PIERRE — Gov. Larry Rhoden's first budget address as governor is in the books.

And it was a "straightforward" budget without many surprises, as multiple lawmakers told the Argus Leader.

Rhoden presented his recommended budget Dec. 2 for South Dakota's fiscal year 2027 at the State Capitol Building.

The Republican governor asked lawmakers to budget $7.44 billion in state fiscal year 2027, up from the $7.28 billion recommended by former Gov. Kristi Noem for FY2026. FY2027 is split between about 34% state funds, 42% federal funds and 23% funds marked as "other."

Rhoden is also leaving about $14 million for lawmakers to divvy up during the upcoming Legislative Session in January. And an additional 135 full-time staff have been recommended for the next fiscal year, up from a budgeted 14

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