South Dakota Legislature Focuses on Property Tax Relief and Education Funding

Governor Rhoden delivers first State of the State address as new legislative session begins

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The 101st session of the South Dakota Legislature has begun in Pierre, with Governor Larry Rhoden delivering his first State of the State address. As in the previous year, a key focus of the legislative agenda is property tax relief and increased funding for education.

Why it matters

Property taxes and education funding are perennial issues of concern for South Dakota residents, and the legislature's actions on these matters will have significant impacts on the state's communities and families.

The details

The legislature is expected to consider various proposals for property tax relief, as well as measures aimed at boosting funding for K-12 and higher education across the state. These issues have been priorities for lawmakers in recent years as they seek to address the needs of South Dakota's taxpayers and students.

  • The 101st session of the South Dakota Legislature began last week in Pierre.
  • Governor Larry Rhoden delivered his first State of the State address to kick off the new legislative session.

The players

Larry Rhoden

The current Governor of South Dakota, who is delivering his first State of the State address to the legislature.

Rep. Tim Reisch

A state legislator representing District 8 who is commenting on the legislative agenda and priorities for the current session.

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The takeaway

The South Dakota Legislature's focus on property tax relief and education funding reflects the ongoing importance of these issues to the state's residents and communities. The actions taken by lawmakers in the current session will shape the fiscal and educational landscape in South Dakota for years to come.