press releases
Governor Noem Signs Thanksgiving Proclamation
Nov 22, 2022
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued an executive proclamation proclaiming November 24, 2022 as “Thanksgiving Day” in South Dakota. Read more . . .
Governor Noem Accepting Applications for Spring Interns
Nov 18, 2022
Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office spring 2023 internship program. Read more . . .
Thanksgiving – A Time for Family & Fellowship
Nov 18, 2022
The first American Thanksgiving was a celebration of unity across cultures and races. Two cultures who did not know each other gathered together to have a meal and engage in fellowship. I hope that our kids learn this as part of our nation’s true and honest history. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Announces Christmas at the Capitol Grand Lighting Ceremony
Nov 17, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has announced that the 2022 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 7 pm CT. This year’s theme for Christmas at the Capitol is “Merry Prairie Christmas. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Veterans are Heroes
Nov 11, 2022
I am proud to be Governor of the best state in America to live, work, and retire as a veteran. That’s important – the state that sets the gold standard for Freedom should also lead the way in honoring those who defend our Freedoms. In the last four years, we found new ways to honor our veterans. In my second term, we will continue to build on those successes and honor the men and women who served us. Read more . . .
Governor Noem Urges Citizens to Observe National Native American Heritage Month
Nov 09, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – November is National Native American Heritage Month. South Dakota’s history is strongly intertwined with Native American history and culture. Governor Kristi Noem said the nine tribes of South Dakota each have unique and important stories that are essential to understanding South Dakota. Every year, we honor these stories and the important role Native Americans continue to play in the evolution of our nation and state. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Building the Strongest Economy in America
Nov 04, 2022
If you look across the nation, economic growth has ground to a halt. The price of everyday items – like milk, eggs, and pretty much everything else – has skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. 38% of Americans point to “economic problems” as “the most important problem facing the country today.” In this tumultuous sea of negative economic news, South Dakota stands tall as a lighthouse – an example that Freedom and personal responsibility lead to sustained economic growth. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Stronger Families – Stronger Communities
Oct 28, 2022
I recently met with several childcare providers in Sioux Falls to discuss challenges their industry faces. One of the biggest challenges to filling the available jobs across our state is the lack of available childcare, and I knew that our childcare providers would be best at finding solutions to increase access and affordability. Read more . . .
Governor Noem To Host Trick-or-Treat Festivities at Governor’s Residence Monday
Oct 28, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and First Gentleman Bryon Noem will host the annual trick-or-treat festivities at the Governor’s Residence in Pierre on Monday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. CT. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol Friday in Honor of Former Representative O.L. “Larry” Anderson
Oct 27, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Friday, Oct. 28, in honor of former state Representative O.L “Larry” Anderson of Sioux Falls. He served in the House from 1971-1980 and is the father of current state Rep. David Anderson of Hudson. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Signs Executive Order to Bring Relief from Supply Shortages of Certain Products
Oct 26, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2022-09 granting an hours of service waiver for certain liquid products being transported through South Dakota. Read more . . .
Services in Memory of Former Governor Harvey Wollman Scheduled for Sunday and Monday, Oct. 23-24
Oct 21, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – The family of former Governor Harvey Wollman has planned for services in honor of Governor Wollman for Sunday, Oct. 23, and Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. These services are set for Huron and Doland, as the family has declined a state memorial. More information about the plans can be found here. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Economic Growth the South Dakota Way
Oct 21, 2022
It’s no secret that costs are rising in just about every aspect of our daily lives. We’ve talked quite a bit about the skyrocketing cost of food and gas, and our businesses are facing these challenges, too. Rising costs can create a lack of predictability about the future. Thankfully, over the past few years, South Dakota has built an economic climate that shores up that predictability by creating steady growth. Read more . . .
Governor Noem Orders Flags at Half Staff in Honor of Former Governor Harvey Wollman
Oct 19, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that flags will be at half-staff from sunrise until sundown statewide, effective immediately, in honor of former Governor Harvey Wollman. Flags will remain at half-staff until the day of Governor Wollman’s interment, which will be announced at a later time. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: A Tradition for the Next Generation
Oct 14, 2022
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family full of sportsmen and women. While my dad fostered my love for hunting, it was my grandmother, Dorris, who made bird hunting such a big part of our family tradition. Read more . . .
In South Dakota, We Celebrate Native American Day
Oct 10, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, in celebration of Native American Day, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement: Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Former State Attorney General Gordon Mydland
Oct 10, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags at the State Capitol be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 11, in honor of long-time public servant Judge Gordon Mydland of Lake Preston. He served as a state senator from 1963-1968, as South Dakota Attorney General from 1969-1973 and then as 3rd Circuit Court Judge from 1973-1987. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Breaking Tourism Records
Oct 07, 2022
The record-breaking pace continues for South Dakota’s tourism industry – even with high inflation raising gas prices for visitors to our state. We recently rounded up Custer State Park’s famous buffalo herd (although I didn’t get to ride in the Buffalo Roundup this year like I normally do). The event drew another 20,000 attendees from across the country and around the globe. It was a perfect capstone to another record-breaking tourism season. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Statement on the Passing of Kevin Locke
Oct 04, 2022
PIERRE, SD – Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued a statement on the passing of Kevin Locke, Hunkpapa Lakota of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and a world-renowned flute player and hoop dancer. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Saving South Dakota Families
Sep 30, 2022
South Dakotans don’t ask much from their government. They just want the Freedom to live their lives and for the government to guarantee a level playing field with common sense rules for everyone to play by. As I travel our beautiful state, I hear from South Dakotans who are grateful for that Freedom. But many of them are struggling under the weight of inflation caused by President Biden’s extremist policies. They ask me what can be done to give them relief. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem to Hold Media Briefing for 57th Buffalo Roundup
Sep 28, 2022
Custer State Park, SD – Governor Kristi Noem, Custer State Park Superintendent Matt Snyder, and Department of Tourism Secretary James Hagen will hold a media availability on Friday, September 30, 2022, following the 57th Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Celebrates South Dakota’s Continued AAA Credit Rating
Sep 27, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem celebrated Fitch Ratings’ reaffirmation of South Dakota’s AAA credit rating. Read more . . .
TODAY: Lt. Gov. Rhoden to Announce “Governor’s Cup” Rodeo Event in Sioux Falls
Sep 26, 2022
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will join officials of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, CINCH Marketing, and the city of Sioux Falls to announce details of the Governor’s Cup/CINCH Playoffs coming to Sioux Falls in September 2023. Read more . . .
Governor Noem Announces State Support for Indian Relay Championships
Sep 23, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced state support for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council’s 2022 Championship of Champions, which is taking place this afternoon in Fort Pierre. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Our Rural Way of Life
Sep 23, 2022
When I first ran for Governor, South Dakota needed new opportunities. For years, our economic growth had not kept up with the nation. Young South Dakotans were too often leaving our state to pursue college or a career. Cities like Sioux Falls were growing, but our rural communities were slowly falling behind. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem & Attorney General Vargo Praise Ruling on Head Start Vaccine Mandate
Sep 22, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and Attorney General Mark Vargo praised a Louisiana federal judge’s permanent injunction that blocked President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for the Head Start program. The injunction was issued earlier this week. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: The Best State In the Country to Do Business
Sep 16, 2022
2022 is on track to be another fantastic year for economic investment in South Dakota. Since I took office, I have championed our state as the best place in the country to do business. We had all the ingredients to succeed, even before the COVID pandemic hit, but now we’re breaking records for economic growth and business investment. Read more . . .
Gevo Breaks Ground on Largest Economic Investment in South Dakota History
Sep 15, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Gevo has broken ground on the largest economic investment in South Dakota history – a world-class sustainable fuel production facility in Lake Preston. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Student Debt Forgiveness Plan
Sep 12, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 21 of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to President Biden saying they oppose his plan to forgive students their federal loans, saying that debt would then have to be paid for by taxpayers. You can read the letter here. Read more . . .
Governor Noem Successfully Treated for Back Injury at Mayo Clinic
Sep 12, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today Governor Kristi Noem announced that following several weeks of medical treatment in South Dakota for a back injury, the Governor underwent successful back surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day
Sep 11, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sundown on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in honor of Patriot Day. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Defending Our Constitution
Sep 09, 2022
Our nation loves to celebrate holidays. Today, I want to talk about one day that does not get enough attention: September 17, Constitution Day. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II
Sep 09, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until sunset on the day of internment in honor of former Queen Elizabeth II. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Celebrating Hard Work
Sep 02, 2022
The beginning of September brings us to Labor Day weekend and the start of Workforce Development Month across the country. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Pledges to Keep Elections Free and Fair
Aug 29, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem sent a letter to the South Dakota State Legislature, thanking them for their continued emphasis on free and fair elections in South Dakota. In the letter, Governor Noem promised to continue working with legislators on election integrity in the upcoming legislative session. You can read the Governor’s letter here. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem: Public Safety Impacts All of Us
Aug 26, 2022
When I was younger my dad always said, “Kristi, we don’t complain about things. We fix them.” As Governor, I focus on fixing problems for our state every day, especially when it comes to public safety. I consistently look for new ways to make our communities safer. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem and Colleagues Support Keeping Schools Open
Aug 24, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 14 of her fellow Republican governors issued a joint statement opposing efforts that would disrupt the new school year, saying that any delay in school schedules hurts the educational process of children. Read more . . .
Gov. Kristi Noem: Raising the Bar
Aug 19, 2022
I’ve never been the type to settle for “good enough.” No matter what I’m doing, I try to strive for excellence. That’s all the more true when it comes to policies that impact our kids. Everything that I do as Governor is to make our state safer, stronger, and healthier for our kids and our grandkids, and I want to set the bar. We should set an example for the entire nation and send the message that South Dakota pursues excellence for our kids. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Federal Government’s Emissions Proposal
Aug 19, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and six of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to the Southwest Power Pool, Inc., expressing concern about the federal government implementing “a Good Neighbor Plan” that would govern the interstate transportation of emissions while ignoring state-designed plans that are already in place. You can find the letter here. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Announces Pay Increases for Correctional Security Officers
Aug 18, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced immediate pay increases for correctional security officers at the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC). Read more . . .
Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden Announces STEM Award for Lakota Tech High Schoo
Aug 18, 2022
Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Today, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that Lakota Tech High School will receive an award for its STEM programming from the National Lieutenant Governors’ Association Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program! NLGA awarded the school $1,000 as part of a national call for applications for funding STEM programming and curriculum in schools. Read more . . .
Governor Noem Accepting Applications for Fall Interns
Aug 17, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office fall 2022 internship program. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Announces Draft Social Studies Standards
Aug 15, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem released draft social studies standards for K-12 students in South Dakota. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem Releases Report from Department of Education on Critical Race Theory and Divisive Concepts
Aug 15, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem released a report from the Department of Education (DOE) detailing examples of Critical Race Theory and other divisive concepts in DOE policies, guidance, websites, trainings, content standards, or other materials. Read more . . .
Gov. Kristi Noem: Fast Bikes, Fresh Air, & Freedom
Aug 12, 2022
For more than 80 years, late summer has brought thousands of motorcycles to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Bikers come from across the country – and around the world – to participate in the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They bring with them their money, supporting our local businesses and helping our state revenues. And they enjoy the beauty and freedom that South Dakota has to offer. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem and Colleagues Ask President Biden to Lift Vaccine Mandate on International Travel
Aug 10, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 16 of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to “end the requirement that all non-U.S. citizen travelers entering the United States be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.” You can find the letter here. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Circuit Court Judge Jon Flemmer
Aug 08, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, Aug. 9, in honor of 5th Circuit Court Presiding Judge Jon Flemmer of Webster. He became a circuit court judge in 1999 and was the longest serving circuit judge in the state. Read more . . .
Gov. Kristi Noem: Starting the Conversation
Aug 05, 2022
Hope has power – it drives us to achieve incredible things that we never thought possible or endure difficulties that previous seemed insurmountable. Unfortunately, for the same reasons, hopelessness can hold tremendous power over a person’s life, too. Too often, that loss of hope leads to suicide, a suicide that is entirely preventable. Suicide is a growing public health issue in our country and in South Dakota, and it affects each of our lives in some way. Read more . . .
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski
Aug 04, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until midnight tonight (Thursday) in honor of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana who died Wednesday in a vehicle crash. Read more . . .
Gov. Noem & Colleagues Oppose Democrats’ Spending Bill
Aug 04, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 21 of her fellow Republican Governors issued the following joint statement opposing the Democrats’ Spending Bill: Read more . . .
KEEPING TAXES LOW • LIMITING GOVERNMENT REGULATION
• FIGHTING GOVERNMENT INTRUSION • KEEPING GOVERNMENT OPEN AND HONEST