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By Senate Democratic Leader Reynold Nesiba and House Democratic Leader Oren Lesmeister
Hello from Pierre! Democrats had a busy week advocating for all South Dakotans. As we near the halfway point of the 2023 Legislative Session, the number of bills in committee and on the floor is increasing.
We were incredibly disappointed to see HB 1080, a bill putting the government in the middle of medical decisions between parents and their children, pass with so much support through the House of Representatives. This bill is unconstitutional and seeks to intervene in the decisions made between patients, parents, and medical providers. This is a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community , and this legislation has no place in South Dakota. As we do all we can to keep young South Dakotans in the state, Republican legislators embarrass our state and drive young people away.
We hosted Democrats Day at the Capitol on Thursday and had a great turnout. Democrats from all across South Dakota joined us to get an inside look into the political process. Folks were able to sit in on committee and caucus meetings, have a question and answer session with our Democratic legislators, and watch the debate on the House of Representatives and Senate floor. HB 1080 was debated on the House floor, and it was nice for our legislators to see so many friendly and supportive faces in the gallery.
It is hard work to be the super-minority and stand up against so many bad bills. We are proud of our Democratic legislators who stay true to their values and use their voices to fight for all South Dakotans. The Democratic caucus leads with kindness, not with hate.
If you weren’t able to make it to Democrats Day, don’t worry. We welcome visitors every Legislative Day and are always happy to talk with constituents. We have open caucus meetings one hour prior to the legislative session, and you are always able to sit in on committee meetings. Make sure to stop by and see us if you’re in Pierre
Senate Democratic Leader Reynold Nesiba
House Democratic Leader Oren Lesmeister
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