BREAKING: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem just announced historic tax cuts at a press conference on January 12, 2026. The newly proposed Senate Bills 96 and 245 will represent the largest tax reduction in state history, aimed at providing immediate relief to homeowners.
Senate Bill 96 allows counties to impose a 0.5% sales tax to counterbalance property tax reductions specifically for owner-occupied homes. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 245 establishes a dedicated fund for property tax relief, ensuring long-term support for residents.
“This package includes targeted and statewide relief,” Rhoden stated, emphasizing the combination of both short-term and long-term solutions to property tax issues. He noted that the recent discussions involved as many as 60 to 70 bills aimed at addressing the property tax landscape, and he expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of those deliberations.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated, as homeowners across South Dakota are grappling with rising property taxes. Rhoden’s commitment to enhancing predictability and transparency in the property tax system is a significant step towards alleviating financial pressures on families.
In addition to tax reforms, Rhoden addressed the escalating Iran conflict, voicing strong support for actions taken by President Trump. He highlighted South Dakota’s strategic role, particularly following a recent mission involving B-1 bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, which successfully targeted Iranian missile capabilities.
“This was a demonstration of the nation looking to South Dakota for support,” Rhoden said, linking the military action to potential economic benefits for the state.
The B-1 bombers conducted a remarkable 34-hour nonstop mission, delivering 75,000 pounds of munitions to key sites in Iran. This operation, according to US Central Command, has significantly degraded Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, showcasing South Dakota’s critical involvement in national defense.
As these developments unfold, residents are urged to stay informed about the potential impacts of both the tax reforms and the ongoing international military operations. The implications for South Dakota’s economy and community wellbeing are profound, with national defense emerging as a pivotal economic driver.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on how these tax relief measures will be implemented and what further legislative actions may follow. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
