Message from Governor Rounds
We have an opportunity with the Zaniya Task Force to take a careful look at our current health care and health
insurance environment in South Dakota. We have a system that truly works, but we can make it better.
I have asked Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard to lead the Zaniya Task Force as chairman and I am pleased with the
well-respected professional membership of the task force. They share a commitment to accomplish the goal of
developing a plan to provide additional access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance for South Dakota
residents.
The Zaniya Task Force members have agreed to examine South Dakota's uninsured population and will study opportunities
for health care coverage to reach more of the uninsured. They will identify the uninsured and identify why they
don't currently have a plan to take care of their healthcare needs. They will look for ways to better target
existing resources and discuss ways to coordinate possible partnerships between the state and federal governments,
as well as private businesses.
The term "Zaniya" comes from the Lakota word for "health and well-being." The information and solutions we gain from
this project will result in better health and well-being for South Dakotans. I thank the members for their
participation.
M. Michael Rounds
Governor
