PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem told legislators Tuesday South Dakota’s revenue numbers are better than predicted.
“We are projecting an additional $8.6-million in ongoing revenue for fiscal year 2022. This is on top of the $61 million we previously reported to you.”
She says on top of this the state can use another $74-million dollars in coronavirus relief funds.
“Between the $51 million in one time revenues and the additional $74 million from C.R.F. flexibilities, we could have approximately $125 million in one-time money that we were not previously anticipating.”
However Noem warned lawmakers to be conservative with the additional dollars and carefully consider the unusual circumstances that led to the windfall. The Governor called for putting some aside into savings and investments, pay down debt and use funds for improving infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Lawmakers had mixed reactions following South Dakota Governor Krisit Noem’s latest budget remarks to the legislature.
The news was good, but some were skeptical if the eleven minute speech before a joint session of the legislature was entirely necessary.
“I’m not sure what changed overall, if anything,” said one lawmaker privately.
The Governor presented her annual budget address to lawmakers last December, as required by law. Today’s remarks reinforced her priorities such as rural broadband development and a proposed event complex to be located in Huron.
The legislative appropriations process continues as lawmakers work toward the final day of session on March 11, 2021.
