PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — In a State of the State Address Tuesday filled with good news about South Dakota’s economy and the state’s budget, Gov. Kristi Noem was critical of the federal government’s impact on the state.
In her prepared remarks, she used the term “attack” or a form of the word four times:
- “We did what was right — and we were attacked for our decision.”
- “On top of all that, our children, our history, and our values are under attack.”
- “Financially, we see the impact of protecting liberty in South Dakota, but unfortunately, personal liberties are under attack. But that attack IS NOT coming from state government. It’s coming from the Biden Administration in Washington, D.C.”
Noem elaborated on what she meant by “attack” in a news conference with South Dakota radio journalists late Tuesday afternoon.
“The federal government is (the attacker) and they are attacking the state of South Dakota by the policies and the mandates that they’re pushing out,” Noem said. “I remind you, they don’t have the authority to put these mandates on us as well.”
Much of her consternation regarded the federal government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. She continued with her other concerns.
“But they’re driving up our regulations,” Noem said. “They are penalizing South Dakota specifically for different federal contracts and work that we do with the federal government. And they’ve mandated different activities to us.”
Tuesday was the first day of the 2022 session of the South Dakota Legislature. It will run through March 10, with a veto session scheduled for March 28.
