PIERRE, S.D. (KOTA) — For state lawmakers, the electronic VETO DAY on Monday will be leading to a special legislative session on the budget this June. Governor Kristi Noem made the announcement today at her Friday press conference.

Noem outlined the process for lawmakers to handle two vetos and a handful of special coronavirus bills.

The special bills will go into effect quickly, and end after the crisis is past.

Noem says she’ll stand by her signature on the existing budget bills, but won’t spend the money until lawmakers rework the fiscal 2021 budgets at the June special session.

South Dakota lists a total of 58 positive tests for coronavirus in the state as of today.  Noem rejected the South Dakota Medical Association’s charge that she hasn’t done enough to curtain COVID-19, by refusing to order a statewide closure of businesses herself.  She says each town and city should do what is best for them.

The House of Representatives has approved the $2.2-trillion coronavirus response bill passed by the Senate, and Noem says that her staff is still studying the bill for its effect on South Dakota.

Congressman Dusty Johnson flew back to Washington DC this morning to vote on the measure in person.  It provides for payments to individuals and families, and forgivable small business loans to help employers keep their workers.

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