press releases
South Dakota Ends Fiscal Year with $69 Million Surplus
07/13/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced South Dakota closed the state fiscal year 2026 budget with a surplus of $69 million. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Senator Lindsey Graham
07/13/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately as a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Lindsey Graham. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Cuts Ribbon on New Women's Prison
07/10/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden cut a "ribbon" of razor wire to signal the completion of construction on the new Women's Correctional Facility in Rapid City. Read more . . .
Responding to Devastation
07/10/2026
Natural disasters are devastating, but they also provide opportunities for our state to show what we are made of. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden to Cut Ribbon on New Women's Prison
07/09/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden will cut the ribbon on the new women's prison in Rapid City. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Receives Funding from Trump Administration for ICE Support
07/07/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the Trump Administration has provided $150,418 to the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) for SDHP's 287(g) agreement with ICE. Read more . . .
Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Freedom
07/03/2026
Here in South Dakota, we still honor America, our freedoms, and our Founding Fathers. Read more . . .
Largest Property Tax Cut Takes Effect
07/01/2026
Today, Governor Rhoden's property tax cut, which delivers the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history, goes into effect. Read more . . .
Bill to Defend Freedom to Worship to Take Effect
06/30/2026
On July 1st, Governor Larry Rhoden's bill to defend the freedom to worship, SB 113, will go into effect. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Declares State of Emergency
06/30/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden has declared a state of emergency for the counties impacted by the June 29, 2026, severe storms that caused significant damage across portions of central South Dakota. Read more . . .
Pro-Second Amendment Bill to Take Effect
06/29/2026
On July 1st, Governor Larry Rhoden's bill to deregulate suppressors and protect the 2nd Amendment will go into effect. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Responds to Devastating Thunderstorm
06/29/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden deployed resources to Highmore, SD, to assist the small town as it cleans up from a devastating thunderstorm. Read more . . .
Forged in Fire
06/26/2026
One of my favorite pastimes is welding. I've welded thousands of custom branding irons over the years. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden's Anti-Doxxing Bills to Take Effect
06/26/2026
On July 1st, Governor Larry Rhoden's anti-doxxing bills, HB 1084 and HB 1298, will take effect. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Welcomes President Trump to Rushmore Fireworks!
06/25/2026
Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his attendance at the America 250 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Appoints Cassidy Stalley as Seventh Circuit Judge
06/25/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Cassidy Stalley as a circuit judge in the Seventh Circuit. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden to Host Governor's Ag Summit
06/24/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden will host the 2026 Governor's Agricultural Summit (Ag Summit). Read more . . .
Cell-Cultured Protein Moratorium to Take Effect
06/24/2026
On July 1st, Governor Larry Rhoden's five-year moratorium on cell-cultured protein, SB 124, will take effect. Read more . . .
Pro-Life Education in Schools Approved by Board of Ed Standards
06/23/2026
Yesterday, education on prenatal growth and development was unanimously approved for implementation in schools by the Board of Education Standards (BOES). Read more . . .
National Security for the Next Generation
06/19/2026
Engaging with the next generation keeps me focused on what's important: South Dakota's future. Read more . . .
S&P Reaffirms South Dakota's AAA Credit Rating
06/16/2026
Today, S&P Global Rating reaffirmed South Dakota's AAA credit rating, and Governor Larry Rhoden celebrated this great news. Read more . . .
Salute to Sound Structure
06/12/2026
A few times a year, folks in Pierre wake up for morning walks through Hilger's Gulch to a sea of Old Glory that seems to have magically appeared. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Pledges Participation in Trump Accounts for Foster Youth
06/11/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced a commitment to support First Lady Melania Trump's efforts to strengthen the well-being of foster youth. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Now Accepting Applications for Fall Interns
06/09/2026
Governor Larry Rhoden and his office are now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Internship Program. Read more . . .
The 605 Way
06/05/2026
South Dakota's legacy is rich. Our way of life was forged by resilient homesteaders, and we've become a beacon to the nation through the hard work and steadfast faith of our people. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Urge Congress to Enact Secure America Act
06/02/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and 22 fellow Republican governors called on Congress to enact The Secure America Act. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Announces Neal Nachtigall as BIT Commissioner
05/29/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Neal Nachtigall will serve as the new Bureau of Information and Technology (BIT) Commissioner. Read more . . .
The People Rule
05/29/2026
"Under God, the People Rule" is much more than a slogan in South Dakota. It's how our government operates. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden and GFP Kick-Off Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery Fundraising
05/26/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced a fundraising campaign to support Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden and GFP to Kick-Off Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery Fundraising
05/25/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden and the Department of Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) will kick-off a fundraising campaign to support Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden and Lt. Governor Venhuizen to Attend Memorial Day Programs
05/24/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen will attend and deliver remarks at Memorial Day programs to honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Read more . . .
Service and Sacrifice
05/22/2026
On Memorial Day, people across South Dakota and the nation will gather for parades, backyard barbeques, and the unofficial start of summer. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Memorial Day
05/22/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until noon, then briskly raised to full-staff on Monday, May 25, 2026. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Announces Expansion and Results of ICE Partnerships
05/18/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the Rhoden Administration is expanding on its partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Read more . . .
Reflections on Leadership
05/15/2026
I have been blessed to serve in many leadership capacities in my life. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Celebrates Leading the Nation with the Lowest Error Rate
05/13/2026
Today, Newsweek published an op-ed by Governor Larry Rhoden celebrating South Dakota leading the nation with the lowest SNAP error rate. Read more . . .
South Dakota's Growing Economy Delivers Strong Revenue Growth
05/12/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM) announced strong April revenue numbers, which are driven by South Dakota's growing economy. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Strengthens Education with Additional Teacher Apprenticeships
05/11/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden further committed to strengthening South Dakota's education system by creating 31 additional apprenticeship spots for the SD TAP program. Read more . . .
Our People
05/08/2026
When visitors arrive in our state, they are greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Highlights Freedom to Worship on National Day of Prayer
05/07/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden highlighted his legislation to defend the freedom to worship while honoring National Day of Prayer. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Cuts Ribbon New Edmunds County Jail
05/06/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden cut the ribbon on the new Edmunds County Jail, continuing his emphasis on support for local law enforcement. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Karen Muenster
05/06/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Recognizes Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day
05/05/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden recognizes May 5th as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Day in South Dakota. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Replaces Common Core with Common Sense Math
05/05/2026
Governor Larry Rhoden announced the new Math Standards for K-12 education were approved by a unanimous vote from the Board of Education Standards (BOES) yesterday. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden to Cut Ribbon on Edmunds County Jail
05/05/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden will cut the ribbon on the Edmunds County Jail. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Breaks Ground on SDNG Vehicle Maintenance Shop
05/05/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden supported the South Dakota Army National Guard by hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Watertown Vehicle Maintenance Shop. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden Advances Tourism in Rural Communities
05/04/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Travel South Dakota is reinstating the popular Tourism Advertising Promotion (TAP) Grant Fund. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden and SDNG to Break Ground on Vehicle Maintenance Shop
05/04/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Army National Guard (SDNG) will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Watertown Vehicle Maintenance Shop. Read more . . .
Gov. Rhoden to Make Tourism Announcement at Mount Rushmore
05/03/2026
Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden will make an announcement advancing South Dakota's thriving tourism industry at a press conference at Mount Rushmore. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
05/01/2026
Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset statewide on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Read more . . .