Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden said he’s ready to tackle the tough issues facing the state of South Dakota.
Rhoden made the remarks during a special address to a joint session of the state Legislature Tuesday afternoon. He was officially sworn in on Monday.
Gov. Rhoden used his speech to introduce himself and his family to the state.
"My roots are in South Dakota. I was born here, and I will die here," he said. "My parents also taught us the value of work. Hard work is part of life on the ranch. Even today, I’m still happiest when I’m working with my hands. It’s how I relax. When I get home, I head out to the shop and start welding. I make branding irons, custom tools for ranching, and other things. I like to think about a plan, get it done, and see the fruits of my labor."
Rhoden served in the state Legislature for 18 years prior to becoming lieutenant governor. He said many of the issues lawmakers are facing this year are topics he’s worked on in the past—like property taxes and eminent domain.
House lawmakers recently advanced a proposal banning the use of eminent domain for liquid carbon dioxide pipelines.
During his speech, Rhoden said South Dakota must have fair and predictable regulations for business.
“We shouldn’t change the rules in the middle of the game. South Dakota can be open for business, and we can offer a fair shake for every family. We should make sure our young people can stay here and work in a fulfilling career field," Rhoden said. "If we get this right, we can protect our property rights and provide opportunities for our kids and grandkids.”
Gov. Rhoden acknowledged the state’s “tough budget situation.” He said he will not offer a separate budget from Gov. Kristi Noem. However, he said he will work to restore proposed cuts—cuts that include to SDPB, state libraries and buildings and maintenance. However, he said it all comes back to revenues—which lawmakers will determine February 13.
Rhoden said he’s also committed to finishing construction of the men’s prison near Sioux Falls. He described the current facility as “gothic inside” and that it looked like it hadn’t changed in decades.
Rhoden said he wants to work with the Legislature on the issue.
“But this is way overdue," Rhoden said. "We’ve had the foresight to set money aside for the new facility. By paying cash, we will avoid hundreds of millions in interest, fees, and debt service payments. This is the year to finish the job.”
Lawmakers must authorize construction of that facility. The 1,500-bed prison will cost the state $825 million if they build it soon. Delays could add to the cost.
But some are concerned about the current price tag.
After the speech, House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, said Rhoden adopted a tone of humility and collaboration that will pay dividends.
"I know that he's very sincere in that. People that have visited the prison understand the condition that it's in," Odenbach said. "We also understand—in a caucus of 64 in the house and needing a two-thirds majority to get that spending through—that's an uphill climb. That's going to take some lobbying on the part of the administration and there's going to be a lot of members that are going to need to be brough along to share that vision."
The new governor extended a renewed hand to tribes, asking them to make a fresh start with him. Rhoden says a pillar of his administration will be openness and responsiveness to lawmakers, the public and the press.
Gov. Rhoden is set to announce his lieutenant governor Wednesday morning at 10 CT. That person must be confirmed by both the House and Senate.
