Governor Kristi Noem delivered a farewell address to the state legislature on Tuesday.
The speech serves as a ceremonial opening to the annual legislative session.
Gov. Noem used the end of her state of the state address to talk about what comes next for her.
“You probably know that President-elect Trump has called on me to serve, if confirmed, as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. It’s a tremendous honor and a great responsibility," Noem said. "The mission is to keep the American people safe from threats to the Homeland.”
She then talked about the US Southern Border, about deploying national guard troops, and hinted at a controversial statement she’s made in the past year about cartels operating out of reservations.
“Ladies and gentlemen, leadership has consequences. We see the consequences of Washington’s inaction here in South Dakota," Noem said. "The cartels and their affiliates have invaded our poorest communities.”
Noem’s tenacity over the southern border is the reason many observers say she’s been tapped to lead homeland security. The Trump Administration wants to deport millions in the country without legal status.
Gov. Noem used her 45-minute-long speech to tout the accomplishments of her administration’s work during the last seven years.
That’s includes business expansions, response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding education options for parents—including for homeschooling. She also mentioned the Expanded Partners in Education tax credit scholarship.
Now, Noem wants to establish a pilot program for education savings accounts — a $4 million idea that would give $3,000 credit per student—starting with low-income students.
“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.”
Noem eventually wants lawmakers to expand the program to every student in the state.
It’s an idea that a wing of the Republican majority has pushed for for years.
Speaker of the House Jon Hansen said Noem’s speech sets the tone for the next two months.
“I thought it was an appropriate way to presumably say goodbye to the state that has supported her throughout all these years,” Hansen said.
Often, a governor will use the state of the state address to announce policy priorities they’d like to work with the Legislature on.
Noem, and the Republican leaders of each chamber, have already filed a bill to establish the education savings accounts.
When Noem leaves, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden will finish out her term. That comes at a time when the legislature has seen a large turnover in membership since last session. It’s also seen an ideological shift.
Speaker Hansen said recent elections are setting the tone for this year’s session.
“I think the people have said a pretty clear direction in terms of what they want seen in our legislature, from property rights to property tax reduction to education savings accounts,” Hansen said. “So, really, if you talk to South Dakotans all across the state—they’re really setting the direction. We’re just listening to them and executing.”
The Speaker Pro-Tempore — who is next in line after the speaker of the House—Karla Lems has introduced a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines.
Other legislative leaders expect increased scrutiny of the men’s prison facility near Sioux falls, as well as spending by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
But, lawmakers face many unknowns. Lawmakers can introduce unlimited bills until January.
Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson, D-Sioux Falls, said with changes in the executive branch and shifts in the legislature, it’s hard to tell how the session will shake out.
“A lot of people are looking around waiting to see what happens," Larson said. "And, you know, driving their own initiatives, but not necessarily being able to predict—based on past experience because so much is new right now.”
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet until March 13.
