Gov. Noem used her final State of the State address as a top-ten highlight reel for her accomplishments as governor during the last seven years.
And then, toward the end of her speech, she said goodbye, but that South Dakota would always be home.
"I will continue to focus on making our people safer, stronger, and freer," Noem said. "To the people of South Dakota: thank you for the incredible honor of serving you as state representative, as congresswoman, and now as governor. Thank you for trusting me and for working with me to accomplish incredible things."
Prior to her farewell, Noem used the speech to reiterate her push for Education Savings Accounts—or school vouchers.
Despite Noem likely heading to Washington DC, Noem is working with majority leaders in each chamber — the House and Senate — to pass the legislation.
“These Education Savings Accounts will support all South Dakota students. We will provide families greater opportunities to choose the best fit for their child’s education. And we won’t impact the funding that goes to our great public schools," Noem said. "These ESAs will be a testament to our ability to meet the unique needs of every South Dakota family that participates.”
Many education groups are skeptical of promises that the proposal will not affect public school funding. So are state Democrats. Erin Healy is the House minority leader and says Democrats won’t support the idea.
“Any money that is utilized is going to take away from the general fund,” Healy said. “I do believe that it’s going to separate the haves from the have nots and that’s just not something that we need here in our state.”
Gov. Noem also announced an expansion of the Babybel plant in Brookings. The $150 million dollar expansion, which is expected to break ground this spring, will allow the plant to double its output.
Noem’s confirmation hearing was originally scheduled for Wednesday morning. It has since been moved to Friday morning.
If confirmed, Lt. Gov. Larry Roden will finish out the remainder of Noem's term, which ends in 2026.
