Governor Noem’s budget proposal dealing with Corrections & Tourism

PIERRE, S.D.(KOTA)- At the Governor’s budget address, Governor Kristi Noem, laying out her spending priorities for the next legislative session, said the continued funding of law enforcement is among her priorities.

Noem said she believes the Department of Corrections is in need of over a half billion dollars in improvements.

Noem said now is the time to begin hacking away at that price tag, proposing two items specifically, starting with the pay of corrections officers.

Noem also proposed a new women’s work center for Rapid City.

At Governor Kristi Noem’s budget address Tuesday afternoon, which saw Noem share her spending priorities for the next year, South Dakota’s tourism options briefly came into focus.

Noem described the state’s tourism offerings as “powerful”.

Noem said she plans to continue South Dakota’s tourism marketing campaigns to the tune of $35 million, and wants to reach all of South Dakota’s communities.

But Noem said the fun isn’t just for tourists.

Noem praised the marketing team at South Dakota’s Department of Tourism, and said the administration will continue “empowering” their work moving forward.

Nome’s budget address was held Tuesday afternoon in Pierre.