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This week in South Dakota history: Jan. 3-9

Gov. Richard Kneip. Photo: South Dakota Bureau of Administration

South Dakota Gov. Richard Kneip delivered his state-of-the-state address to the state’s 49th Legislature fifty years ago today, according to Lead Daily Call newspaper archives.

Kneip, the last Democrat to be elected as governor in the Mount Rushmore State, recognized his state faced a number of problems stemming from an ongoing energy crisis while also remaining optimistic South Dakota had opportunities to prosper, the newspaper reported

“To paraphrase Franklin Delano Roosevelt, we have nothing to fear but a loss of faith in our future and in ourselves to shape that future,” the governor said. “The legislative recommendations and budgetary requests I am suggesting to you today reflect my confidence in what is to come.”

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The governor requested temporary legislation giving the executive branch the power to reduce energy consumption if the need should arise. He also wanted funds to provide infrastructure so the state could live up to federally-mandated energy distribution and conservation programs. One of those — a nationwide speed limit of 55 miles per hour, which the governor urged lawmakers to adhere to as quickly as possible.

Kneip also requested relief for South Dakota taxpayers dealing with the crisis. Among his requests was a $6 million tax relief program for low-income earners and the elderly, and a pitch to have the state foot the bill for various services and programs in normal circumstances left to local governments, a move that would have added $3.5 million to the state’s budget sheet.

Kneip also asked legislators to eliminate the sales tax on prescription drugs and property taxes on household goods and appliances.