PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Dennis Daugaard (R) delivered the last State of the State Address of his governorship on Tuesday to help open the 2018 State Legislature.
Daugaard ranged from workforce development to the meth epidemic, to Medicaid reforms and agriculture, and even to South Dakota's growing micro-brew industry.
"Current law caps micro-breweries at 5,000 barrels a year. Compare that to Montana's cap of 60,000." He called for changes to allow the industry to better compete.
Daugaard told lawmakers that he expects about $30 million in new money as South Dakota's tax revenues are expected to expand in the months ahead. Most of the new money would go for K-12 education, and the rest to Medicaid providers.
He proposed changing the Medicaid program, such that able-bodied recipients would be required to have jobs. A waiver will be sought from the Federal government. The Governor estimates the change would effect about 4,000 people. A pilot program will be tried in Minnehaha and Pennington Counties.
The Governor also proposed a revised way of funding Building South Dakota that helps with housing needs in the state.
"This would bring a total of $4.9 million in ongoing funds to be spent, in turn, in the general appropriations bill for Building South Dakota programs."
He gave a shout out to the state's biggest industry.
"Agriculture is the foundation of the state's economy and always will be."
Daugaard said that a lot has been accomplished in his two terms in office.
"Balancing the budget honestly every year, securing Triple-A status, raising teacher pay, investing in our roads, bridges, and railroads."
He choked up a little when he thanks his wife Linda and the rest of his family for supporting him and loving him through his public career.
Now it's time for the 2018 State Legislature to get to work.
