Kristi Noem in 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Abortion: I will proclaim that 2024 will be "Freedom for Life Year"

I will proclaim that 2024 will be "Freedom for Life Year" in South Dakota. The most important way that we will advance this is by taking care of both moms and their babies before birth AND after. Being pro-life means valuing the child's life before their birth and throughout their life; it also means valuing and protecting that mother's life. The first 1,000 days of a child's life (from the moment they are conceived to their 2nd birthday) are the most significant days for their development.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Civil Rights: Strengthen anti-discrimination laws by defining antisemitism

College campuses across the country have become breeding grounds for disgusting antisemitic acts. There have even been isolated incidents here in South Dakota. The more it happens, the more it will be normalized. We must stop it before that happens. I am proud to support legislation this year to define antisemitism to make it easier to prove when conduct is motivated by antisemitism. This strengthens our anti-discrimination laws and ensures our allies and our citizens are safe and protected.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Crime: Criminals should also have the opportunity to rehabilitate

But if South Dakotans do get involved in drugs or another aspect of crime, that should not be the final word. Their punishment should match their crime, but they should also have the opportunity to rehabilitate. The Sixth Circuit Problem-Solving Court is a rigorous program that includes five phases and requires frequent alcohol and drug testing. It's a proven strategy that reduces recidivism, saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run, and restores hope and dignity for these individuals.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Foreign Policy: Freedom to farm and ranch should not extend to our enemies

Last year, I brought forward legislation that would have stopped foreign adversaries from purchasing ag land in South Dakota. China and other evil foreign governments are executing a plan to own our land and control our food supply. Although last year's proposal to regulate these purchases did not pass, we have continued to discuss solutions. South Dakota respects the Freedom to farm and ranch. That Freedom should not extend to our enemies.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Gun Control: We're able to market our state as a 2nd Amendment haven

We protect our Second Amendment rights. Constitutional Carry was the very first bill that I signed into law. Two years ago, you all worked with me to make our state the first in the nation to waive all fees for concealed carry permits. We even pay for people's federal background checks. It doesn't cost South Dakotans a penny to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights. We have been able to market our state as a 2nd Amendment haven.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Health Care: Use telemedicine to connect with EMS personnel in the field

We are the first state in the country to implement Telemedicine in Motion. We are using telemedicine to connect physicians, nurses, and paramedics with the EMS personnel in the field. We work with our partners at Avel eCare to do it. There is nothing else like it in the country--and it is saving lives. Nearly 90 ambulance services throughout the state have installed Telemedicine in Motion.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Principles & Values: We're doing better than every other state in the nation

South Dakota is doing better than every other state in the nation because we have embraced conservative principles. I've often called our state small, more like a pilot project for conservative reforms to prove if they really do work. And we have proven that they do. Our people are thriving, our economy is growing, and the state has never been in a more stable fiscal situation. We have cut taxes, created jobs, and maximized opportunities.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

On Principles & Values: Our tribes are part of who we are as South Dakotans

We should respect every person as an individual; as an equal; as an American. Tomorrow, on State-Tribal Relations Day, we will advance an effort that I have been working on since I became governor. We will hang tribal flags in the Rotunda of this Capitol. Three years ago, I signed legislation allowing our state's nine Native American tribes to have their respective tribal flags hung in the Rotunda. Our tribes are part of who we are as South Dakotans, and we will respect their heritage.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

The above quotations are from 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts from 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts by Kristi Noem.
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Page last updated: Sep 29, 2024