Meet the Legislator

Ernie Otten

South Dakota Senate

District:

6

Party:

Republican

Committees:
• Appropriations
• Government Operations and Audit

What is your biggest priority for the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Session?

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented wave of federal relief funds which helped bolster our state budget. However, the federal support that we’ve received in recent years has come to an end. As these federal funds dry up, we must prepare for a future of tighter resources. The state must confront the reality that “free money” is no longer available, and that fiscal discipline must take center stage in our budgetary process.

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