Crabtree: Serious Problems Demand Serious Solutions in SD

State senator calls for economic focus in 2026 legislative session

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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South Dakota State Senator Casey Crabtree has called for the state legislature to make improving the state's economy the top priority in the 2026 legislative session. Crabtree warned that if the legislature does not take serious action, South Dakota's economy will fall behind neighboring states.

Why it matters

South Dakota has traditionally had a strong economy, but there are concerns that the state could lose its economic edge if the legislature does not enact policies to spur growth and development. As a state senator, Crabtree's views on the legislative agenda carry significant weight.

The details

In an op-ed published in the Kingsbury Journal, Crabtree argued that the 2026 legislative session in Pierre must focus on improving the state's economy. He warned that if lawmakers do not make economic issues their top priority, South Dakota risks falling behind its neighboring states economically.

  • The 2026 Legislative session kicked off in Pierre.

The players

Casey Crabtree

A South Dakota state senator who is calling for the legislature to focus on improving the state's economy in the 2026 legislative session.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 Legislative kicked off in Pierre, and improving South Dakota's economy needs to be the top issue for my colleagues and me. Otherwise, our economy will fall behind our neighbors, our …”

— Casey Crabtree, State Senator

The takeaway

Senator Crabtree's call for the South Dakota legislature to prioritize economic issues in the 2026 session reflects growing concerns that the state's economy could fall behind its neighbors if lawmakers do not take decisive action.