Rapid City, S.D. (September 19, 2025) – The South Dakota Freedom Caucus commends Governor Rhoden for calling for a major policy reform task force to address long-overdue changes within the Department of Corrections. Reform is urgently needed, and we fully support this effort to bring accountability, transparency, and a new Secretary to the DOC.

However, reform must come before big spending. Lawmakers are being asked to approve a staggering $650 million for a new prison—the largest single expenditure in South Dakota’s history—with atleast another $59 million annually, without a proven plan. It is irresponsible to punish taxpayers with such an unprecedented cost before serious reform discussions even begin.

Improvements must focus on ensuring safety for both inmates and staff, integrating faith-based programs that recognize men’s hearts must change, providing on-the-job training opportunities for inmates, expanding work release opportunities to reduce recidivism, and strengthening family connections so that loved ones remain engaged in the rehabilitation process. These solutions address the root problems within our corrections system and offer real hope for lasting change without saddling taxpayers with unnecessary debt.

On Tuesday, September 23, the legislature will reconvene in Pierre for a special session to vote on this prison proposal. The Freedom Caucus calls on legislators to reject this exorbitant spending and instead prioritize the Governor’s task force. South Dakotans deserve reform-driven solutions that fix systemic problems and ensure fiscal responsibility, not rushed spending that locks the state into generations of debt.