Gov. Kristi Noem rebuked critics of her hands-off response to the coronavirus in South Dakota and mocked some states facing hard times after taking robust action to defeat the pandemic during a speech unveiling her latest budget proposal.

After leading the South Dakota Legislature in a moment of silence to honor residents who died from COVID-19, the Republican chief executive defended her decision to resist mask mandates, economic lockdowns, or gathering limits to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That approach, Noem said, left her state economically resilient and socially vibrant, while states led by Democratic governors who imposed severe restrictions are now experiencing twin health and fiscal calamities.