For the first time in nearly 70 years, there are no gubernatorial vetoes on bills passed during the South Dakota legislative session.
Gov. Kristi Noem signed the last few bills this week, two of which make up the state budget for the rest of the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
SB 52 revises appropriations for the current fiscal year, while HB 1259 sets aside money for regular expenses, paying interest on the state’s debt and funding schools.
"This is a budget that prioritizes the people of South Dakota, not government projects.” Noem said.
Noem also said she is proud to work with both parties to create a balanced budget that focuses on the main functions of state government.
The budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which starts July 1, is $7.3 billion. This budget includes a four percent increase for “The Big Three” – education, health care, and state employees. Moreover, it includes another tuition freeze for the state’s public institutions and the introduction of state funding for indigent legal services.
Noem signed a total of 233 bills into law this legislative session while not vetoing a single one. It is the third time in state history the governor did not veto any bills. The first was in 1933 and the most recent was in 1955.
Though lawmakers will not have vetoes to discuss, they must still meet in Pierre on March 25 for Veto Day, which is the official end of the 99th legislative session.