South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)

The state Department of Social Services is facing pressure to release millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds.

As South Dakota lawmakers grapple with how to effectively rehabilitate inmates in prison who are suffering with substance abuse, some are pointing to opioid settlement dollars as a possible aid.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website said there will be no benefits issued for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, beginning in November if the government shutdown hasn’t ended. That has some food banks worried about the impact on recipients in South Dakota.

South Dakota is expecting a significant payout from recent opioid manufacturing settlements. Now, the question turns into how to best manage that money.

Among the many consequences of a federal shutdown are impacts to benefits for those in need, think SNAP or WIC.

South Dakota lawmakers are taking up a growing nationwide effort to streamline services for vulnerable populations.

The Governor's Office will submit an application to a new federal program later this fall that could bring $100 million to improve rural healthcare.

While many SNAP users are left high and dry after a widespread card skimming scheme in Sioux Falls, there was once an opportunity for recourse.

State officials confirmed hundreds of SNAP beneficiaries in the Sioux Falls area had their benefits stolen in a card skimming scheme.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services is investigating the potential misuse of accounts within a state food assistance program.