Building a Stronger South Dakota

The current national recession has impacted every state in the nation, including South Dakota.  Despite the effects of this recession, South Dakota has a bright future.  Our state has tremendous potential for development, and we are in a strong position to quickly rebound and return to prosperity.

Of course, South Dakota faces a short-term budget gap.  To help solve this problem, we must restrain spending while keeping taxes low.  The best solution, however, is to create jobs and grow our economy.

My first priority as governor will be to build a stronger South Dakota – by creating jobs and growing our economy. The fastest way to end this recession is to put people back to work and grow our way into the future.  Our goal is to create a diverse economy with jobs for everyone.  I have a plan that will create opportunities in laboratories, factories, and on farms.


Build a business climate that fosters innovation

South Dakota is already the best place in the nation to do business.  As Governor, I’ll maintain that rating and make our business climate even stronger.  That means keeping taxes low, cutting red tape, resisting an activist federal government, and retooling state government to encourage private enterprise.  Read More


Build on South Dakota’s competitive advantages

In South Dakota, we have a lot going for us.  We have committed farmers and ranchers, unmatched opportunities for tourism and recreation, first-class health care, and potential for growth in renewable energy.  As we build a stronger economy, we should build upon our strengths.  Read More


Build a 21st century education system for a 21st century workforce

I want our young people to be able to live and work here in South Dakota.  That means creating jobs that provide diverse opportunities for fulfilling employment in our state.  I want our state to have good-paying jobs for everyone – at all levels of education and expertise.  And I want South Dakota businesses to have access to a skilled, educated, productive workforce.  Read More


Build a smaller, more responsive, digital state government

I believe in a small state government that seeks to act efficiently and effectively in a limited number of areas.  We should seek out ways to ensure that state government is able to meet this standard – and when we find institutional barriers, we should change them.  Read More 


Download the full plan: Building a Stronger South Dakota.pdf