Opinion

R eport Senator Mykala Voita District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committee: Appropriations Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

Dear Friends of Life, January is recognized nationally as Sanctity of Life Month, a time set aside to reflect on the value of every human life, born and unborn. It is also a time to renew our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.

hoden In my first year as Governor, we’ve taken some important steps to keep South Dakota safe. And while we do that, South Dakota is keeping the entire nation safe and secure.

In March, 1858, George Fiske, an employee of Frost, Todd & Co., reached Yankton and pitched his tent near the river bank at the foot of the present Walnut Street. He had charge of the mercantile affairs of that firm at Yankton and was the first white man to take up his permanent abode within the present corporate limits of the city.

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office reminds individuals interested in running for public office in the 2026 primary election that candidate petitions may begin circulating on January 1, 2026.

Gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Dusty Johnson announced a comprehensive and responsible plan to deliver meaningful property tax relief to South Dakota homeowners beginning in 2027, making homeownership more affordable for seniors, hardworking families, and first-time homebuyers across the state.

Visitors to the State Capitol in Pierre are now able to step inside and view the South Dakota Supreme Court Courtroom. The Supreme Court Courtroom, located southeast of the Rotunda on the second floor of the State Capitol, remains one of the few original Supreme Court courtrooms in the United States that is still used for court proceedings.

Governor Larry Rhoden has issued a proclamation declaring January as National Mentoring Month in South Dakota, recognizing the powerful role mentors play in helping young people and adults reach their full potential and strengthening communities across the state.

As I write this, we are just a few days from the convening of the 101st session of the South Dakota State Legislature. Before serving as Lieutenant Governor and now Governor, I was a legislator for 16 years, including in several leadership roles. When I was first elected House Majority leader, I oversaw a caucus of 52 members with a wide range of experience and wisdom – and many different ideas on how to solve problems.

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has released the 2025 3rd Quarter Economic Report, outlining continued economic strength across the state while identifying emerging challenges related to workforce availability and housing demand.