Casey Crabtree is Republican state senator from District 8, which covers Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake and Miner counties.

Hello from my home in Madison! The long haul of the legislative session concluded this past week with only veto day remaining on March 31. I want to thank all of my Senate and House colleagues for a productive year, especially my district mates, representatives Tim Reisch and Tim Walburg. We are fortunate to have them represent District 8 in the House.

The main focus of the final week was balancing the state budget. Overall, I’m happy with the budget for next year. It focuses on taking care of the core needs of our residents, and we were able to restore many of the cuts proposed by former Gov. Kristi Noem. Namely, we reversed the cuts proposed to South Dakota Public Broadcasting, veteran service officers, and stipends for veteran headstones. We also reduced the cuts to the state library, assisted living assistance for seniors, and maintenance and repair investments at South Dakota State University and Dakota State University.

Incoming revenues for the state’s budget were much softer than in recent years when federal COVID dollars were cycling through the economy. This left limited new ongoing funding and led to the need for some program cuts. When the legislature convenes for the 2026 session, we’ll likely also face a flat economy once again. Just like this session, I won’t support a budget with deep cuts to veterans, seniors or students.

This year, there were lawmakers who talked about reducing property taxes through slashing government spending, yet when it came time for small cuts, those same legislators rejected them. More disappointing is that many of these same lawmakers oppose economic growth. My conservative Republican view has always been to broaden the tax base with economic growth, not new taxes. That means the creation or expansion of business that leads to new jobs and the construction of new homes. 

As the legislature and Gov. Larry Rhoden work to find additional ways to provide property tax relief ahead of the 2026 session, I will continue to emphasize the Trump/Reagan philosophies of economic growth and prosperity. Moving forward, the legislature must improve its communication with taxpayers about promoting South Dakota to ensure prosperity for the next generation. Keeping our kids and grandkids in the state begins with offering them viable career opportunities so they can thrive in our great state. 

During the spring and summer, two major work groups will meet. One will focus on the state’s men's penitentiary. It’s clear that there is a need for a new maximum-security facility, but the legislature has not come to a consensus on the size, scope, cost and location of the future facility. Gov. Rhoden’s work group will meet regularly ahead of a July 22 special session. The legislature has wisely set money aside these past few years to avoid bonding the entire project. Now, we just need to finalize the details. The current prison was built in 1881, and the new facility needs to endure a similar life cycle.

Overall, the legislature did a good job passing impactful legislation. 589 bills were introduced, and 213 made it to the governor’s desk. I’m proud of the legislation I brought to strengthen border security policies, provide additional protections for farmers and ranchers against environmentalist attacks, hold reckless boaters accountable, and save taxpayers from a fiscal cliff if the federal government reduces its financial commitment for Medicaid expansion.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent District 8 in the Senate. It is an honor. In the months ahead, I want to hear from the people of District 8 about the priorities you want the legislature to address in the 2026 session.