Republican Gov. Kristi Noem presents the annual Budget Address tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1 p.m. CT before a joint session of the South Dakota Legislature. It will be livestreamed on SD.net.

According to a news release late this (Monday) afternoon, “Governor Noem will discuss South Dakota’s strong economy, prioritizing people over projects, and the importance of conservative fiscal policies.”

Last year, the governor recommended a budget of over $7.2 billion, of which over $3.4 billion was federal funds.

The State of South Dakota’s Budget website contains more detailed information about the state’s financial health, budget, and budget process. It also gives a more in-depth look at the current and past fiscal years.

However, what the Governor proposes, the Legislature disposes.

The Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee meets year-round and daily during the session. They bring in department heads and others and go through the Governor’s recommendations as well as proposals by other legislators.

Typically, the “omnibus” appropriations bill is the last matter the legislature considers before adjourning for the regular run of the session in March. Two weeks later, they return for a veto session to attempt to override any gubernatorial vetoes.

The regular session of the South Dakota Legislature begins at noon CT, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The Governor gives the annual State of the State Address at approximately 1 p.m. CT to a joint session of the legislature.