty amid the 2020 election and lower farm spending during a trade war with China.
In just a few weeks, legislators will be in session to take up her proposals and hear from state agencies as they craft a final budget for the fiscal year that starts in July.
Noem proposed spending funds on upgrading emergency responders radio systems, broadband internet access and fighting meth. She also proposed withholding a pay increase to match inflation for state employees.
