Kristi Noem Presents Lean Budget Proposal

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is set to present a lean budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025, amid lower-than-expected revenues and the cessation of federal pandemic aid. Lawmakers are particularly interested in her plans to fund a proposed $825 million men's prison, which has exceeded budgetary allocations by $256 million. The budget address marks the beginning of the legislative budgeting process, with the annual session commencing on January 14. This will be Noem's final address before taking a position in the Trump administration, and it is expected to highlight her past accomplishments. However, fiscal experts predict a challenging environment with potential revenue shortfalls impacting funding for education, healthcare, and state employee salaries. Overall, the session is likely to focus on fiscal restraint due to stagnant revenues and rising costs, particularly in Medicaid and prison construction.