Gov. Kristi Noem is publicly opposing the Biden Administration’s changes to the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
The president signed an executive order this month to create more apprenticeships in the federal government and promote the hiring of people who take part in those programs.
This week, Noem sent a bill to U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su saying the new rules create unnecessary red tape.
“South Dakota has thrived because we cut red tape – we do not add it; we encourage workers to develop new skills – we do not put roadblocks in their way; we help businesses by providing the flexibility to navigate their individual circumstances – we do not hamper them with mandates and one-size-fits-all ‘solutions,'” Noem said.
The governor specifically cited minimum-hour and benefit requirements, saying they punish businesses. She also took issue with order mandating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion requirements.