Fact Check: "The average salary of a South Dakota governor is approximately $130,000."
What We Know
The claim regarding the average salary of a South Dakota governor being approximately $130,000 is based on various sources that report gubernatorial salaries in the state. According to Ballotpedia, the current salary for the Governor of South Dakota, Larry Rhoden, is $120,787. This figure is corroborated by additional sources that provide salary data for state executives, indicating that the governor's salary has seen variations over the years, with a reported average of around $139,100 in some contexts (Ballotpedia).
Furthermore, the salary for governors can fluctuate based on budgetary decisions and legislative changes, which means the figure can vary slightly from year to year. The most recent data indicates that the salary for the governor is set at $120,787, but this does not include potential bonuses or additional compensation that may be applicable in certain fiscal years (State of South Dakota).
Analysis
The claim that the average salary of a South Dakota governor is approximately $130,000 is partially true. While the current salary is reported at $120,787, this figure is close to the $130,000 mark. The average salary of governors across the United States can vary significantly, and South Dakota's figure aligns with the lower end of the spectrum when compared to other states.
The credibility of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they are official state government reports and reputable political information platforms like Ballotpedia. However, it is important to note that salary figures can be subject to change based on legislative actions and budgetary constraints, which can impact the accuracy of any claim regarding average salaries.
Additionally, the claim does not specify whether it refers to the current salary or an average over time, which could lead to confusion. The average salary of $130,000 may reflect a historical average or a projection rather than the current salary, which is lower.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "the average salary of a South Dakota governor is approximately $130,000" is Partially True. The current salary is indeed lower at $120,787, but it is close enough to the claimed figure that it warrants a partial affirmation. The variation in reported salaries over time and the lack of specificity in the claim contribute to this conclusion.
