(Pierre, SD) — South Dakota’s Freedom Caucus says it’s a hard no on a proposed new men’s prison with a 650-million-dollar price tag. Republican lawmakers and members Tina Mulally and John Carley argue the cost could climb to a billion dollars and say the existing penitentiary is still usable. Governor Rhoden’s office insists the price is capped at 650 million and calls the project a fiscally responsible investment in public safety. Law enforcement groups are also backing the new prison, saying a modern facility is needed to keep communities safe and support rehabilitation.
