PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Members of the Freedom Caucus in the South Dakota legislature are standing firm against a new men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls. Lawmakers will gather in a special session in two weeks to vote on the proposed $650 million project. Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who chaired the prison task force that unanimously backed the plan, says he’s confident heading into the session. But some Freedom Caucus members worry the final cost could climb to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office insists the project is capped at $650 million.
Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan
South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.
