Gov. Daugaard's final State of the State address
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PIERRE — In his final State of the State address, Gov. Dennis Daugaard highlighted the need for greater workforce development programs in South Dakota.
Daugaard made the speech on Tuesday to a joint session of the S.D. House and Senate. Term limits do not allow Daugaard to run for re-election this year.
“Our state does not have enough workers in skilled positions,” Daugaard said, noting that the lack of skilled workers keeps companies from moving to South Dakota and keeps companies already in the state from expanding.
The governor offered statistics showing that students who fail to receive at least some post secondary education are far less likely to have good jobs.
A study of South Dakota ninth graders in 2006 showed that in one cohort of 100 students, 23 failed to graduate from high school and of the 77 graduates, 52 entered post secondary education. Of that group, fewer than half had completed their degrees within six years.
“Too many students still do not complete their post-secondary efforts,” Daugaard said.
A state program called Career Launch will help high school students with apprenticeship and job shadowing opportunities. Daugaard said pilot programs are being offered in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Yankton and Brookings.
Daugaard praised the state’s dual credit system that allows high school students to take courses for college credit.
“Dual credit is a win, win, win,” Daugaard said. Winners include post-secondary schools, students who receive inexpensive college credits and high schools that are allowed to expand their curriculum at no cost.
Daugaard said that last year, South Dakota high school students taking dual credits saved $5.3 million.
The governor’s legislative package will also include a bill designed to streamline professional licensure. He said the Trump administration is concerned about licensing requirements making it tougher for professionals to transfer from one state to another.
Photo:
Gov. Dennis Daugaard prepares to begin his final State of the State address to a joint session of the South Dakota Legislature.
Community News Service photo