Your guide to state government

Although state government is very important, we're not going to get too in the weeds with it because we’re Sioux Falls Simplified, not South Dakota Simplified (yet 😉).

We’re firm believers that the biggest impact comes when you start at the local level, but sometimes that means going straight to your state lawmakers.

Here are the main things you need to know about what the state government does:

• The state government organizes and sets the budget each year, which influences other local governments that oversee school boards, cities and counties.
• Curriculum and educational standards are set by the state and federal government working together. About 45% of South Dakota’s annual state budget goes to support education. 
• The state oversees statewide elections, including voter registration and setting election dates for municipal elections.

The Sioux Falls metro area covers 10 legislative districts out of a total of 35 districts statewide. Each district in the state has two representatives and one senator. Contacting your representatives and senators can be a great way to engage with legislation and budget items you care about.

Of course, there are many other offices within the state government. A few examples you might have heard about: 

• Department of Education: institutes educational curriculum and standards across the state
• Department of Health: conducts research and creates policy that supports the health of South Dakotans
• Department of Social Services: attends to the protection of families and children, including welfare assistance 

To engage with specific offices and members, click the button below.

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