Read Concerned Women for America of South Dakota’s Fall 2021 Newsletter.
Concerned Women for America of South Dakota State Director Linda Schauer’s letter to the editor “Obey the constitution, don’t rewrite it” was recently published in the Aberdeen News. Click here to read the article if you do not have a subscription.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” –Isaiah 5:20
Critical Race Theory letter published
My letter to the editor regarding the Critical Race Theory was published in the Rapid City Journal on August 11. You may read the letter here.
Sens. Thune and Rounds oppose the “infrastructure” bill
No doubt you have been hearing much about the “infrastructure” bill being debated and rushed through Congress. Tucked into this seemingly benign bill is the Digital Equity Act, which gives special protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in broadband programs.
Senators are using non-political roads, bridges, and broadband policies as cover to promote the aggressive ideology of the Left. This so-called “infrastructure” bill does nothing less than pave a highway to enshrining radical gender ideology goals of the Equality Act into federal law.
Additionally, there is no justification for the high price tag associated with this bill. With the current national U.S. debt exceeding $28 trillion, this bill is nothing but more irresponsible, reckless spending with no end in sight.
Even though the bill passed in the Senate with 19 Republicans voting with all the Democrats, we are grateful that our South Dakota senators opposed this bill.
Please contact them and thank them.
- John Thune (Republican) Email here.
- Mike Rounds (Republican) Email here.
The bill now heads to the House. We will keep you updated on the bill’s progress and any action needed when it is time for a vote.
In His service,
Linda Schauer
State Director
Concerned Women for America of South Dakota State Director Linda Schauer’s letter to the editor on the racist Critical Race Theory was recently published in the Rapid City Journal. Click here to read the article if you do not have a subscription.
Read Concerned Women for America of South Dakota’s Spring 2021 Newsletter that includes a recap of the 2021 state legislative session and more!
By now, you have probably learned that Gov. Kristi Noem (Republican) put forth an “errors in style and form” veto of HB1217, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. A “style and form veto” is reserved to correct minor errors, like typos. It does not mean the governor can make major changes to bill language or omit vital sections of a bill that has been passed by the legislature. This is an overreach of executive power.
The governor is sending the bill with her “style and form” veto back to the legislature, which meets on Veto Day, Monday, March 29. On that day, the legislature can vote to accept the new language requiring a majority vote, or they can reject the changes and vote to override the veto of the original HB1217, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
HB1217 passed in the House 50-17. Forty-six votes are necessary to override the veto in the House. The Senate passed the bill 20-15, and 24 votes will be needed to override a veto there.
Gov. Noem’s changes severely weaken the bill. Here are her changes that she sent back to the legislature for consideration:
- Lowers the bar on fairness for female athletes. Only elementary and high school girls are covered in the governor’s version of the bill. Fairness for college and beyond females was struck from the bill.
- Allows the birth certificate to prove the sex of the student. However, according to state law, a person can change the sex on their birth certificate.
- Removes Section 3 of the bill, which was the enforcement mechanism for the proof of the student’s biological sex and assurance that she or he had not taken performance-enhancing drugs or anabolic steroids.
- Removes Section 4, which was a “cause of action” if a woman was “deprived of an athletic opportunity” or “suffers direct or indirect harm.”
In a recent poll of South Dakotans, 64% of South Dakotans said boys and men who say they identify as transgender should not be allowed to compete in girls’ and women’s athletics. In the same survey, 54% said Gov. Noem should stand up against corporate threats and boycotts.
Why the veto then? It appears that economic development takes precedence over fairness for women’s sports and general common sense. The Chamber of Commerce, the NCAA, Amazon, Nike, and others claim they and the state would lose millions of dollars if HB1217 were made law. South Dakota should not be subservient to these entities. They are the ones who should change their policies to reflect science and common sense.
ACTION:
- Email Noem and kindly encourage her to do the right thing and sign the original HB1217 as passed by the legislature.
- If your senator voted “Yes” to support HB1217, thank him or her with encouragement to continue to support the original language of HB1217. If he or she voted “No,” please urge his or her support of the original language of HB1217.
- Forward this information to friends and family.
PRAYER: Pray that Gov. Noem will have a change of heart and support the original language of HB1217 that passed the state legislature. Pray that the legislature will have enough votes to override her veto.
God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action,
Linda Schauer
State Director
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against
the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” –Ephesians 6:12
Dear CWA Friends,
We are delighted that HB1217, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, passed in the legislature Monday, March 8. Gov. Kristi Noem tweeted out that she is “excited” to sign the bill. The bill was delivered to Gov. Noem on Wednesday, March 10, and it is awaiting her signature.
Gov. Noem is getting tremendous pressure from the transgender lobby and the sports organizations, including the NCAA not to sign the bill. It is very important that she hears from those who stand with her on protecting girls’ sports.
First, pray for Gov. Noem, that she will sign the bill.
Second, e-mail Gov. Noem here and encourage her to sign HB1217, the Fairness in Girls Sports Act. Let her know that stand with her in support of the bill. If you are a member of Concerned Women for America of South Dakota, be sure to let her know.
Please pass this on to others to pray and act.
God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.
Linda Schauer
State Director
HB1217, a bill that levels the playing field for female athletes, passed in the Senate Monday, March 8, with a vote of 20-15. Gov. Kristi Noem has indicated she is excited to sign HB1217.
Read Rapid City Journal article on the passing of the bill.
ACTION:
- Contact your senator if he or she voted YES on HB1217 and express your appreciation for his or her support of the “Fairness in Girls Sports Act.” Send an email message here. If you do not know who your senator is, click here.
- Contact Gov. Kristi Noem (Republican) to express your appreciation for her support of the bill and to encourage her to sign the bill soon. Please contact her here.
- If you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let the Governor and your senator know.
- Forward this information to friends and family.
Questions? Do not hesitate to call me at (605) 380-6914.
About the Fairness in Girls Sports Bill
Fair competition and equality in women’s sports are being threatened, and this legislation will combat that. Individual male born athletes should not be eligible to participate on an athletic team that is exclusively for females.
Many biological girls train and work hard to excel in their chosen sport with the goal of a college scholarship. When a biological boy who thinks he’s a girl is allowed to compete with the biological girls because of his natural endurance and strength, he steals the prize. We must ensure fairness in women’s sports.
Read Concerned Women for America’s Protecting Women’s Sports CWA Fact Sheet for additional information and talking points on this issue.
“So, God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.” – Genesis 1:27
Linda Schauer
State Director
Concerned Women for America of South Dakota Linda Schauer and Legislative Liaison Lisa Gennaro joined Gov. Kristi Noem for the bill signing ceremony for the Born Alive bill, HB 1051.
Below is a legislative update on bills Concerned Women for America of South Dakota is actively working on at the state legislature. Your prayer and action are making a difference! Thank you.
Fairness in Girls Sports
HB1217, a bill that would provide a level playing field for female athletes, passed in the House Thursday, February 24, with a vote of 50-17. You may check the votes here.
Fair competition and equality in women’s sports are being threatened, and this legislation will combat that. Individual male born athletes should not be eligible to participate on an athletic team that is exclusively for females.
Many biological girls train and work hard to excel in their chosen sport with the goal of a college scholarship. When a biological boy who thinks he is a girl is allowed to compete with the biological girls because of his natural endurance and strength, he steals the prize. We must ensure fairness in women’s sports.
Read Concerned Women for America’s Protecting Women’s Sports CWA Fact Sheet for additional information on this issue.
ACTION: Thank your two representatives if they voted YES. Also, contact your senator and urge him or her to “vote Yes on HB1217, the Fairness in Girls Sports Act.” If you do not know who your two representatives or senator are, click here. Send an email message here. Also, if you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.
“So, God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.” – Genesis 1:27
Sex Trafficking
Two good bills addressing the issue of sex trafficking passed unanimously in the Senate this week.
SB126 will make it a crime for possession, manufacturing, or distribution of obscene dolls punishable with up to a Class 4 felony for the first offense. Child sex dolls also lead to desires with live children and then to abuse and traffick them. Manufacturers of child sex dolls may argue that dolls offer a safe outlet for “urges” that would otherwise be carried out on living children. On the contrary, according to Peter Fagan from John Hopkins School of Medicine, these dolls encourage abuse of real children. Let’s keep this state grounded in morals and decency and protect our children.
SB148 will make it a Class 6 felony to inflict torture, pain, or mental pain upon any person. Victims of human trafficking suffer from the time they are abused and coerced into doing acts for their handler. Human trafficking takes a person’s dignity and freedom away. That is the goal of a handler, “control.” The handler needs to be held accountable for his or her actions. SB148 provides law enforcement the grounds to prosecute the perpetrators.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” —Mark 9:42
Conscience Protection for Medical Professionals
A good bill, HB1247, failed in the House with a vote of 24-41-4. Check the votes here. We wanted a Yes vote. HB1247 would have provided conscience protections for medical professionals. Health care professionals should not be required to perform a certain medical procedure if carrying it out would violate their conscience. Neither should they face any form of discrimination for declining to do so.
Protect our Constitution
We are pleased to report that SJR502 was defeated in the Senate State Affairs Committee with a vote of. Check the votes here. We wanted a Yes vote to send it to the 41st day, essentially killing the bill.
SJR502 is the same resolution that was defeated in the House State Affairs Committee on February 1. SJR502 would have sent an application to Congress to call a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of restraining the power and jurisdiction of the federal government. We oppose this because our Founders brilliantly drafted the Constitution to do just that – to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government. Opening the Constitution in a Constitution Convention has the potential to make drastic changes to our Constitution. The Constitution is not the problem; the problem is lawmakers who do not obey it.
Please read our brochure on this topic here.
God bless you for your prayers and action,
Linda Schauer
State Director
State Director
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up … ” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
We are pleased to report that SB177, the freedom-loving homeschool bill, passed in the full Senate Wednesday, February 17, with a vote of 21-14. Check the votes here.
SB177 will go to the House Education Committee this Monday, March 1, and it could be debated and voted on in the House as early as Tuesday. This will be a close vote, so please pass this on to your friends. Legislators need to hear from their constituents.
What you need to know about the bill:
- SB177 will update antiquated language in our code. It will simplify and eliminate the annual notification that parents must submit to their local school district that indicates their intention to homeschool. It will instead require a one-time notification unless the student enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different district.
- SB177 eliminates the mandatory testing, making South Dakota the 40th state to strike this requirement.
- SB177 will allow any homeschool student to participate in local school sports or other school activities.
ACTION: Contact your two state representatives and ask them to “Vote Yes on SB177.” Send an email message here. If you do not know who your two representatives are, click here. If you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.
Please forward this information on to family and friends!
PRAYER: Father, we thank You for giving us the responsibility to educate our children and for the freedom that we have to do so. Bless those families who take on this responsibility. Help them in this endeavor to guide their children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. Help them to teach their children the truth of Your Creation, Your Word, and skills to lead a God-honoring life. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Linda Schauer
State Director
Two important bills will be heard on Monday, February 22. Calls are needed first thing Monday morning, February 22!
Conscience protections for medical professionals
HB1247 will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee Monday, February 22. HB1247 will provide conscience protections for medical professionals. Health care professionals should not be required to perform a certain medical procedure if carrying it out would violate their conscience. Neither should they face any form of discrimination for declining to do so.
ACTION: Contact your two representatives and urge them to support HB 1247, the Conscience Protection Act. Send an email message, “Please vote YES on HB 1247.” If you do not know who your two representatives are, click here. If you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.
Fairness in girl’s sport
HB1217, a bill that would promote fairness in women’s sports, will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee Monday, February 22. Fair competition and equality in women’s sports are being threatened, and this legislation will combat that. Individual male born athletes should not be eligible to participate on an athletic team that is exclusively for females.
Many biological girls train and work hard to excel in their chosen sport with the goal of a college scholarship. When a biological boy who thinks he’s a girl is allowed to compete with the biological girls because of his natural endurance and strength, he steals the prize. We must ensure fairness in women’s sports.
Read Concerned Women for America’s Protecting Women’s Sports CWA Fact Sheet for additional information on this issue.
ACTION: Contact your two representatives and urge them to support HB 1217. Send an email message: “Please vote YES on HB 1217.” If you do not know who your two representatives are, click here. If you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.
Thank you for taking action on these two bills. Be sure to forward the information to friends and family.
PRAYER: Father, we ask that You would grant our South Dakota legislators wisdom and clarity as they make decisions in the coming weeks. Give them rest, good health, and protection from weariness. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Thank You,
Linda Schauer
State Director
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for
at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9
Dear Friends,
Below is a legislative update on bills Concerned Women for America of South Dakota is actively working on at the state legislature. Your prayer and action are making a difference! Thank you.
Victory – Born Alive Bill Passes
HB1051 is the born alive survivors bill that would require that a baby born alive be given medical care. At the time a child is born alive, he or she is a patient and deserving of medical care and legal protections. A McLaughlin poll showed that nearly 80% of Americans agree that infants born alive due to a botched abortion need protection and care. You may read and follow the action and votes on the bill here.
HB1051 passed out of the full House with a vote of 59-8 on January 28. We are pleased to report that it passed the full Senate on February 16 with a vote of 3-32. Check the votes here.
HB1051 now goes to Gov. Noem for her signature.
ACTION: Thank your senator and representatives if they voted Yes on HB1051. See contact information below.
Homeschool Freedom Bill – SB177
A good and freedom-loving homeschool bill, SB177, passed in the Senate Education Committee Thursday, February 11. You may read the bill, follow and check the votes here.
We are pleased to report that SB177 passed in the full Senate Wednesday with a vote of 21-14. Check the votes here. Now SB177 will go to the House.
About SB 177:
- SB177 will update antiquated language in our state code. It will simplify and eliminate the annualnotification that parents must submit to their local school district that indicates their intention to homeschool. Instead, it will require a one-time notification unless the student enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different district.
- SB177 eliminates the mandatory testing, making South Dakota the 40th state to strike this requirement.
- SB177 will allow any homeschool student to participate in local school sports or other school activities.
ACTION: Contact your two state representatives and ask them to “Vote Yes on SB177.” Put “Vote Yes on SB177” in the subject line. If your senator voted Yes, please thank him or her. See contact information below.
Religious Freedom
SB124 will provide protections for the exercise of religious freedom. This bill was inspired by the actions in some states during the pandemic. Indoor worship was prohibited or restricted while shopping malls, casinos, tattoo parlors, etc., were open for business. SB124 ensures in state policy that our First Amendment right to freedom of religion will not be restricted.
We are pleased to report that SB124 passed unanimously in the Senate on February 16. SB124 will now be considered in the House.
ACTION: Contact your two representatives and urge them to support SB124. See contact information below.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Email your senator or representatives by clicking on his or her name here. If you do not know who they are, click here. Be sure to include your name and address so your legislators know you are a constituent. Also, if you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.
God bless you for your prayers and action,
Linda Schauer
State Director
The 2021 South Dakota legislative session begins Tuesday, January 12. During this 37-day session, we urge all members to participate as grassroots activists by praying and taking action when called upon by Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota.
It is imperative that your state legislators hear from you concerning CWA of South Dakota-supported pro-family, pro-life bills. Even more crucial is your help to defeat dangerous, anti-family legislation that CWA of South Dakota opposes.
I will alert you via e-mail regarding these bills and ask you to contact your one senator or two representatives after praying about the bill. For greater impact, please check your e-mails often and feel free to share these alerts with others.
If you do not know the names of your one senator and two representatives, click here or phone the auditor at your county courthouse.
This year, Lisa Gennaro has been added to our CWA of South Dakota lobbying team as a volunteer, representing you in Pierre and promoting CWA’s issues.
The core issues of Concerned Women for America are:
- Definition of the Family
- Sanctity of Life
- Education
- Sexual Exploitation
- Religious Liberty
- National Sovereignty
- Support for Israel
This session is looking to be very busy. Added to the challenge are the precautions presented to us because of COVID-19. We covet your prayers for our protection, health, wisdom, and guidance.
Asking God’s blessing upon you for your faithfulness in prayer and action,
Linda Schauer
State Director
It is time to recruit “encouragers” for our Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) campaign for the 2021 South Dakota legislative session. This is our 22nd year of Encourage-A-Legislator, and many of you have been dedicated encouragers with us from the very beginning. We appreciate your faithfulness.
We live in challenging times. I am sure you’ll agree with me that much prayer is needed to restrain the enemy’s assault on our culture. Prayer is also needed to help encourage and sustain our state legislators. You may have seen the picture on the left of Sen. Jack Kolbeck’s (R-District 13) desk displaying the postcards he received from his encourager. He told me that he read some of the postcards each day.
Will you commit to adopting a legislator and praying for him or her daily during the three-month session beginning in January? Each week you will send your assigned legislator a CWA-provided postcard pre-printed with a Scripture verse or inspirational quote. Simply express appreciation for the legislator’s service and note your prayers for him or her. Finally, add a postcard stamp and mail the card on a specified date.
Your efforts will encourage and build bridges with the conservative legislators as well as those who do not typically agree with CWA of South Dakota. Your benefit as an “encourager” is that you are energized and blessed to be a part of this effort.
If you wish to participate in our EAL campaign, please reply to this email by noting your commitment and providing your physical address. You will receive your postcards and instructions before the opening of the 2021 South Dakota legislative session early in January.
God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.
Linda Schauer
State Director
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” –Ronald Reagan
On November 3, our nation will arrive at a crossroads, and the people will decide which direction we go. Now is not the time to sit back and let others decide on the issues of life, religious freedom, judges, and more.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota has taken a position on the three ballot measures on which South Dakotans will decide. Two deal with marijuana, and one with sports gambling. We urge a NO vote on all three.
An explanation of our stance on the three ballot measures is found in our Fall Newsletter. Pros and Cons have been provided by the South Dakota Secretary of State written by interested parties.
Initiated Measure (IM)26, which would legalize medical marijuana, is 26-pages long and can be read here. In addition to objections to Initiated Measure (IM)26 as noted in our Fall Newsletter, the following are some additional points to consider:
- Section 96 of the measure would require the South Dakota Department of Education and the South Dakota Department of Health to allow students who are cannabis cardholders to have their “medicine” administered in school. (emphasis mine)
- IM26 (Section 59) states, “no local government may prohibit a dispensary” establishment in their jurisdiction. This is an affront to local control and makes marijuana easily available, providing opportunities for more users (and addicts). Medical marijuana creates a lucrative business.
- Marijuana is marketed as candy, cookies, or brownies, among other playful enticements for youth.
- Medical marijuana (IM26) is presented as a compassionate remedy for those suffering from chronic or severe pain. However, the FDA has approved some synthetic forms of marijuana by prescription (Marinol, dronabinol, and Sativex), without the addictive effects. With the passage of IM26, South Dakota will become a medical marijuana sanctuary state.
- Voter approval of IM26 (medical marijuana) is the first step and the easiest step to legalizing recreational marijuana (Constitutional Amendment A.)
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, …” I Corinthians 6:19
Join me in praying for our nation:
Father God, we thank You for Your blessings on our nation and for extending Your grace and mercy on us even though we have rebelled against You and sought our own evil way. Help us to humble ourselves, to pray, and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways. Your covenant promises that You will hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). We ask that Your grace and mercy would shine on us once again and bring righteousness and revival to our nation. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Please forward this e-alert to others who you think may be interested.
Blessings,
Linda Schauer
State Director
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
Our South Dakota newsletter is coming to you with important information on South Dakota issues, including information on our state ballot issues you will be voting on November 3.
Click here to read our Fall newsletter. Be sure to pass it on to those who need to know the truth about these important issues affecting our state and country!
- The Fall edition’s articles include:
- November 3 South Dakota Ballot Issues
- Marijuana – A Losing Wager
- What About Medical Marijuana?
- Sports Gambling
- Good News for School Choice
- The Centennial Celebration of Women’s Suffrage
- Encourage-A-Legislator
Help us make our conservative Christian voice stronger in our state and nation by partnering with us in the work of CWA of South Dakota.
If you wish to become more involved with CWA of South Dakota, I would love to visit with you and consider which leadership opportunities best fit your God-given gifts. Call me at (605) 380-6914.
Sign up for e-mail updates direct from Washington, D.C. As your voice for Biblical values, see how we are defending the issues you care about most, and learn how you can take action.
Consider partnering with us financially by donating to CWA of South Dakota online or making a check payable to “Concerned Women for America” or “CWA” and mailing to P.O. Box 343, Leola, SD 57456. Please indicate “South Dakota” on the memo line.
Your partnership is greatly appreciated!
Blessings,
Linda Schauer
State Director
Please read our brochure “The U.S. Constitution is Not the Problem!”
South Dakotans showed their appreciation to Gov. Kristi Noem (Republican) for protecting our liberties during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by Activist Mommy. A surprise parade passed by the governor’s mansion in Pierre including fire trucks, cement trucks, pickups pulling stock trailers, and cowboys on their horses. You will notice in the video that the governor wiped tears from her face as she watched the parade. She tweeted, “I am so blessed to serve the people of the great State of South Dakota. You folks made my day!”
Linda Schauer
State Director
CWA of South Dakota
