Committee rejects SDPB budget cut, defying Noem's proposal

Former governor recommended cutting $3.6 million from organization

The South Dakota Legislature's Joint Committee on Appropriations voted unanimously Tuesday to fully restore South Dakota Public Broadcasting funding, rejecting former Gov. Kristi Noem's proposed budget cuts.

The committee voted 15-0 to approve the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications budget, which includes SDPB's funding for fiscal year 2026.

"This has been one of the hardest few months of my life and my staff's life and the people who support us and believe in us," said Julie Overgaard, South Dakota Public Broadcasting executive director. "I can't thank you all enough for the time and attention you gave and took to hear us out."