Rapid City, S.D. – Kristi Noem’s budget proposal focused on increases in the big three: education, health care, and state employees. Noticeably missing was increased funding for the Ellsworth military base. NewsCenter1 sat down with Helene Duhamel to learn more.
Governor Kristi Noem’s 7.3-billion-dollar budget proposal for 2026 covers everything from education to one-time funds to finish the men’s prison. Noticeably what was left out – according to Helene Duhamel – was crucial funding to the Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Duhamel wants to ensure we build the proper infrastructure, to help the quality of life for families at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Duhamel said, “Just like every other business. The workforce shortage is a real problem in the Military. Quality of life is a big deal. We have these young airmen coming, the best and brightest potentially in the nation. They’re not going to accept that their kids are going to go to a school system that’s already full, and they’re going to put them in mobile homes”
Douglas school district is already dealing with overcrowding before the announcement of Ellsworth being the new home of the Air Forces B-21 Raider.
Now with an increase in service members in their family – the need is even greater. But the location of Douglas schools brings with it a problem. Helene added, “It all is because all of this is on federal property. You can’t get property taxes from that. You can’t have a school system that works the same as any other school system in the state. It does not have a property tax base.”
Duhamel went on to say that raising Ellsworth – it’s helping grow the entire state. Duhamel adds, “Ellsworth throws money at the state. It’s a golden goose. As Ellsworth grows and gets better, the state gets better. Every school district does better because there is more to spend. It’s truly economic development. When you invest a small amount relatively speaking, some 15 million dollars into the needs of Ellsworth Air Force Base. You support growth, you support an economy that’s growing. There are only 2 ways to deal with growth. It’s through raising taxes or economic development. Most people prefer economic development.”
The B-21 program is expected to increase the base’s population by 4,000 service members and their families. The 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 14th with the governor’s address.
Aaron grew up in Farmington Minnesota, just south of the Twin Cities. He went to college in Orlando Florida at Full Sail University studying sports broadcasting.