THIS IS A PRODUCTION OF SOUTH DAKOTA PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

♪♪ >> GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO SDPB'S LIVE SPECIAL COVERAGE OF THE 2023 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

I'M JACKIE HENDRY JOINED BRING SDPB'SLY STRUBINGER.

WE'RE LOOKING AT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LARRY RHODEN CALLING THIS JOINT SESSION INTO ORDER, JUST ABOUT ANY SECOND NOW.

IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM'S STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS FOR 2023.

LEE, WHAT IN A BULLET POINT LIST CAN WE EXPECT TO HEAR IN A FEW SHORT MEMBERS?

>> IT'S BEEN A MONTH SINCE THE BUDGET ADDRESS WHICH WILL MEAN MORE REVENUE COLLECTION DATA THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL LIKELY PRESENT TO THE LEGISLATURE AS SHE PUSHES TO REALLY GET THE FOOD TAX REMOVED -- THE SATE STEALS TAX ON FOOD REMOVED.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO INDICATED THAT SHE REALLY WANTS TO LIMIT FOREIGN PURCHASES OF AG LAND, SPECIFICALLY WHEN IT COMES TO CHINESE OWNERSHIP OF AG LAND IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

THAT'S A POLICY THAT SHE'S REALLY BEEN PUSHING FOR.

THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE SESSION SINCE THE DOBBS DECISION BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT WHICH OVERTURNED THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO AN ABORTION.

THE STATE'S TRIGGER LAW WENT INTO EFFECT SHORTLY AFTER THAT HAPPENED.

WE'LL LIKELY WE COULD HEAR FROM THE GOVERNOR ABOUT SOME CLARIFICATIONS THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE TO THE STATE'S CURRENT ABORTION LAW, IF NOT, I EXPECT THAT WILL COME UP LATER ON DOWN IN THE.

>> AS WE'RE WAITING FOR THE GAVEL-IN FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LARRY RHODEN, JUST BEFORE THIS JOINT SESSION, THE HOUSE OF RFTION ELECTED HUGH BARTELLS AS THE NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, A REPUBLICAN FROM DISTRICT 5.

HUGH BARTELLS THE NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND THE NEW SPEAKER PRO TEM, MIKE STEVENS, A REPUBLICAN FROM DISTRICT 18.

AND IT LOOKS LIKE AT ANY SECOND NOW LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR -- THERE'S THE GAVEL.

WE'LL TAKE YOU TO THE FLOOR.

>> JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE WILL COME TO ORDER.

TODAY'S PRAYER WILL BE OFFERED BY REVEREND CRAIG WECHSLER OF THE FORT PIERRE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION AND THE BLINL OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE LED BY SPEAKER PART TELLS.

[ Banging Gavel ] >> OUR LORD SAID WHEN WE SHOULD EVER THE FAITH OF A CHILD, AMEN.

AMEN.

I WAS THINKING OF A CONVERSATION WITH MY DAUGHTERS RECENTLY AND OUR JOY OF OFF-ROADING AND LOVING MOTHER NATURE AND I FOUND MYSELF YESTERDAY REFLECTING ON SCRIPTURE AND CHILDREN SO HERE WE GO.

A & M 121.

I LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE MOUNTAINS, WHERE DOES MY HELP COME FROM?

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD, THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND HERT.

HE WILL NOT LET YOUR FOOT SLIP.

HE WHO WATCHES OVER YOU WILL NOT SLUMBER.

INDEED HE WHO WATCHES OVER ISRAEL WILL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP, THE LORD WATCHES OVER YOU.

THE LORD IS YOUR SHADE AT YOUR RIGHT HAND, THE SUN WILL NOT HARM YOU BY DAY NOR THE MOON BY NIGHT.

HE WILL WATCH OVER YOUR LIFE, THE LORD WILL WATCH OVER YOUR COMING AND GOING, BOTH NOW AND FOREVER.

THE LORD BE WITH YOU.

>> AND ALSO WITH YOU.

>> LET US PRAY.

ALMIGHTY GOD, CREATOR OVER ALL THE EARTH, BE WITH US NOW.

WHO ARE WE THAT YOU WOULD CREATE US, MOLD AND SHAPE US, LOVE AND REDEEM US.

EACH OF US WERE CREATED BY YOU, BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD AS LITTLE CHILDREN.

MANY OF US GREW UP ON PLAYGROUNDS, BUILT TREE FORTS, PLAYED HOPSCOTCH WITH FRIENDS.

WE ENTERED CLASSROOMS FROM SMALL SCHOOL HOUSES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES TO LARGE BRICK AND MORTAR COMPLEXES IN LARGER CITIES.

WE DREAMED OF WHAT WE MIGHT GROW UP TO BECOME ONE DAY, NURSES, DOCTORS, FIREARMS, ASTRONAUTS, FARMERS, TEACHER, FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

BUT HERE WE ARE TODAY, STANDING IN THIS BUILDING WITH STATUTES THAT STARE AT US AS WE REALIZE WE ARE TASKED WITH CREATING, UPHOLDING, ADMINISTRATING AND PROTECT THE LAWS THAT WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE TO HELP US LIVE, SURVIVE AND LIVE WITHIN THE TIMES WE LIVE.

EACH OF US COMES FROM A DIFFERENT WALK IN LIFE BUT YOU, OH LORD, HAVE BROUGHT US TOGETHER TODAY.

YOU HAVE BROUGHT US AWAY FROM THE TREE FORTS AND THE PLAYGROUNDS WE GREW UP ON AND YOU HAVE SHAPED US INTO BEING REPRESENTATIVES OF OUR PEERS.

YOU HAVE CRAFTED US INTO REPRESENTATIVES, SENATORS, JUDGES, SOLDIERS, OFFICERS, ADMINISTRATORS, CABINET MEMBERS AND EVEN THE GOVERNOR.

WHO KNEW AS CHILDREN HOW YOU WOULD BRING THE CHANGES IN OUR LIVES TO LEAD US INTO THE VOCATIONS WE HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THIS DAY.

HELP US AS WE EMBARK OUR TASKS TO BE ROLE-MODELS FOR EVERYONE ELSE, REMIND US OF THE WORDS IN YOUR STADIUM, REMIND US THAT YOU ARE OUR HELP, REMIND US THAT YOU ARE OUR CREATOR, OUR PROTECTOR, OUR GUIDES, OUR COMPASS, OUR VOICE.

YOU HAVE CRAFTED OUR ENTIRE BEING.

HELP US TO BELIEVE IN YOUR INFINITE WHICH IS DOME AND BESTOW UPON US YOUR COMPASSION, LOVE AND MERCY SO THAT WE TOO CAN SHARE YOUR VOIR TEW UPON OTHER ATTENTION IN THE WORK WE'VE BEEN CALLED TO DO.

GIVE US YOUR PEACE THAT IS YOUR PASTS ALL UNDERSTANDING.

WE PRAY THIS IN THE NAME OF YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR AND LORD.

AMEN.

>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>> SECRETARY OF THE SENATE WILL CALL THE ROLL OF THE SENATE.

[TAKING ROLE] WE HAVE A QUORUM, Mr. PRESIDENT.

>> THANK YOU.

CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE WILL CALL THE ROLL OF THE HOUSE.

[TAKING ROLL] >> Mr. PRESIDENT, THERE IS A QUORUM.

>> THANK YOU.

JUST A COUPLE REMINDERS BEFORE WE GET STARTED TODAY, IF PEOPLE IN THE GALLERY AND PEOPLE ON THE FLOOR WOULD CHECK YOUR CELLPHONES, MAKE SURE THEY'RE AT AN APPROPRIATE SETTING.

SUE PETERSON.

EXCUSE ME.

[Laughter] EXCUSE ME.

ALL IN FUN.

MADAM SECRETARY... >> SENATOR CRABBE TREE MOVES THAT A COMMITTEE OF THREE ON THE PART OF THE SENATE AND A COMMITTEE OF FIVE ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE BE APPOINTED TO ESCORT THE HONORABLE KRISTI NOEM, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA TO THE ROSTRUM.

>> SECOND.

>> ALL IN FAVOR OF THAT MOTION WILL SAY AYE?

OPPOSED NAY?

MOTION CARRIES.

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES SUCH COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF SENATORS DISHOAN BECK, CRABTREE AND NECESSARY ABA AND HOUSE MEMBERS REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS, MORTENSEN, RAY IF HE WOULD.

LES MEISTER AND HEAL LEE.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I AM TRULY HONORED HERE TODAY TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY ONCE AGAIN TO INTRODUCE MY FRIEND AND OUR GOVERNOR, KRISTI NOEM.

WHEN I STOOD HERE JUST FOUR SHORT YEARS AGO TO INTRODUCE OUR NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNOR, I WAS OVERCOME WITH THE EXCITEMENT AND THE OPTIMISM OF WHAT WAS TO COME.

AND LOOKING BACK NOW, OUR STATE HAS FACED MORE CHALLENGES THAN I EVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED THAT WE WOULD IN THOSE FOUR YEARS.

BUT WE'VE ALSO RISEN TO THOSE CHALLENGES IN WAYS THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET.

AND NOW GOVERNOR NOEM HAS BEEN REFLECTED BY HISTORIC MARGINS.

THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA SENT A CLEAR ENDORSEMENT OF HER VISION FOR OUR STATE.

I AM FILLED WITH THE SAME EXCITEMENT AND OPTIMISTISM ABOUT WHAT THOSE NEXT FOUR YEARS WILL HOLD.

THIS AFTERNOON, THE GOVERNOR WILL BE GIVING THE STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS.

SHE WILL GIVE US AN UPDATE ON SOUTH DAKOTA'S CONTINUED STRONG GROWTH AND SHE WILL SHARE INITIATIVES THAT SHE WILL BE WORKING ON WITH LEGISLATORS DURING THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

GOVERNOR NOEM TRUSTED THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA TO EXERCISE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

SHE HAS PROTECTED THEM FROM GOVERNMENT OVERREACH AND EQUIPPED THEM WITH THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT THAT THEY NEED TO SURVIVE, TO THRIVE AND PROSPER.

OUR GOVERNOR UNDERSTANDS THAT IT IS A PEOPLE THAT MIKE SOUTH DAKOTA GREAT.

IT IS A PEOPLE THAT CONTINUE TO MOVE SOUTH DAKOTA FORWARD, AND IT IS THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE MADE OUR STATE A SHINING EXAMPLE TO A NATION.

IT IS THE PRIVILEGE OF A LIFETIME TO WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA.

AND ALSO TO SERVE WITH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU HERE TODAY.

I AM GRATEFUL TO BE PARTNERS WITH THE GOVERNOR WHO IS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR COMMON GOAL OF GROWING SOUTH DAKOTA.

WE HAVE MADE SOUTH DAKOTA THE FREEST STATE IN A NATION THAT WAS FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM.

I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH GOVERNOR NOEM AND WITH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO FURTHER OUR SUCCESS.

TOGETHER, WE WILL ADVANCE SOUTH DAKOTA FOR OUR KIDS AND FOR OUR GRANDKIDS, THE NEXT GENERATION.

SERGEANT AT ARMS, WOULD YOU PLEASE ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL OF OUR GOVERNOR?

>> HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND LET'S PLEASE WELCOME THE HONORABLE GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM.

[Applause] >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

BE SEATED.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR RHODEN, Mr. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, CHIEF JUSTICE JENSEN, SUPREME COURT JUSTICES, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND MY FELLOW SOUTH DAKOTANS, THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THE GOVERNOR TO BEGIN EACH LEGISLATIVE SESSION BY GIVING THE LEGISLATURE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE AFFAIRS OF THE STATE AND RECOMMENDING THE MEASURES HE CONSIDERS NECESSARY.

NOTICE I DIDN'T SEE "SHE."

THE CONSTITUTION DOESN'T SAY "SHE" AND MAYBE WE SHOULD FIX THAT SOMETIME.

[Laughter] IT'S ALSO THE PERFECT TIME FOR ME TO COME BEFORE YOU TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM A BRAND-NEW GRANDMOTHER.

I HAVE A NEW GRAND BABY.

[Applause] HIS NAME IS BRANCH BRIAN, HE IS NAMED AFTER HIS GRANDFATHER.

HE WAS EIGHT POUNDS, NINE OUNCES, AND I WAS THINKING THIS MORNING ABOUT OUR FAMILY AND HOW MANY CHALLENGES WE GO THROUGH, HOW MANY GOOD TIMES AND HOW I FAIL THEM AT TIMES BUT, YET, BRANCH IS A REMINDER THAT WE HAVE NEW BEGINNINGS, THAT WE HAVE HOPE FOR A FUTURE, AND I HOPE THAT ALL OF US CAN EMBRACE THAT TODAY FOR THE YEAR OF 2023, THAT WE CAN HAVE A NEW BEGINNING AND A START, WHERE WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA AND PROTECT THAT PROMISE OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM.

NOW, SOUTH DAKOTA IS GROWING AND WE'RE THRIVING.

WE ARE STRONG.

OUR STATE'S... [Applause] OUR STATE'S AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IS NOW A $32 BILLION INDUSTRY.

IT'S RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE IN FIVE JOBS IN OUR STATE.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO PRESERVE AGRICULTURE'S FUTURE.

YOU KNOW, TOURISM, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND OTHER INDUSTRIES ARE ALSO GROWING, AS WELL.

THAT'S ALL GREAT NEWS.

TODAY I'M GOING TO SHARE WITH YOU HOW OUR STATE HAS BECOME THE NUMBER ONE STATE FOR INDIVIDUALS, FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES TO BUILD THE AMERICAN DREAM.

NOW, WE'VE ALSO PROMOTED OUR STATE AND PROMOTED STRONGER FAMILIES AND WE'RE ALSO GOING TO CONTINUE TO SECURE SOUTH DAKOTA FAR INTO THE FUTURE.

WE ARE NUMBER ONE IN THE NATION FOR PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS.

THAT IS HOW SOUTH DAKOTANS BUILD THE AMERICAN DREAM.

BY WORKING HARD AND EARNING MORE THAN THEY HAVE BEEN BEFORE.

WE HAVE THE FASTEST GROWTH OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE ENTIRE COUNSEL TRIPE.

WE HAVE THE MOST FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES OF ANY STATE.

THAT'S PART OF HOW WE MAKE FAMILIES STRONGER.

WE HAVE THE MOST REGISTERED HUNTERS PER CAPITAL -- PER CAPITA OF ANY STATE, AS WELL, WHICH IS SOMETHING I'M EXTREMELY PROUD OF.

AND WE WERE RECOGNIZED AS A STATE FOR MAKING THE BEST DECISIONS BY THE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE EXCHANGE COUNSEL.

ONE MORE THING.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY JACK RABBITS ARE THE FCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS IN FOOTBALL.

GO JACKS!!

[Laughter] [Applause] I UNDERSTAND THE TEAM WILL BE WITH US NEXT WEEK SO THAT WILL BE A FUN DAY TO CELEBRATE, AS WELL.

I NORMALLY WAIT TO HONOR OUR MILITARILY UNTIL THE END OF THIS SPEECH BUT I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT THIS NOW.

WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE STATE IN A NATION TO LIVE AND TO WORK AS A SOLDIER, AN AIRMAN AND A VETERAN.

HAS HOW WE MAKE SOUTH DAKOTA SAFER AND MORE SECURE FOR THE FUTURE.

BOTH OUR ARMY AND OUR AIR GUARD UNITS HAVE LED IT IS NATION.

WE'RE WINNING AWARD AFTER AWARD FOR THE BEST UNITS IN THIS COUNTRY.

JUST THIS PAST MONTH, WE DEPLOYED THE 109th REGIONAL SUPPORT GROUP TO THE MIDDLE EAST AS PART OF OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE.

BUT THE NATIONAL GUARD STANDS READY RIGHT HERE AT HOME, TOO.

WHEN THE WINTER SNOW AND BITS COLD HIT OUR STATE JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM TOOK TIME AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES IN NEED ACROSS OUR STATE.

THEY WENT AND HELPED OTHER COMMUNITIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO NEEDED ASSISTANCE TO GET THROUGH THE BITTER COLD.

THEY WENT TO OUR RESERVATIONS THAT ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE AND NEEDED IT, AS WELL.

WOULD EVERYONE WHO IS HERE THAT IS A VETERAN OR SERVES IN THE NATIONAL GUARD PLEASE RISE SO YOU CAN BE RECOGNIZED AND THANK BY ALL OF THOSE HERE IN ATTENDANCE TODAY.

[Applause] >> I BELIEVE SOUTH DAKOTA IS THE FREEST STATE IN THE NATION.

WE FIGHT TO DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

WE ENSURE THAT EVERY SOUTH DAKOTAN HAS THE RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

BUT HERE'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA.

WE NEVER SETTLE.

WE NEVER SIT BACK AND SAY, THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH.

WE TURN CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES.

TOGETHER I WANT US ALL TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF MAKING SOUTH DAKOTA NUMBER ONE IN GROWTH, TAX CLIMATE, WORK ETHIC AND BUILDING AND SUPPORTING STRONG FAMILIES.

OUR NATION WAS BUILT ON FREEDOM, BUT OUR CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS ARE UNDER ASSAULT FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. AMERICA NEEDS SOUTH DAKOTA'S EXAMPLE OF HOW CONSERVATIVE POLICIES AND VALUES MAKE PEOPLE'S LIVES BETTER.

THESE POLICIES BRING SUCCESS AND THEY BRING HOPE.

IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS, WE MADE SOUTH DAKOTA THE STRONGEST STATE IN AMERICA BY MAKING IT THE STATE TO PURSUE AN AMERICAN DREAM.

A STATE FOR STRONGER FAMILIES, AND A SECURE STATE.

IN THE NEXT FOUR, WE'RE GOING TO PROVE THAT THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

NOW, TOGETHER, WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO BUILD AND TO ADVANCE THAT AMERICAN DREAM AND IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, WE WILL ACCOMPLISH THAT.

WE'RE GOING TO ACCOMPLISH IT BY CUTTING TAXES FOR PEOPLE.

WE CONTINUE TO HAVE RECORD SURPLUSES AND WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THOSE SURPLUSES?

MY ANSWER IS SIMPLE.

CUT TAXES AND PROVIDE RELIEF FOR SOUTH DAKOTANS.

[Applause] NOW I'VE BEEN TO A LOT OF GROCERY STORES AROUND THE STATE FOR THE PAST MANY MONTHS.

PRICES HAVE DRAMATICALLY INCREASED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS THAT FAMILIES WEREN'T PREPARED FOR AND WHEN THEY SEE THE BILL AT THE END OF THE CHECK-OUT LINE, THEY'RE ASTONISHED.

WHEN I WAS STANDING THERE AT DOZENS OF GROCERY STORES, RUNNING THE CHECK-OUT LINE, TALKING TO PEOPLE ABOUT ONE OUT OF EVERY FOUR SHOPPERS HAD TO GO PUT SOMETHING BACK ON THE SHELF BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR IT.

IT WAS SHOCKING.

FOLKS, LISTEN, SO SOUTH DAKOTANS NEED THIS RELIEF AND IT'S NOT UP TO US TO PICK AND CHOOSE HOW THEY USE THEIR EXTRA DOLLARS THAT ARE IN THEIR POCKET.

BY CUTTING THE SALES TAX, WE WILL HELP EVERY SINGLE FAMILY IN THIS STATE AND THEN THEY HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DECIDE HOW TO USE THOSE DOLLARS TO MEET THEIR NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILY.

AND, AGAIN, ISN'T SOUTH DAKOTA ALL ABOUT EMBRACING FREEDOM AND HELPING EVERY SINGLE PERSON, NOT JUST PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS?

NOW, FAIR MARKET IS A STORE IN SIOUX FALLS.

IT PROVIDES A SPECIAL SERVICE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT.

THEY OFFER GROCERIES FOR ABOUT HALF THE PRICE THAT YOU SEE IN A TYPICAL GROCERY STORE.

KRISTIN JOHNSON RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE GROCERIES IN HER COMMUNITY SO SHE OPENED UP FAIR MARKET IN EARLY 2021.

SHE'S HAD TO RELOCATE.

SHE'S EXPANDED MULTIPLE TIMES AS DEMAND GREW AND JUST LAST MONTH, THEY OPENED A SECOND LOCATION ON THE WEST SIDE OF SIOUX FALLS.

WHEN I VISITED THEIR STORN, I MET CUSTOMERS WHO WERE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY THAT FAIR MARKET PROVIDES.

BECAUSE MANY OF THEIR GROCERIES ARE RECLAIMED, THAT MEANS THAT THEY'VE HAD A BRANDING CHANGE, MAYBE IT'S A DAMAGED CAN, MAYBE IT'S A SEASONAL GOOD, OR MAYBE IT'S BECAUSE THERE IS A MARKET SURPLUS BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE RECLAIMED, THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AND UNIQUE AND MORE AFFORDABLE FOR CUSTOMERS.

MANY OF THESE CUSTOMERS ENJOY LOOKING IN THE STORE LOOKING FOR UNIQUE FINDS.

NOW, KRISTEN WITH HER HUSBAND, GREG, AND DANELL WHO WORKS FOR THEM ARE HERE TODAY.

WOULD YOU PLEASE STAND WHEREVER YOU ARE?

THEY'RE RIGHT OVER HERE.

[Applause] >> THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THE PEOPLE RIGHT HERE IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

FAIR MARKET'S CUSTOMERS WILL GREATLY BENEFIT FROM THE ELIMINATION OF THE SALES TAX ON GROCERIES, BUT SO WILL EVERY SINGLE SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILY, EVERY PERSON, EVERY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, EASTERN EVERY HOMEOWNER.

OUR ECONOMY IS THE STRONGEST IT'S EVER BEEN.

OUR REVENUES CONTINUES TO GROW.

DECEMBER REVENUES HAVE US UP ANOTHER $10 MILLION ABOVE LEGISLATIVE ADOPTED ESTIMATES.

NOW IS THE TIME LET'S GET THIS DONE.

[Applause] SOUTH DAKOTA'S ECONOMY HAS BEEN THRIVING OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, BUT WITH THAT, WE'VE EXPERIENCED SOME GROWING PAINS.

IN 2022, OUR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS THE LOWEST IT'S BEEN IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY BUT WE STILL HAVE 23,000 OPEN JOBS IN OUR STATE.

DURING MY FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE, I SIGNED LEGISLATION FOR LICENSES.

TWO YEARS AGO, IN RESPONSE TO THE FILLING OF HEALTH CARE JOBS, I PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO RINSE THE HEALTH CARE LICENSES OF FOLKS MOVING HERE FROM ALL OTHER STATES.

THANK YOU FOR THE HELP WITH THAT.

THAT LEGISLATION EXPANDED TO OTHER PROFESSIONS AND IT HELPED US FILL MANY JOBS HERE.

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FINISH THE JOB THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, TO PROVIDE A PATH, TO RECOGNIZE LICENSES OF JUST ABOUT EVERY SINGLE PROFESSION IN THIS STATE.

WHEN OTHER STATES HAVE DONE THIS THEY HAVE SEEN THEIR WORKFORCES GROW ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.

ARIZONA'S WORKFORCE HAS GROWN BY ABOUT 5,000 WORKERS SINCE THEIR LAW WAS IMPLEMENTED.

THOUSANDS MORE IN THE FUTURE TO COME, AS WELL.

THAT'S THE KIND OF DRASTIC WORKFORCE BOOST WE IMMEDIATE RIGHT HERE IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND REGISTERED APAREN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS HERE IN OUR STATE AND JUST LAST MONTHS, THE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND REGULATION AWARDED FOUR GRANTS TO CREATE APPRENTICESHIP PIPELINES FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS ACROSS THE STATE.

THE FOUR RECIPIENTS OF THESE GRANTS WERE BEHR BUELT GARDENS FOR AGRICULTURE, BELLE FOURCHE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR HEALTH CARE, HARRISBURG SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR AGRICULTURE AND DAKOTA STATE EDUCATION.

LATER THIS WEEK THEY'LL ANNOUNCE EVEN MORE AWARDS.

MORE AND MORE BUSINESSES ARE REALIZING THE VALUE OF THESE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT LEMONADE BUTCHER JOB IN LEMMON, SOUTH DAKOTA, WHICH WAS INCORPORATED -- INCORPORATED AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO HIGHER AND TRAIN NEW STAFF.

THEY INITIALLY HIRED ONE EMPLOYEE NAMED JESSE WHO IS NOW SUPERVISING MORE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING THROUGH THAT PROGRAM.

THAT ALLOWED THE OWNER THIS YEAR FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME TO TAKE HIS FIRST VACATION.

NOW, THAT'S MAKING THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE.

HOW INCORPORATED IN SIOUX FALLS HAS USED APPRENTICESHIPS TO BUILD THEIR WORKFORCE FOR DECADES.

WHEN THEY GAVE ME A TOUR OF THEIR PROGRAM, IT WAS SO IMPRESSIVE, IT WAS INCREDIBLE.

THEY ALREADY PROVIDE APPRENTICESHIPS IN PLUMBING, FIRE PROTECTION, HVAC SHEET METAL AND RECENTLY WORKED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND REGULATION TO USE A MEGATRONNICS APPRENTICESHIPS PROGRAM AND CURRENTLY THEY'RE IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP ANOTHER PROGRAM FOR SPRINKLER FILTERS.

NOW, OF THE YEARS, HOWE HAS USED THEIR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO HIRE MORE THAN 60 EMPLOYEES.

IT'S BEEN A TOTAL GAME-CHANGER FOR THEM AN THEIR WORKFORCE.

OTHER COMPANIES CAN SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITIES, AS WELL.

I WANT SOUTH DAKOTA BUSINESSES TO CONTINUE TO START APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

IF YOU WERE INTERESTED IN LAUNCHING ONE AT YOUR BUSINESS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO OUR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND LABOR, REACH OUT TO US, AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE NEWS LATER THIS YEAR ABOUT EXPANDING THESE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE.

SOUTH DAKOTA IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO ATTRACT THE CAREERS OF THE FUTURE AND ADDRESS OUR WORKFORCE CHALLENGES.

IN THE LAST YEAR, YOU WORKED WITH ME TO EXPAND DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY'S CYBER RESEARCH CAPABILITIES.

IT'S GOING TO BRING 500 SIX-FIGURE JOBS TO SIOUX FALLS.

NOW, MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT'S GOING TO GIVE OUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS ANOTHER REASON TO PURSUE THE CAREER OF THEIR DREAMS, RIGHT HERE IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

I PROMISED TO BRING THE NEXT BIG INDUSTRY TO OUR STATE WITH YOU AND THIS IS IT.

[Applause] IN THE LAST YEAR, WE ALSO BROKE DROWN ON THE LARGEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY.

THE SITE IN LAKE PRESTON IS THE FIRST-EVER BILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

THEY WILL LITERALLY TURN CORN INTO JETS FUEL, AS IMPOSSIBLE AS THAT SOUNDS.

BUT WHAT... [Applause] BUT WHAT WE'RE DOING IN SOUTH DAKOTA IS REVERBERATING ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, AND AROUND THE WORLD.

WE WANTED WE WOULD BE GROWING EVEN MORE IF THERE WASN'T FEDERAL MANDATES PREVENTING COMPANIES FROM COMING HERE.

PRESIDENT BIDEN JUST EXTENDED THOSE MANDATES LAST WEEK.

WE'RE IN TOUCH WITH A COMPANY IN CANADA THAT WANTS TO MOVE THEIR BUSINESS TO THE BLACK HILLS.

I CAN'T SHARE A LOT OF DETAILS WITH YOU YET BUT WE'RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS COMPANY.

THEY ARE CURRENTLY BUYING PROPERTY THAT THEY HAVEN'T EVEN SEEN IN PERSON, AND THIS FAMILY AND THEIR BUSINESS HAVE SUFFERED DUE TO THE COVID RESTRICTIONS, AND VACCINE MANDATES IN CANADA.

THEIR DAUGHTER WAS EXPELELD FROM UNIVERSITIES FOR REFUSING THE VACCINE.

THEY ARE READY TO GAIN BACK THEIR FREEDOMS.

THEY WANT TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS AND IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE RIGHT HERE IN OUR STATE.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S VACCINE MANDATES ARE STANDING IN THEIR WAY.

WE ARE GOING TO HELP THEM AND WE'RE GOING TO HELP THEM START A NEW BEGINNING RIGHT HERE IN SOUTH DAKOTA, AND EMBRACE THEIR FREEDOM AGAIN.

AND WE AREN'T JUST BRINGING NEW BUSINESSES TO SOUTH DAKOTA.

OUR EXISTING BUSINESSES ARE GROWING AND THEY'RE THRIVING.

VALLEY QUEEN IN MILLBANK BROKE GROUND THIS YEAR ON A $200 MILLION EXPANSION THAT WILL CREATE AN ADDITIONAL 140 JOBS FOR THAT COMMUNITY.

SOUTH DAKOTA'S TOTAL MILK PRODUCTION HAS RISEN 11% IN THE LAST YEAR.

THAT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE ONCE THIS FACILITY IS COMPLETED.

THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAS FACILITATED $1.7 BILLION IN NEW ECONOMIC INVESTMENTS IN SOUTH DAKOTA OVER THE LAST YEAR.

THAT HAS CREATED 2400 NEW JOBS.

IN FACT, IN MY FIRST TERM, WE DELIVERED MORE ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN SOUTH DAKOTA THAN THE PREVIOUS TEN YEARS COMBINED.

THAT'S THE KIND OF SUCCESS THAT YOU ONLY SEE IN A STATE WHERE GOVERNMENT IS LIMITED.

WHERE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS UNLEASHED.

[Applause] NOW, REMEMBER, WE WERE THE ONLY STATE TO REJECT THE ADDITIONAL ELEVATED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OFFERED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

OUR PEOPLE GET WORKING, OUR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED LOW, OUR ECONOMY REMAINED STRONG AND NEW BUSINESSES, THEY MOVED HERE.

NOW WE HAVE A VERY HEALTHY UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND BALANCE, WHICH GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO CUT THE EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT TAX FOR BUSINESSES.

MY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WILL BE BRINGING A BILL TO REVISE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION RATES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND.

THIS WILL BRING AN ESTIMATED $18 MILLION SAVINGS TO SOUTH DAKOTA BUSINESSES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS.

[Applause] WE'RE CONTINUING TO BREAK PRODUCTS FOR TOURISM.

SNOW SECRET THAT FOLKS HAVE BEEN VISITING SOUTH DAKOTA BY THE MILLIONS AND THAT MANY OF THEM FIRST HEARD ABOUT US DURING THE PANDEMIC.

IN 2020, WE BROKE THE RECORD FOR THE MOST VISITORS TO SOUTH DAKOTA STATE PARKS.

IN 2021, WE IS THAT THE TIERED THAT RECORD AND BROKE THE RECORD FOR VISITOR SPENDING, AS WELL.

NOW, WE DON'T HAVE THE FINAL DATA YET BUT LOOKS LIKE SOUTH DAKOTA SET ANOTHER RECORD FOR VISITOR SPENDING IN 2022.

OUR AIRPORT ARRIVES INCREASED BY ABOUT 10% OVER LAST YEAR AND EVEN WITH NATION-WIDE INFLATION AND INCREASES IN GAS PRICES, VISITORS CONTINUED TO CHOOSE SOUTH DAKOTA.

OUR ECONOMY IS REAPING THE BENEFITS AND, IN FACT, TOURISM REVENUE, IT DECREASES THE TAX BURDEN BY $1,000 PER SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILY.

THE TOURISM INDUSTRY ALSO SUPPORTS 57,000 JOBS IN OUR STATE.

THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM WILL LAUNCH A DEDICATED NATIVE AMERICAN TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN.

BEGINNING IN 2023, BUS TOURS WILL BEGIN DOMESTIC AND -- BRINGING DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO PINE RIDGE, TO ROSEBUD, STANDING ROCK AND MILKS CAMP.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO EMPHASIZE TELLING TRIBAL STORIES.

THEY ARE A KEY PART OF OUR STATE'S RICH HISTORY AND HERITAGE.

I'M EXCITED TO SHARE THAT WITH THE WORLD.

PEOPLE WHO VISIT SOUTH DAKOTA, THEY ALSO COME HERE TO HUNT AND TO FISH.

ACCESS TO HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.

SINCE I TOOK OFFICE, MORE THAN 50,000 PRIVATE ACRES HAVE BECOME AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC HUNTING ABOVE AND BEYOND WHEN I WAS IN OFFICE.

15,000 NEW HABITAT ACRES HAVE BEEN ADDED.

WHILE MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO BUILD AND OUR MOST RECENT PHEASANT SHOWS MORE TOTAL BIRDS AND BIRDS PER HUNTER THAN THE FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE.

AND IN 2022, WE SET A RECORD FOR THE MOST NON-RESIDENTS FISHING LICENSES SOLD.

EVERY YEAR MORE AND MORE SOUTH DAKOTA YOUTH ARE PARTICIPATING IN OUR NEST PREDATOR BOUNTY PROGRAM.

YOUTH PARTICIPANTS JUMPED UP TO 32% OF THE TOTAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR.

THESE KIDS ARE DISCOVERING A PASSION FOR BEING OUTDOORS AND ENJOYING SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

WHEN TOURISTS, WHEN HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN COME TO SOUTH DAKOTA, THEY'RE NOT JUST PURSUING BIG GAME WILDLIFE OR THE CATCH OF A LIFETIME.

THEY ARE LITERALLY PURSUING HAPPINESS, A BREAK FROM THEIR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES, MOMENTS WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND THE EXCITEMENT OF NEW ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

THEY'RE CHOOSING SOUTH DAKOTA AND VISITING US CREATES MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

[Applause] WE WILL DOESN'T TO WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD STRONGER FAMILIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

THREE YEARS AGO, WE WORKED TO PASS LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE PAID FAMILY LEAVE TO STATE EMPLOYEES.

THIS GAVE FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO BOND WITH A NEWBORN AND ADOPTED CHILDREN.

IT ALSO PUT US IN A BETTER POSITION TO ATTRACT TOP TALENT TO OUR STATE GOVERNMENT.

THIS YEAR, I WANT TO EXPAND THAT OPPORTUNITY.

CURRENTLY, THE STATE PROVIDES PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFITS AT 60% OF AN EMPLOYEE'S SALARY FOR EIGHT WEEKS.

I'M PROPOSING THAT WE EXTEND THAT BENEFIT TO 100% OF SALARY FOR THE 12 WEEKS, AND THIS NEW PAID FAMILY LEAVE POLICY WON'T JUST COVER NEW BIRTHS OR ADOPTION, IT'S ALSO GOING TO COVER TAKING CARE OF A CHILD, A SPOUSE, A PARENT WITH A SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITION OR SITUATION WHERE A SPOUSE IS CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY SERVICE.

[Applause] THIS WILL BE A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE A BENEFIT FOR OUR STATE EMPLOYEES.

BUT IT'S NOT GOING TO STOP THERE.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THE STATE'S RISK POOL, AS WELL.

THIS WILL MAKE IT MUCH CHEAPER FOR COMPANIES HERE TO OFFER BENEFITS TO THEIR EMPLOYEES, AND THE MORE PEOPLE THAT BUY IN, THE LOWER THE COSTS WILL BE FOR EVERYONE.

MY BUDGET PROVIDES 20 MILLION IN GRANTS TO NIIVIZE THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS.

MY BUDGET ALSO PROPOSES 1.1 MILLION TO HELP GET PREGNANCY AND POST-PARTUM CARE FOR MOMS WHO ARE MEDICAID RECIPIENTS.

PREGNANT MOMS WHO ARE AT RISK OF BOOR BIRTH AND HEALTH CONDITIONS WILL RECEIVE COVERAGE AND RECEIVE INTENSIVE CARE MANAGEMENT.

THIS WILL HELP MOMS HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY AND THIS CARE WILL EXTEND TO AFTERBIRTH.

THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE ADMITTED TO THE NICU, AND AFTER BIRTH, THE MOMS WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN THE BRIGHT START PROGRAM WHICH YOU ALL HELPED PROVIDE FUNDING FOR LAST YEAR.

THIS PROVES OUR COMMITMENT TO HELPING MOMS AND FAMILIES THROUGH WHATEVER SITUATION THAT THEY MAY FACE.

WE ARE GOING TO HELP THEM AND THEIR BABIES BOTH BEFORE BIRTH AND AFTER.

AND WE'RE ALSO GOING TO HELP FAMILIES WHO ADOPT CHILDREN WHO NEED A LOVING HOME.

DURING MY TIME AS GOVERNOR, I'VE EMPHASIZED ADOPTION AS AN AREA WHERE WE CAN IMPROVE AS A STATE.

AND MY LIFE DOT SD.GOV WEBSITE HELPS THE FAMILIES FIND RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP, WHETHER THEY'RE ADOPTING OR GIVING UP A CHILD FOR ADOPTION.

I'M ALSO RECOMMENDING THIS YEAR THAT WE GIVE $25,000, UP TO $25,000 PER STATE EMPLOYEES TO COVER THE COST OF ADOPTING A CHILD DOMESTICALLY.

TODAY WE HAVE SEVERAL STATE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE HERE WITH US TODAY WHO HAVE OPENED UP THEIR HOMES AND ADOPTED CHILDREN.

WOULD YOU ALL PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED, AS WELL?

[Applause] WE ALL SHOULD BE ABLE TO AGREE THAT CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE A PERMANENT AND LOVING HOME AND I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR OPENING UP YOUR HOMES FOR THESE CHILDREN AND LOVING THEM AND MAKING THEM A PART OF YOUR FAMILY.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT AND I HOPE WE CAN ALL DO TOGETHER.

NOW, ANOTHER WAY THAT WE CAN HELP KIDS GROW UP IN A LOVING HOME IS FOSTER CARE.

TWO YEARS AGO, I LAUNCHED THE STRONGER FAMILIES TOGETHER INITIATIVE.

BEFORE THIS INITIATIVE, WE WERE RECRUITING FEWER THAN 200 FAMILIES EVERY SINGLE YEAR.

NOW WE'RE RECRUITING OVER 300 FOSTER FAMILIES, PER YEAR, TO HELP.

WE MET OUR TARGET IN YEAR ONE AND OUR RECRUITMENT CONTACTS ARE UP FOR YEAR TWO.

BUT OUR FOSTER CHILDREN STILL FACE EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES AS A RESULT OF THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES.

TODAY I'M ANNOUNCING THE STRONGER FAMILIES SCHOLARSHIP PROPOSAL, WHICH I'M HOPING TO WORK WITH ALL OF YOU TO PROVIDE NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE CHILDREN.

ANY CHILD IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE UP TO $4,000 IN A SCHOLARSHIP TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL, FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12th GRADE.

THIS MONEY CAN BE USED TO PAY FOR TUITION AT A PRIVATE SCHOOL, PAY FOR TUTORING OR TEACHING SERVICES, PURCHASE CURRICULUM, PAY FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS OR A.P.

EXAMS, AND MORE HELP.

THERE'S ALWAYS MORE THAT WE CAN DO AND TODAY THERE ARE MORE THAN 100 BUSINESSES ACROSS THE STATE THAT PROVIDE TARGETED DISCOUNTS TO HELP FOSTER FAMILIES AND THOSE CHILDREN.

I LOVE THAT.

I LOVE THAT THEY'RE HELPING THESE FAMILIES SAVE DOLLARS SO THEY CAN OPEN MORE CHILDREN -- THEIR HOMES UP TO MORE CHILDREN.

I WOULD LIKE TO CHALLENGE MORE BUSINESSES IN THIS STATE TO DO THAT, AS WELL.

I KNOW THAT ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT FAMILIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA FACE TODAY IS ALSO ACCESS TO CHILD CARE.

FAMILIES MIGHT HAVE TO GO ON A WAIT LIST FOR MANY MONTHS, MAYBE BEFORE THE CHILD IS EVEN BORN, IN ORDER TO FIND HEALTH CARE -- CHILD CARE THAT IS ADEQUATE TO SERVE THEIR FAMILIES NEEDS.

ONE PARENT MAY EVEN HAVE TO QUIT THEIR JOB AND STOP WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING.

IN THE COMING DAYS, WE WILL BE MEETING OUR OVERHAUL OF OUR CHILD CARE RULES AND REGULATIONS.

WE'VE BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH CHILD CARE PROVIDERS TO REWRITE THE RULES IN A WAY THAT MAKES SENSE, WHILE PRIORITIZING AND CONTINUING TO MAKE COPING OUR KIDS SAFE.

WE'RE ALSO GOING TO BE RELEASING NEARLY $40 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS.

WE HAD SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH PROVIDERS SO THAT THOSE GRANTS WOULD TARGET EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEEDED.

FROM NEW TECHNOLOGY TO START-UP FUNDS TO QUALITY INITIATIVES.

WE ALSO HEARD, THOUGH, ABOUT THESE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE WITH WORKFORCE.

WE'RE GOING TO HELP TACKLE THIS BY MAKING IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO WORK IN THE CHILD CARE FIELD.

CURRENTLY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS STRUGGLE TO GIVE BENEFITS TO THEIR EMPLOYEES.

SO, WE WILL BE PARTNERING WITH THE SOUTH DAKOTA FARM BUREAU TO FIX THAT.

TODAY WE HAVE WITH US SOME OF THE LEADERSHIP TEAM FROM FARM BUREAU WHO'S HELPING US MAKE THESE HEALTH BENEFITS POSSIBLE.

WOULD YOU ALL PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED, AS WELL, FOR OPENING UP THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR SO MANY FAMILIES?

THANK YOU.

[Applause] THROUGH ALL OF THESE EFFORTS, WE ARE MAKING IT CLEAR THAT SOUTH DAKOTA PRIORITIZES STRONGER FAMILIES AND GIVING FAMILIES MORE OPTIONS AT HOME.

NOW WE LIVE IN THE STRONGEST AND GREATEST NATION IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.

WITH THAT GREATNESS COMES UNIQUE CHALLENGES.

BUT WE AREN'T AFRAID OF CHALLENGES.

AS PRESIDENT HARE S.F.TRUE MAN FAMOUSLY SAID, AMERICA WAS NOT BUILT ON FEAR.

AMERICA WAS BUILT ON COURAGE, ON IMAGINATION AND UNBEATABLE DETERMINATION TO DO THE JOB AT HAND.

PERHAPS THE GREATEST EXTERNAL CHALLENGE PHASING THE UNITED STATES IS THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY.

THEY ARE USE AGE A POPULAR APP CALLED TICK TRAINING CAMP TO GATHER DATA ON AMERICAN PEOPLE AND OUR PEOPLE RIGHT HERE IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

IT'S POSSIBLE THEY ARE USING THIS APP TO GATHER USERS' KEY STROKES WHICH MEANS THAT THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY COULD HAVE ACCESS TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TENS OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.

IT'S AN UNACCEPTABLE SECURITY THREAT COMING FROM A NATION THAT HATES AMERICA.

NOW, A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO, I SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING TIKTOK FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AND IN DOING SO, SOUTH DAKOTA BEGAN AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT.

MORE THAN 20 DIFFERENT STATES HAVE SINCE TAKEN ACTION, CONGRESS RECENTLY PASSED LEGISLATION TO REFLECT THIS POLICY FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AS WELL.

THEY ALL FOLLOWED OUR LEAD AND THAT'S THE POWER OF THE EXAMPLE THAT SOUTH DAKOTA IS SETTING FOR THE NATION.

THAT'S THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE ALL NEED TO TAKE SERIOUSLY.

PEOPLE ARE WATCHING WHAT WE DO.

NOW, OUR EFFORT TO COME BASS COMMUNIST CHINA SHOULDN'T STOP THERE.

WE'RE ALSO LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ENSURE THAT TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE NOT ARE AREN'T BENEFITING CHINESE COMPANIES OR THE COMMUNIST PARTY.

I'M WORKING WITH SENATOR TOBIN AND REPRESENTATIVE MACK TO BLOCK PURCHASES SOUTH DAKOTA LAND FROM NATIONS THAT HATE US.

THIS LEGISLATION IS GOING TO CREATE A BOARD CALLED THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES-SOUTH DAKOTA.

THIS NEW BOARD WILL INCLUDE AG EXPERTS, NATIONAL AND STATE SECURITY EXPERTS AND LEGAL COUNSEL.

IT WILL REVIEW ANY PURCHASE, LEASE OR TRANSFER OF SOUTH DAKOTA AGRICULTURE LAND BY A FOREIGN PERSON, COMPANY OR ENTITY AND MAKE ITS RECOMMENDATION TO THE GOVERNOR WHETHER THE PURCHASE SHOULD BE APPROVED.

THAT'S THE KIND OF DECISIVE ACTION THAT WE NEED.

WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH.

WHERE A CHINESE AFILL AT PURCHASED LAND THEY WERE A CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITIES.

WE CANNOT ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN HERE.

WE CAN'T ALLOW CHINESE INTERESTS TO PURCHASE ANY SOUTH DAKOTA AG LAND, MUCH LESS ANY LAND NEAR ANY MILITARY BASE OR CRITICAL STATE INFRASTRUCTURE.

SOUTH DAKOTA IS GOING TO SET THE EXAMPLE HERE, TOO, AS WELL.

NOW, OTHER STATES ARE ALREADY EXAMINING OUR LEGISLATION WITH PLANS TO REPLICATE IT.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL OF YOU AND US GETTING IT DONE TO PROTECT SOUTH DAKOTA AND TO PROTECT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

[Applause] WE ARE COMMITTED TO SECURING OUR STATE.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN IN WON I FORM WHO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE.

SOUTH DAKOTA RESPECTS OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

WE'VE PROVEN THAT IN OUR ACTIONS AND ALSO IN OUR WORDS.

WE RECRUITED OUT-OF-STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO MOVE TO A STATE WHERE THEY WOULD BE RESPECTED.

IT ISN'T JUST OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY.

I HEAR STORY AFTER STORY OF INCREDIBLE SOUTH DAKOTANS WHO STEP UP EVERY SINGLE DAY.

STORIES LIKE THE STAFF AT THE AVERA -- ADVENTERA NURSING HOME IN SALEM WHO BROUGHT RESIDENTS INTO AN INNER ROOM IN A NURSING STATION WHEN THE DID YOUR RAVEN I DON'T HIT THEIR BUILDING THIS SPRING.

THOSE INDIVIDUALS HAD TO PHYSICALLY HOLD THE DOORS SHUT FROM BARE HANDS TO KEEP THEM FROM BEING RIPPED OFF THE HINKS AND WHEN THE STORM ABATED, EVERYTHING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THOSE DOORS WERE GONE.

THESE NURSING HOME EMPLOYEES MAY HAVE FELT LIKE THEY WERE JUST DOING THEIR JOB BUT THEY SAVED SO MANY LIVES THAT DAY.

THE STAFF OF THAT NURSING HOME IS HERE WITH US ALL TODAY.

WOULD YOU ALL PLEASE STAND AND REMAIN STANDING FOR JUST A MINUTE, STAND UP, WE'LL GIVE YOU A ROUND OF APPLAUSE BUT DON'T SIT DOWN.

[Applause] I WANT THEM TO STAY STANDING FOR A LITTLE BIT.

WHEN I WAS THERE RIGHT AFTER THE STORM, I WAS SHOCKED BY WHAT I SAW.

I HAD NEVER SEEN A SITUATION WHERE PEOPLE LITERALLY HAD TO STAND THERE AND HOLD A FLIMSY DOOR SHUT TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN THE MID IT OF THE DOOR RATIO, TORNADO SITUATION AND THEY DID IT TO PROTECT THEIR RESIDENTS AND LITERALLY RISKED THEIR LIVES TO DO IT.

IT'S INCREDIBLE THE DEVASTATION THAT HAPPENED AND WHAT THEY DID THAT DAY.

IT'S A TESTIMONY TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, AND I'VE GOT ONE MORE INDIVIDUAL THAT I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT TODAY, AS WELL.

MARK COOK WORKS IN CONSTRUCTION.

HE HAS A WIFE AND FIVE KIDS AND ONE DAY, HE WAS DRIVING THROUGH A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR WHEN HE SAW A CAR FLIPPED ON ITS SIDE IN THE MEDIAN.

HE PULLED OVER, CLIMBED INTO THE FLIPPED VEHICLE, HE FOUND A WOMAN WHO WAS IN SHOCK FROM THAT CRASH.

THE CAR WAS FILLING UP WITH WATER AND THE WOMAN WAS HAPPENING FROM HER SEAT BELT.

MARK CUT HER LOOSE, HE HELD HER OUT OF THE WATER, CALMED HER DOWN AND HELD THE CAR DOOR OPEN ABOVE HIS HEAD UNTIL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS COULD ARRIVE.

NOW, MARK IS A HERO.

HE WAS A HERO THAT DAY BUT HE'S ALSO A HERO IN UNIFORM.

MARK IS A STAFF SERGEANT IN THE SOUTH DAKOTA AIR GUARD AND HE WAS DRIVING ON HIS WAY TO DRILL WHEN HE STOPPED AND HELPED THAT WOMAN POTENTIALLY SAVING HER LIFE.

HIS JOB IN THE GUARD IS TO KEEP OUR NATION SAFE AND TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS.

BUT HE COULD HAVE JUST KEPT DRIVING THAT DAY.

HE DIDN'T.

HE PULLED OVER, HE STEPPED UP, AND STAFF SERGEANT COOK AND HIS FAMILY ARE HERE TODAY.

WOULD YOU PLEASE STAND, AS WELL, TO BE RECOGNIZED, AND BE THANKED FOR YOUR HEROISM?

[Applause] TAPING.

TODAY I WANT TO HONOR BOTH THE STAFF ALL THE AVERA ADVENT TERRA IN SALEM AND SERGEANTS MARK COOK WITH THE GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR HEROISM.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING INCREDIBLE WITNESSES TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH SOUTH DAKOTANS WILL GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE EACH OTHER.

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS AWARD, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR YOUR COMMUNITIES.

[Applause] OUR STATE IS SAFER BECAUSE OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY WITHOUT BEING ASKED.

I'M PROUD TO BE A SOUTH DAKOTAN BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE ALL OF YOU.

THANK YOU FOR SETTING THE EXAMPLE.

NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THAT'S THE STATE OF OUR STATE.

FOR FOUR YEARS NOW, WE HAVE MADE SOUTH DAKOTA THE STATE WHERE ANYONE CAN COME HERE AND BUILD THEIR AMERICAN DREAM.

WE'VE STRENGTHENED FAMILIES, WE'VE SECURED THEIR STATE, THIS STATE, AND WE HAVE BUILT HERE IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS EXACTLY WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS ENVISIONED WHEN THEY CREATED OUR NATION.

AND THE FOUNDERS OF OUR STATE WHO ENSHRINED THE PHRASE, "UNDER GOD THE PEOPLE RULE."

WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

[Applause] IN 1790, LESS THAN ONE YEAR AFTER TAKING OFFICE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, GORGE WASHINGTON DELIVERED HIS FIRST STATE-OF-THE-UNION ADDRESS.

NOW, SOME PEOPLE THINK IT WAS THE BEST STATE-OF-THE-UNION EVER DELIVERED.

IT WAS ALSO THE SHORTEST, SO THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A REASON WHY.

BUT PRESIDENT WASHINGTON DELIVERED AN IMPORTANT POINT THAT I THINK WE SHOULD ALL REMEMBER TODAY.

THE WELFARE OF OUR COUNTRY IS THE GREAT OBJECT TO WHICH OUR CARES AND EFFORTS OUGHT TO BE DIRECTED.

I SHALL DERIVE GREAT SATISFACTION FROM A COOPERATION WITH YOU IN THE PLEASING THOUGH ARDUOUS TASK OF ENSURING TO OUR FELLOW CITIZENS THE BLESSINGS FOR WHICH THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPECT FROM A FREE, EFFICIENT AND EQUAL GOVERNMENT.

THAT IS STILL OUR TASK TODAY, TO ENSURE FREE AND EFFICIENT AND AN EQUAL GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL OF YOU TO GET THAT DONE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU, AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE GREAT STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA.

[Applause] >> YOU MAY BE SEATED.

MADAM SECRETARY... >> SENATOR CRABTREE MOVES THAT THE JOINT SESSION BE DISSOLVED.

>> SECOND.

>> SECONDS.

>> ALL IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION TO ADJOURN WILL SAY AYE?

[Chorus of ayes] OPPOSED, ANY.

THIS SESSION IS ADJOURNED, DISSOLVED.

THANK YOU ALL.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THAT BRINGS THE 2023 STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS AND JOINT SESSION TO A CLOSE.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS THAT WE HEARD FROM GOVERNOR NOEM'S STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS TODAY, A BIG THEM, WHAT TO DO WITH THAT SURPLUS, CUT TAXES.

OF COURSE, RETURNING TO THE GOVERNOR'S CAMPAIGN PROMISE TO ADDRESS THE SALES TAX ON GROCERIES, SHE SPENT QUITE A BIT OF TIME DISCUSSING THAT, HIGHLIGHTING A BUSINESS IN SIOUX FALLS THAT WORKS TO PROVIDE DEALS FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES, A BIG THEME, USE THAT EXTRA STATE MONEY TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES RATHER THAN INVESTING IN, SAY, GROWING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS.

ANOTHER BIG THEME OF THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS OF COURSE THE STRENGTH OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S ECONOMY, ITS ATTRACTIVE NATURE FOR BUSINESSES, HIGHLIGHTING INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH A MYSTERIOUS CANADIAN COMPANY LOOKING TO COME TO THE BLACK HILLS, VACCINE MANDATES HOLDING THEM BACK AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

WE'LL BE INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT COMES FROM THAT BUT ALSO A LOOK AT KEEPING AG LAND OUT OF THE HANDS OF FOREIGN ENTITIES AND FOREIGN INTERESTS.

THE GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTED SENATOR TOBIN AND REPRESENTATIVE GARY COMACK AS POSSIBLE PARTS OF THAT COMMITTEE.

IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE GOING TO TOSS IT OVER TO LEE STRUBINGER FOR SOME REFLECTIONS FROM LAWMAKERS.

>> THANKS, JACKIE.

I'M STANDING HERE WITH INCOMING SENATE MINORITY LEADER, RONALD NECESSARY ABA, A DEMOCRAT FROM SIOUX FALLS.

WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH?

>> YEAH, THANK YOU, LEE.

THERE'S MAIN THINGS THAT DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR ON.

WE HAVE BEEN -- I PERSONALLY HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF CUTTING THE SALES TAX ON FOOD FOR 19 YEARS.

SHE TALKED ABOUT OUR GUARDSMEN, SHE'S BEEN ADVOCATING FOR FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THEM WHICH IS APPROPRIATE, AS WELL.

AND I SUPPORT HER STRENGTHENING FAMILIES, AS WELL, DOING MORE FOR FOSTER CARE.

WHAT I WAS HOPING TO HEAR HER SAY AND IT'S PART OF OUR ONGOING CONVERSATION IS WITH RESPECT TO FOSTER CARE IS WE STILL HAVE SOME OF THE LOWER REIMBURSEMENTS RATES FOR FOSTER FAMILIES AND I'M HOPING TO MAKE THOSE RATES CLOSER TO WHAT OTHER STATES ARE DOING, AS WELL.

SO -- AND I GUESS -- ONE MOVE MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE SPEECHES IS RECEIVE THINGS THAT DO GET LEFT OUT, THAT WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A CHILD CARE CRISIS.

SHE MENTIONED IT IN PASSING TODAY AND BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE AN INSURANCE-LIKE PRODUCT FOR THEM.

BUT WE REALLY NEED STATE DOLLARS.

IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY CHILD CARE IN SOUTH DAKOTA, THE STATE IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE A PARTNER IN THAT TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THAT.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME LEADERSHIP THERE BECAUSE IT'S A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ISSUE AND IT'S GOOD FOR OUR FAMILIES, AS WELL.

>> WHAT KIND OF ROLE WOULD -- BECAUSE I KNOW DEMOCRATS HAVE TALKED A LOT IN RECENT YEARS ABOUT PRE-K. WHAT KIND OF ROLE COULD PRE-K PLAY IN THAT CHANGE CRISIS?

>> AGAIN, WE HAVE OTHER STATES, MINNESOTA FULLY FUNDS A WHOLE ADDITIONAL YEAR OF EDUCATION FOR THEIR STUDENTS.

I THINK SOUTH DAKOTA STUDENTS DESERVE THAT OPPORTUNITIES, AS WELL, SO WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIND MORE MONEY FOR PRE-K AND THEN BEING ABLE TO REALLY WORK TOGETHER BETWEEN PRE-K AND EARLY EDUCATION TO HELP SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THAT.

AGAIN, THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT CUTTING THE TAX ON FOOD.

OBVIOUSLY THAT'S GOING TO TAKE UP THE BULK OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION THIS YEAR.

ARE THE NUMBERS THERE?

I MEAN, WHAT DOES SHE MUCH TO DO TO CONVINCE OTHER LAWMAKERS THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS FEASIBILITY?

>> RIGHT.

THIS IS -- THIS ISN'T A MATH PROBLEM, THIS IS A POLITICAL PROBLEM.

SO MY SENSE IS THAT IN THIS CHAMBER, THAT THERE IS SUPPORT TO BE ABLE TO GET THIS DONE.

MY SENSE IS THAT THE STATE SENATE IS NOT INTERESTED IN REDUCING THE ENTIRE 4.5% OFFER THE SALES TAX ON FOOD.

I HAVE WRITTEN BILLS THAT WOULD TAKE EITHER ONE-SCENT OR TWO-SCENT OFF AS A COMPROMISE THAT WOULD GO AS A STEP FORWARD -- EACH PENNY IS ABOUT $25 MILLION IN THE POCKETS OF SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES, AND SO IF WE COULD GET ONE OR TWO-CENTS OFF, I THINK THAT WOULD BE A STEP FORWARD AND MAYBE THAT'S THE BEST WE CAN DO.

>> PRETTY MORE TO COME.

MY GUESS HAS BEEN STATE SENATOR RONALD NESIBA, INCOMING MINORITY LEADER.

JACKIE, BACK TO YOU.

>> I'M JOINED BY SENATOR TOBIN, CHAIR OF THE SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE AND ALSO WAS MENTIONED AS PART OF THE COMMITTEE THAT GOVERNOR NOEM MENTIONED TO PREVENT FOREIGN ENTITIES FROM PURCHASING AG LAND IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

SENATOR TOBIN, JUST TO START OFF, GIVE US SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS THAT YOU HEARD IN TODAY'S SPEECH AND THE GOVERNOR'S PRIORITIES FOR THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

>> YES, I WAS VERY HAPPY FOR HER TO TALK ABOUT WORKFORCE AND ALSO CHILD CARE.

THOSE ARE SOME BIG ISSUES THAT I HEAR TALKED ABOUT OFTEN FROM MY CONSTITUENTS AND I WAS GLAD THAT THERE ARE THINGS THAT SHE'S BRINGING TO ADDRESS SOME OF THOSE ISSUES.

I ALSO TALKING ABOUT FOREIGN AG OWNERSHIP OF LAND, OBVIOUSLY THAT'S SOMETHING THAT I'M VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT SO I WAS GLAD THAT SHE BROUGHT IT UP AND DISCUSSED IT TODAY.

>> SO I UNDERSTAND YOU'RE INVOLVED IN RAN HAVING, YOU ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD, OBVIOUSLY CHAIRING HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

WE DIDN'T HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE VOTER APPROVED INITIATIVE TO EXPAND MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY TODAY.

I'M WONDERING, AS PART OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE, THERE IS A STATE PLAN THAT NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED, SOME EXTRA STEPS NOW THAT VOTERS HAVE APPROVED THIS.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'RE LOOKING OUT FOR OR THAT YOU THINK VOTERS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AS THEY WATCH THE SESSION UNFOLD ATTENTION IT RELATES TO MEDICAID EXPANSION?

>> RIGHT NOW, WE'RE LOOKING AT THE BUDGET AND HOW WE'RE GOING TO PAY FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS ALSO GOING TO HAVE SOME STAFFING INCREASES TO BE ABLE TO TRACK AND KEEP TRACK OF THE MORE PATIENTS THAT WE WILL HAVE IN MEDICAID.

SO I HAVE NOT YET HEARD HOW THAT WILL ALL BREAK DOWN BUT IT'S SOMETHING AS A CAUCUS AND AS A BODY THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE HAVING MANY MEETINGS ABOUT.

>> SO I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE AG LAND AND FOREIGN ENTITIES, I'M CURIOUS, HOW DOES AN EFFORT LIKE THIS RELATE WITH OUR STATE'S CORPORATE PRIVACY LAWS?

HAS THERE BEEN MUCH DISCUSSION ALONG THOSE LINES ALONG THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HOW A THING LIKE THIS WORKS?

>> THERE WAS ALREADY LAW ON THE BOOKS REGARDING THIS, IT JUST WASN'T NECESSARILY BEING KEPT TRACK OF.

SO I DON'T THINK IT BREACHES ANY PRIVACY LAW FOR CORPORATIONS BUT IT'S REALLY JUST GOOD POLICY TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR STATE IS SAFE AND MAKE SURE THERE'S NO SECURITY THREATS, AND ALSO TO KEEP WHAT OUR NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY -- THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT MAY COME UP IN THE FUTURE, WHICH IS FOOD SECURITY AND GROWING FOOD AND GROWING BEEF AND SO I THINK IT'S A VERY GOOD IDEA AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN GET IT PASSED.

>> SENATOR ERIN TOBIN, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

>> YES, THANK YOU.

WE ARE WRAPPING UP OUR STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS COVERAGE.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS -- SOME POINTS I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT FOR YOU.

WE HAVE ONGOING COVERAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND TO NOTE TOMORROW THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS, THAT LAUNCHES AT 1:00 p.m. CENTRAL, NOON MOUNTAIN, CHIEF JUSTICE STEVEN JENSEN, GIVES HIS STATE OF THE JUDICIARY.

AN OWNED THURSDAY, AT CROW CREEK CHAIRMAN GIVES THE STATE OF THE TRIBE'S ADDRESS.

YOU CAN WATCH THOSE LIVE ON SDPB 2 WORLD TV, LIVETREATMENT ON YOUTube, SD.NET AND OF COURSE THE SD.NET APP AND OF COURSE GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE, ON GOING COVERAGE AND ANALYSIS ON ON THE MOMENT BUT IN THE MEANTIME, I'M JACKIE HENDRY WITH SOUTH DAKOTA PUBLIC BROADCASTING ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US HERE IN THE CAPITOL, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.