Gov. Larry Rhoden has vetoed a bill extending child care assistance to child care employees. It’s his first veto this session.

In a letter to the House of Representatives, Rhoden said the bill shifts South Dakota’s child care assistance program away from its core mission of serving low-income families.

The governor went on to say, “This bill would give child care workers preferential treatment by allowing them to receive this aid at a higher income level.”

The bill was the result of a year-long study on solutions to child care shortages in South Dakota. Proponents argued improving child care access for child care employees would stabilize the workforce and lead to higher capacity.

A two-thirds majority vote is needed to override a governor’s veto. Lawmakers consider vetoes on March 31.