In her final State of the State address on Tuesday, Governor Kristi Noem touted South Dakota’s economic success. Todd Epp reports. (:28) VERBATIM: She highlighted record low unemployment and the success of the “Freedom Works Here” campaign. Noem announced plans for Education Savings Accounts. She says they will expand school choice without harming public school funding. Noem emphasized growth in agriculture and praised efforts in public safety and disaster response. Looking ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary, Noem reaffirmed her commitment to South Dakota’s freedoms and values–and a big party at Mount Rushmore in 2026. I’m Todd Epp reporting. Today, she faces a U.S. Senate committee hearing for her nomination as Secretary of Homeland Security.