AARP Eye Center
The 2025 South Dakota legislative session is off and running, and AARP South Dakota has Pierre covered for you!
Let’s first go back to early December 2024 and Governor Kristi Noem’s annual budget address.
The budget proposed by the Governor forecasts $44 million in new, ongoing revenue to be used for increases in existing programs or new programs or services the Legislature might approve.
Specifically, the Governor is proposing 1.25% increases using ongoing money for:
- K-12 education ($12.8 million)
- State Employees ($6.8 million)
- Healthcare Providers ($10.4 million)
In addition, there are proposed allocations of $33.7 million in ongoing money for Medicaid Expansion and $27.8 million in ongoing money for the change in the state’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
The budget forecasts $175 million in one-time money to be used for special appropriation projects, and $43 million in one-time money is being set aside to pay unclaimed property claims.
AARP South Dakota looks forward to once again supporting the proposed $425,000 appropriation dedicated for sales/property tax refunds for low-income elderly South Dakotans and individuals with disabilities.
State-of-the-State Address
The 100th South Dakota Legislative Session officially kicked off on Tuesday, January 14, with Governor Noem’s State of the State Address.
Given Governor Noem’s nomination as U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, this was likely her last official speech as Governor. Her message reflected this and acted as a farewell to her role as Governor. Later this month, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden is expected to succeed Governor Noem upon her confirmation as Homeland Security Secretary.
What Does the Legislature Look Like this Year?
Following the November election, the 2025 South Dakota Senate (35 members) consists of 31 Republicans and 4 Democrats – with 15 re-elected members and 20 new members. The House of Representatives (70 members) is comprised of 64 Republicans and 6 Democrats – with 40 re-elected members and 30 new members.
Both chambers will have new leadership, and more than 500 bills are expected to be introduced before the deadline for submission.
What Are We Watching?
As we move forward with the 2025 legislative session, here are some of the issues/bills AARP South Dakota will be working on:
- Medicaid expansion
- Voting access
- Healthcare access
- Medical Debt relief
- Respite Care funding for caregivers
Keep reading every week to learn about these issues and more during the 2025 South Dakota legislative session. If you ever have questions, you can email us at sdaarp@aarp.org.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest in Pierre by subscribing to our advocacy emails, where you’ll also get opportunities to contact your lawmakers on important issues. Sign up at aarp.org/getinvolved.