Newspaper Association Praises Noem’s Transparency Efforts

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem said in her State of the State address that she'd work toward building the most transparent administration South Dakota has ever seen.

South Dakota Newspaper Association executive director Dave Bordewyk gives Noem's administration a grade of "so far, so good" on transparency efforts.

Noem called for a reporter shield law and for bringing more sunlight to the Statehouse. The new Republican governor has since signed into law protections for journalists who refuse to disclose information or sources.

A bill Noem's administration supported that limits the state's ability to negotiate confidential settlements is on her desk.

Bordewyk says seeing the governor approve the shield law shows follow through. But he says there's a lot left undone, including making police reports and government officials' correspondence and calendars public records.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.