WATCH: Noem labels South Dakota ‘freest state in the nation’ at State of the State
Julia Johnson
Video Embed
Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) called her state the “freest state in the nation” and an example for others during her State of the State address Tuesday.
According to Noem, South Dakota is “the No. 1 state for individuals, families, and businesses to build the American dream.”
“I believe South Dakota is the freest state in the nation. We fight to defend our constitutional rights. We ensure that every South Dakotan has the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” she said.
WATCH: FORMER PUSSYCAT DOLL REGRETS THREE ABORTIONS, ‘I WAS LIVING IN MY WORST SELF’
iFrame Object
While boasting about her state’s successes in 2022, she took a shot at the Biden administration and politicians in the Capitol.
“Our constitutional freedoms are under assault from Washington, D.C.,” she told listeners.
Noem laid out her priorities for this term, and she started with cutting taxes.
“We continue to have record surpluses. What should we do with our surplus? My answer is simple: Cut taxes and provide relief to South Dakotans,” she said.
She further revealed plans to boost tourism in the state, provide for working families and pregnant mothers, and further protect South Dakota’s cybersecurity infrastructure, among other priorities.
“The greatest external challenge facing the United States is the Chinese Communist Party. They are using a popular app called TikTok to gather data on the American people,” Noem explained. She referenced her fall executive order banning TikTok on state-owned and state-leased devices.
The move prompted other governors across the country to follow suit, and similar legislation was introduced in the federal government.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
In her conclusion, she named her ultimate goal: “to ensure a free, efficient, and equal government for the people of South Dakota. I look forward to working with all of you to get it done.”
Noem is considered one to watch in the field of potential 2024 Republican contenders. However, she has made no indication that she plans to step away from her post as governor.
She reiterated that she is focused on the state of South Dakota, but she offered that she wouldn’t necessarily rule out a 2024 run during an interview in the summer.