After new law puts guardrails around Future Fund, Johnson shares plan to use it for startups

By: Joshua Haiar

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: March 13, 2026

Words: 675

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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After lawmakers and Gov. Larry Rhoden put new restrictions on a controversial governor-controlled economic development fund, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson pledged Friday that if he’s elected governor, he will use $2 million from the fund to create a new local business startup initiative.

The Future Fund was created in 1987 at the request of then-Gov. George Mickelson, a Republican. South Dakota employers pay fees to the fund when they remit unemployment payroll taxes. The fund …

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