PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — Governor Kristi Noem says economic activity in South Dakota has dropped to “almost nothing.”
The ripple effect can be seen in skyrocketing unemployment claims.
“it’s an increase week to week of about 1,500 claims, which is dramatic. One thing I want to prepare you for is that we are seeing almost that number of unemployment claims per day this week.”
And many of these people have never applied for jobless benefits before. Unprecedented numbers of businesses have slowed down or closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19, or workers have decided to stay home rather than risk getting the infection.
Noem also says the state budget has been dramatically hurt by the lack of economic activity. A struggling economy means much lower state revenues.The problem may be addressed at Monday’s Veto Day in the State Legislature.
And South Dakota has a way to go.
The governor expects it could be another two months before the state hits peak infection rates.
