Reaction to State of the State

Democratic Legislative Leadership Reaction to State of the State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2025

Pierre, SD - State Democratic Legislative Leadership released the following statements after Governor Kristi Noem delivered her State of the State speech.

Sen. Liz Larson
Senate Minority Leader
District 10 - Sioux Falls

Governor Noem's "Top 10 List" highlighted several meaningful achievements that we, as South Dakota Democrats, acknowledge and support. We share the Governor's commitment to enhancing opportunities for our farmers, ranchers, and business owners, and we appreciate her focus on the importance of family and work, as well as her recognition of first responders in some of this year's worst natural disasters.

However, there are critical areas where we believe the Governor's approach falls short. First, many educators are going to disagree with the idea that the state has worked to attract and retain the best teachers - given our continued under performance on teacher pay, and tightening of school budgets. I worry about the future erosion of our public schools in the face of this year's proposal to create an education savings account program. Tax payer money should not be going to private schools that lack accountability and deny admission to students.

Second, while it is admirable to celebrate the achievements of a bustling economy, it is also counter intuitive to not support affordable healthcare for everyone. Medicaid is a lifeline for people who otherwise would either not receive care or go into debt, the cost of which his ultimately born by the private sector. Instituting work requirements in a state with 1.9% unemployment does nothing to make communities healthier, or foster economic development. I fear it is a double-whammy for families who are struck down by an illness while trying to make ends meet in an increasingly difficult environment.

Third, I personally struggle with the way religion and firearms are framed in the public policy dialog in our state. As someone who has been deeply shaped by my Lutheran upbringing, I was taught to live my faith humbly and authentically, rather than making it a public display. I also value the principle of separating church and state, a cornerstone of our nation's founding. I believe it's important to thoughtfully consider the context of our founding fathers' words and avoid applying modern interpretations to their intentions. As a responsible gun owner, I deeply respect the Second Amendment, but I also recognize the equal importance of all amendments and the many principles enshrined in our Constitution.

Rep. Erin Healy
House Minority Leader
District 10 - Sioux Falls

Governor Noem's claim that South Dakota offers the best education in the nation rings hollow when we face ongoing challenges in our schools. We rank 49th for teacher pay. This has real consequences for attracting and retaining qualified educators, directly impacting the quality of education our children receive.

In addition, behavioral health issues among students are growing, yet resources remain limited. Schools are often the first line of defense for children struggling with mental health challenges. But without adequate support, we're failing both students and educators. Addressing these gaps should be a priority if we truly care about the future of our state.

The proposed education savings account is a school voucher program by another name. This threatens to divert critical funding from public schools, undermining the very foundation of our education system. Public dollars should remain in public schools, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their family income.

The Governor also touched on Medicaid work requirements, but these policies place unnecessary burdens on the very people who need healthcare the most. Access to healthcare shouldn't be conditional; it's a foundation for building strong, thriving communities. Work requirements disproportionately affect individuals who are already struggling with chronic illnesses, caregiving responsibilities, or unpredictable employment. If we want to make South Dakota stronger, our policies must prioritize health and wellness, not bureaucratic obstacles. Healthy individuals are better equipped to seek and maintain employment, support their families, and actively participate in their communities. Medicaid expansion was a step in the right direction, but attaching work requirements undermines its potential to truly transform lives for the better.

Governor Noem rightly emphasized the importance of agriculture and maintaining a robust food supply. South Dakota's farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy and play a critical role in feeding the nation. However, her remarks failed to address a key reality: sustaining this vital industry requires a reliable workforce-a reality that clashes with Donald Trump's deportation plans. For over a century, migrant workers have been integral to agriculture in South Dakota and across the country. They take on some of the most challenging and undesirable jobs, particularly in turkey and pork processing plants, roles critical to maintaining our food supply and ensuring food security.

Deportation policies and the lack of meaningful immigration reform threaten to upend this system, leaving our farmers and food processing industries without the labor they need to operate. If we are serious about ensuring food security and keeping farmers farming, we must expand and improve migrant worker programs and provide pathways to legal status. Recognizing and supporting the essential contributions of undocumented workers is not just practical; it is vital for the future of our agricultural sector.

Governor Noem highlighted South Dakota's low unemployment rate, which is certainly an accomplishment worth noting. However, for many families, the challenge isn't finding work-it's finding afford childcare. Too many parents are being forced to choose between earning a paycheck and ensuring their children have safe, reliable care.

Investing in affordable and accessible childcare solutions is one of the best ways to support working families and grow our economy. It enables parents-especially mothers-to remain in the workforce, contribute to our communities, and support their families. By addressing this critical need, we can ensure that our low unemployment rate translates into real economic stability and opportunity for all South Dakotans.

Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party | www.sddp.org