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. Taxpayer 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 is ultimately borne 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.