Gov. Rhoden vetoes childcare assistance expansion bill

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has vetoed House Bill 1132, which aimed to expand child care assistance eligibility for workers at licensed daycare programs. He argued that the bill would shift the program's focus away from low-income families, providing preferential treatment to child care employees by raising the income eligibility threshold. Rhoden emphasized that the current program is designed as a safety net for those working towards self-sufficiency and highlighted concerns about the potential financial burden on the state budget. While acknowledging the ongoing child care crisis, he pointed to existing state investments and initiatives aimed at supporting the child care workforce without expanding the safety net. Proponents of the bill argued it would help stabilize the workforce and improve access to child care. The veto marks Rhoden's first of the legislative session, and lawmakers will consider whether to override it later this month.