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
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. –Psalm 139: 13
While non-essential businesses are closed and elective medical procedures have been postponed, including services pertaining to women’s health, many abortion facilities across the nation are still performing abortions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, along with governors in Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, Oklahoma, etc. have banned abortion procedures in their states as non-essential, only to have their executive orders challenged in court.
South Dakota citizens are asking about Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls, our state’s only abortion facility. For decades, abortionists for the Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood flew into South Dakota from St. Paul, Minnesota, two days a week to perform abortions. However, with the COVID-19 travel restrictions in place where Minnesota has shelter-in-place directives, the abortionists are prohibited from coming to South Dakota. Gov. Kristi Noem’s guidelines also postponed elective surgeries.
While Planned Parenthood is still open for other “services,” such as birth control, we are grateful that babies are not being killed in South Dakota at this time either by surgical or medical abortions. Medical abortions (RU-486) have accounted for over 40% of South Dakota abortions in the past. Our South Dakota laws require that both surgical abortions and medical abortions necessitate a 72-hour waiting period. Additionally, informed consent must be performed personally by the abortionists.
We pray,
Creator God, we praise You that life is not intentionally being destroyed in South Dakota during this pandemic. We thank You that we are all created in Your image and are precious in Your sight. We pray that all life, born and unborn, be respected and valued as we go forward. Guide those women who are seeking an abortion now and following the pandemic – that their hearts would be changed to give life to their babies. We desire that a mother’s womb be the safest place for pre-born babies.
“Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9
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.
While many of us are staying home and/or homeschooling, Concerned Women for America (CWA) is providing a great learning opportunity for teens, pre-teens, and adults. CWA’s General Counsel, Mario Diaz, Esq., has created an educational and entertaining series on the U.S. Constitution.
Mario takes us on a journey to understand America’s founding documents and the principles which guard our liberty. Part I focuses on the Declaration of Independence by way of an introduction to the concepts that undergird the U.S. Constitution.
View Part 1 of this free 30-minute class here. Part II of the series is scheduled for release on April 22 at 3:00 p.m. EST via Facebook Live. So be sure to follow us on CWA’s Facebook page for notifications to join us live!
If you cannot join the Facebook Live, the archive will be posted on the CWA website.
Linda Schauer
State Director
Father God, You are our Sovereign Lord,
The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
You made the heavens and the earth
By Your great power and outstretched arm;
Nothing is too hard for You.
So, we come to You with heavy hearts for our nation
And our people in this challenging and testing season.
You are Yahweh-Rapha, the Lord that Heals.
Your Word says, “I am the Lord that heals you,”
So, we claim Your Word for those who are suffering with this disease
And ask You bring healing to their bodies.
We remember those families who have lost loved ones and
Ask You to wrap Your loving arms around them.
Grant them Your perfect peace.
Father, we keep in mind
Our dedicated medical personnel and first responders
Who selflessly care for the sick. Protect them
From contracting the coronavirus,
Strengthen their tired bodies and keep their minds alert.
Let them know that they are appreciated.
Uphold their families and protect them from illness.
We thank you for our President and his committed task force
Who are skillfully monitoring the disease and working
To provide assistance to those who are ill
Making available protective guidelines to halt the spread.
Grant them wisdom.
Yahweh-Yireh, You are the Lord who provides.
Give those economists in our government
Prudence in dealing with the economy
And wisdom in restoring it.
Help Congress to put aside its partisanship
And help them focus on what is best for the people.
We lift up businesses, ministries, workers, and families
Knowing that You will provide for them.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in Whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)
Yahweh-Shalom, the Lord of Peace.
We thank You for Your grace and peace that only You can give.
“So do not fear, for I am with you.
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
—
This prayer was submitted by CWA of South Dakota State Director Linda Schauer. Click here for more prayers from our “30 Days of Prayer in the Midst of Covid-19” effort. Here for more coronavirus-related resources.
Stay informed! Stay Active! Pray diligently! Click here to read our SPRING 2020 newsletter. Then, share it with a friend!
“Having witnessed the difficulties and dangers experienced by the first Convention … I should tremble for the result of a second.” “the most violent partisans,” and “individuals of insidious views” would strive to be delegates and would have “a dangerous opportunity of sapping the very foundations of the fabric” of our Country.- James Madison’s letter to G.L. Turberville, 1788
SJR 503 is a good resolution regarding the Article V Constitutional Convention and deserves our support.
Background: In 2015, the South Dakota legislature passed a resolution (HJR1001), applying to Congress to call a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of altering the U.S. Constitution by adding a Balanced Budget Amendment. SJR 503 is a good resolution to rescind that 2015 measure.
- A Balanced Budget Amendment sounds like a good idea, but Congress has the power of the purse and can limit their spending to the enumerated powers delegated to them in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. If they obeyed the U.S. Constitution and their spending limits, the budget would be under control.
- A Constitutional Convention may not be limited to one subject or amendment. It is too risky to open the U.S. Constitution to whatever delegates would like to bring, such as the Equal Rights Amendment, a repeal of the Second Amendment, a repeal of the Electoral College, a new constitution, etc.
- SJR503 would make South Dakota free of any Constitutional Convention applications.
SJR503 was heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee today and the vote was deferred to Monday, February 24. We want a yes vote. Assuming it passes out of committee, it will be voted on in the full Senate on Tuesday, February 25.
Please take action:
- Contact your state senator and urge him/her to “Support SJR503.” Be sure to provide your name and address, so he/she knows you are their constituent.
- Click here to view the list of legislators and then click on their e-mail address.
- In addition, phone the senate lobby and leave a message. (605) 773-3821. Again, provide your name and address.
- Click here if you do not know who your legislators are, or you may call your county auditor to find out their name.
- Pass this alert on to others and ask them to contact their senator as well.
Please read our brochure “The U.S. Constitution is Not the Problem!” to understand this topic further.
Please join me in prayer, Father, we thank you for our country and the amazing founding document you directed brilliant men to create. We ask Your protection of our U.S. Constitution from those who wish to do mischief with it. We ask that American citizens would be knowledgeable about our government and that lawmakers would obey the Constitution. Bless our nation with righteousness and revival. May we be a nation that blesses and honors You.
Blessings,
Linda Schauer
State Director
“Having witnessed the difficulties and dangers experienced by the first Convention … I should tremble for the result of a second.” “the most violent partisans,” and “individuals of insidious views” would strive to be delegates and would have “a dangerous opportunity of sapping the very foundations of the fabric” of our Country. James Madison’s letter to G.L. Turberville, 1788
HJR5001 is a bad bill that would put our U.S. Constitution in jeopardy by opening it up for amendments (changes) such as the repeal of the Second Amendment or abolishing the Electoral College. It could even re-energize the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) of the 1970s that would solidify taxpayer-funded abortion in the Constitution. There are some whose aim is to rewrite our Constitution.
We are pleased to report that HJR5001 was defeated in the full House February 12, with a vote of 32-37. You can check the votes here. We wanted a NO vote.
If your representatives voted No, please thank them. If they voted Yes, you may respectfully express your disappointment.
Please read our brochure “The U.S. Constitution is Not the Problem!” to understand this topic.
Talking points:
- It is too risky to open our Constitution. Too much national division, radical interest groups.
- Limit power of the Federal Government, Fiscal restraint — All the goals the Constitutional Convention is trying to achieve are already listed in our Constitution. It just needs to be obeyed.
- Too much uncertainty as to how a Constitutional Convention would be conducted.
- Delegates to a Constitutional Convention could set their own rules with a new ratification mode.
- Who selects the delegates? Would California get more than South Dakota? Unknown.
- Ideas already suggested for Constitutional Convention consideration: abolish Electoral College, Repeal of Second Amendment, weakening of First Amendment, Equal Rights Amendment, a new constitution.
Contact Information
Click here to view the list of legislators and click on their e-mail address.
Click here if you do not know who your legislators are; or you may call your county auditor to find out their name.
Linda Schauer
State Director
Dear CWA Friends,
A good bill, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act (HB1057), failed in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee February 10, with a vote of 2-5. Check the votes here. If your senator voted Yes to support the bill, please contact him and thank him. If your senator voted No, you may respectfully express your disappointment.
Read Concerned Women for America’s complete talking points with documentation here.
Contact Information
Click here to view the list of state senators, and then click on his/her e-mail address. Click here if you do not know who your state senator is; you can also call your county auditor to obtain your senator’s name.
Please pray: Father, we thank you that in Your grand design You created us male and female. We ask that those who struggle with their God-given sex would be happy and healthy in the sex that You created them to be.
God bless you for your prayer and action.
Linda Schauer
State Director
A good bill, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act (HB1057), passed in the full House of Representatives Wednesday, January 29, with a vote of 46-23. Click here to read the bill. Check the votes here. We wanted a YES vote.
HB1057 now moves to the state senate. The bill will be heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday, February 10. It’s critical that pressure be put on the senate to pass this important piece of legislation.
See our action items below.
HB1057 protects minors who struggle with gender identity from receiving certain dangerous and life-altering drugs and irreversible surgeries that remove healthy organs. Children struggling with their identity should be protected from unethical sex reassignment interventions that reject their long-term health and well-being. Here are a few things you should know:
- Sadly, there are some clinics in South Dakota that are performing these procedures.
- No long-term scientific research exists to support the safety or efficacy of sex reassignment treatments on children – in fact, there is evidence to the contrary.
- Studies prove the fluid nature of gender dysphoria: 80% no longer wish to change their sex after puberty. Some studies find the rate as high as 90%.
- Parents are being misinformed by an activist medical community.
- There is no scientific evidence substantiating the suicide claim for dysphoria.
- It is impossible for children and youth to understand, let alone give informed consent about the permanence of treatments and danger to their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Read CWA’s complete talking points with documentation here.
Action Needed!
- Contact the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee and urge them to support HB 1057. You may contact members of that committee here.
- Contact your state senator and urge him/her to support HB1057, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act. Click here to view the list of state senators, and then click on his/her e-mail address. Click here if you do not know who your state senator is, or you can call your county auditor to obtain your senator’s name.
- In addition to e-mailing, phone the Senate lobby at (605) 773-3821 and leave a message for your senator.
- Share this information with at least two other concerned friends and family members. Your e-mails and phone calls are very important.
Please pray: Father, we thank you that in Your grand design You created us male and female. We ask that those who struggle with their God-given sex would be happy and healthy in the sex that You created them to be. Thank you for the favorable consideration of HB1057 in the Senate.
God bless you for your prayer and action.
Linda Schauer
State Director
“Having witnessed the difficulties and dangers experienced by the first Convention … I should tremble for the result of a second.” “the most violent partisans,” and “individuals of insidious views” would strive to be delegates and would have “a dangerous opportunity of sapping the very foundations of the fabric” of our Country. James Madison’s letter to G.L. Turberville, 1788
House Joint Resolution 5001 (HJR) is a bad resolution that would put our U.S. Constitution in jeopardy by opening it up for amendments (changes) such as repeal of the Second Amendment or abolishing the Electoral College. It could even re-energize the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) of the 1970s that would solidify tax-payer funded abortion in the Constitution. These ideas are currently being discussed as in the state of Virginia where the ERA has passed. Now Virginia lawmakers are working to gut the Second Amendment.
HJR5001will be heard in the House State Affairs committee the morning of Friday, February 7. Click here to view the members of that committee. If one of your state representatives is a member of that committee, we are targeting them to oppose HJR5001.
Please read our brochure “The U.S. Constitution is Not the Problem!” to understand this topic.
We must defeat HJR5001. Your e-mail to your two representatives is very important. Please e-mail them and ask others to do as well.
View contact information below.
Talking points:
- It is too risky to open our Constitution. There is too much political division, radical special interest groups.
- “Limit power of the Federal Government, Fiscal restraint” — All the goals the Constitutional Convention is trying to achieve are already listed in our Constitution. It just needs to be obeyed.
- Too much uncertainty as to how a Constitutional Convention would be conducted.
- The Declaration of Independence gives the People the right to “alter or abolish” our form of government. Delegates to a Constitutional Convention could set their own rules with a new ratification mode.
- Who selects the delegates? Would California get more than South Dakota? Unknown.
- Ideas already suggested for Constitutional Convention consideration: abolish Electoral College, Repeal of Second Amendment, weakening of First Amendment, Equal Rights Amendment, a new constitution.
Action Needed Today!
- Contact your two state representatives and urge them to oppose HJR5001, the Convention of States Resolution. Click here to view the list of state representatives, and then click on their e-mail addresses. Click here if you do not know who your state representatives are; or you can call your county auditor to obtain their names.
- In addition to e-mailing, phone the House lobby at (605) 773-3851 and leave a message for your two state representatives. Be sure to provide your address so they know you are from their district.
- Share this information with other concerned friends and family members.
Your e-mails and phone calls are very important.
Father, we thank you for our country and the amazing founding document you directed brilliant men to create. We ask Your protection of our U.S. Constitution from those who wish to do mischief with it. We ask that American citizens would be knowledgeable about our government and that lawmakers would obey the Constitution. Bless our nation with righteousness and revival. May we be a nation that blesses and honors You.
God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.
Linda Schauer
State Director
