All Posts By

Linda Schauer

Nov 19 2022
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“Drag Queen” Show Allowed at SDSU

By | South Dakota | No Comments

“It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” Luke 17:2

 

On November 16, the Gender and Sexualities Alliance hosted a “Kid-friendly” drag show at South Dakota State University.

 

According to the screenshot that I obtained before it was taken down, the event was advertised to “include talented local performers from around the Midwest.” Attendees were encouraged to “show your support for the drag queens by bringing $1 or $5 bills to tip if you choose. Photo opportunities with the stars will be available … as well as pride-themed merchandise.”

 

This event was billed as “kid-friendly” and for “the whole family.”

 

You may recall that last June, the library in Vermillion hosted a “drag queen show” at the expense of South Dakota taxpayers, not to mention at the expense of the innocence of our children.

 

Drag, of course, is mostly cross-dressing men parading around as hyper-sexualized women.

 

This is an outright assault on our children. It is an egregious attack on our culture and values. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etc. radicals are bent on poisoning our children with gender radicalism as a normal and necessary experience for all children.

We must come against the corrupting of the minds of children and protect childhood innocence from the all-too-real evil of gender radicalism.

 

ACTION: Please contact your newly elected state legislators and express your objections to using a tax-payer-funded facility to host these immoral events in our public institutions of learning.

 

If you do not know who your legislators are, please contact your county auditor. Then phone or write your two house legislators and your one senator. You may also call President of SDSU, Barry Dunn at 605-688-4111 and the South Dakota Board of Regents at 605-773-3455 to express your objections.

 

In Christ,
Linda Schauer
State Director

Nov 19 2022
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Positive Comments Needed for Social Studies Standards

By | South Dakota | No Comments

“A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about …”
– President Woodrow Wilson, 1913

 

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota endorses the proposed Social Studies standards for our K-12 students. The standards offer balance in covering a wide variety of subjects while remaining true to our nation’s historical roots. We believe it is crucial that our children know and appreciate our foundations so they can understand that America is exceptional. The new standards delivered on those requirements.

 

ACTION: The South Dakota State School Board needs to hear from you concerning the proposed Social Studies content standards! We encourage you to comment on the standards during the open comment period. You can read the proposed standards here and provide your comments here.

 

If you wish to testify before the State School Board, the next hearing will be Monday, November 21, at 9:00 a.m.at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N W Ave., in Sioux Falls.

 

Take the time to read the excellent comment that was submitted by Jon D. Schaff, Professor of Political Science at Northern State University in Aberdeen. 

 

Read the article on this topic in our Fall Newsletter.

 

In Christ,
Linda Schauer
State Director

Oct 29 2022
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Encourage-A-Legislator Prayer Project – South Dakota

By | South Dakota | No Comments

Encourage-A-Legislator Program

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – I Timothy 2:1-2

The Call to Prayer

I Timothy 2:1-2 instructs us to pray for our leaders. Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) program offers our members and friends the vehicle to do this in an easy and meaningful way. It ensures consistent prayer for each legislator, and it encourages and builds bridges with conservative legislators as well as those who do not normally agree with us.

 

Whether a legislator is a believer, non-believer, conservative, liberal, Democrat, Republican, independent, or other, they need our prayers. This next legislative session, CWA plans to deliver those prayers.

The Goal

The goal of the EAL program is to encourage each member of the State House and Senate by praying for them on a regular basis and sending them a postcard throughout the legislative session

 

The EAL program is never used to lobby and, therefore, is never confrontational. It is simply a great way to lift up those in authority and encourage them in their responsibilities.

The Commitment

We provide the name and address of the assigned legislator(s) and the postcards, and you commit to praying for your assigned legislator(s) daily, if possible, while the legislature is in session, and then mail an EAL postcard weekly until the conclusion of the eight-week session.

The South Dakota Legislature

The 2023 South Dakota Legislature is in session from January 10 till approximately March 9 and consists of 70 House members and 35 Senate members

Answer the Call

Sign up today to be an encourager—it couldn’t be easier! Sign up by contacting CWA of South Dakota at 606-380-6914 or by email at director@southdakota.cwfa.org and provide them with your name and physical mailing address. They will then enlist you as an encourager and send you a packet of postcards and instructions in early January.

Spread the Word!

Please encourage your friends and family to sign up.

 

Consider making this a family project by involving your children.

 

Print and distribute information about this great opportunity to pray and encourage your state legislators. Click here for a printable push card. Print them double-sided on cardstock or order them through the contact information above.  

Oct 07 2022
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CWA of South Dakota Fall 2022 Newsletter

By | South Dakota | No Comments

“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

 

The beauty of the Fall season is upon us! God shares His handiwork with us as we prepare our hearts and minds for renewal in Him. And your Concerned Women for America of South Dakota leaders are blessed in being able to share the information that will assist you in some small way in that renewal effort.

 

Click here to read our Fall 2022 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:

  • Roe is Overturned!
  • South Dakota Proposed Social Studies Standards
  • Tribute to Our National Treasure
  • The Duty and Privilege of Voting
  • SD.gov Set to Encourage Life
  • Toss Target – and Now Walmart!

 

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.

 

Linda Schauer
State Director

Jul 08 2022
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Letter to the Editor: Respect for life

By | South Dakota | No Comments

Concerned Women for America of South Dakota State Director Linda Schauer’s letter to the editor on overturn of Roe v. Wade was recently published in the Rapid City Journal. For those who do not have a subscription, the letter to the editor is printed below.

 

Letter to the editor: Respect for life
July 8, 2022

We are grateful for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and for South Dakota’s 2005 trigger statute prohibiting abortion except to save the life of the mother. We mourn the lives of over 60 million babies who were victims of the wrongly held decision of the Court in 1973 that legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. We grieve with those mothers (and fathers) who felt it expedient to abort their baby and now live with grief and regret and sometimes physical scars.

 

We are thankful for those heroes who started and labored in the right-to-life effort. Many sacrificed their time and treasure to save babies. They prayed outside abortion facilities, counseled mothers at pregnancy care centers, and sought laws to restrict the deadly practice.

 

We are not so naive as to think that no more abortions will occur. After 50 years of a culture of death, we still have hearts and minds to change. We must continue to lovingly support and encourage women in their pregnancies. We must declare respect for life from the moment of conception and understand that all life is precious. We must recognize that we are created in the image of God.

 

Linda Schauer, State Director, Concerned Women for America, Leola, SD

Jun 24 2022
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Roe vs. Wade is Overturned! CWA of South Dakota Responds

By | South Dakota | No Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2022

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Linda Schauer (605) 380-6914

 

Conservative Women’s Group Applauds the Overturning of Roe

 

Leola, South Dakota – We are grateful that in 2005 the South Dakota Legislature strongly supported a “trigger statute” that goes into effect now that Roe is overturned. Over 60 million unborn baby deaths later, the Court has finally recognized that there is no right to abortion in the U.S. Constitution. South Dakota now stands ready to welcome women and unborn children. Our citizens, members of the state legislature, and our state administration strongly support a culture of life that protects all. 

 

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota State Director Linda Schauer, speaking for Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, has this to say concerning the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision:

 

“We appreciate our past and present pro-life legislatures and governors who passed some of the strongest pro-life informed consent restrictions in the nation as well as the trigger statute. I’m reminded of Sen. Tom Hansen’s (R-District 22) remarks during the Senate debate on our trigger statute, ‘Killing an innocent human being, whether born or unborn, is wrong. That is not something we do in a civilized society.’

 

“We are not so naive as to think that no more abortions will occur. After 50 years of a culture of death, we still have hearts and minds to change. We must continue to lovingly support and encourage women in their pregnancies. We must declare respect for life from the moment of conception and understand that all life is precious. We must recognize that we are created in the image of God.”

 

###

Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org.

May 06 2022
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Primary Election and Breach at the Supreme Court

By | South Dakota | No Comments

Breach at the Supreme Court
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream. –Amos 5:24

For the latest on the Dobbs breach at the Supreme Court and to read CWA’s press release, go to concernedwomen.org. You may read Penny Nance’s statement on the breach and what might be ahead, A Law Clerk’s Perspective, as well as a brief rundown on the leak from CWA’s legal counsel, Mario Diaz, and what it means for Roe, and more. I also invite you to watch CWA’s powerful prayer call on the case.

 

If you would like to subscribe for weekly updates from CWA and the latest on the Dobbs case, click here.

 

Prayer: Father, we thank You that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and we were “made in the secret place.” We ask Your forgiveness for our national killing of over 60 million precious babies in the womb. Please bring an end to this egregious stain on our nation by the overturning of Roe v. Wade and restore the integrity of the Court. Bring all states and all people to the realization that life is precious. Turn the hearts of all to honor life so every baby will be welcomed and loved. Amen

 

Primaries are Important – Be Sure to Vote!!
But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain –Exodus 18:21

 

The South Dakota Primary Election is Tuesday, June 7. There are important city, county, and school board races that will be decided. In addition, candidates for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are on the ballot, as well as a Constitutional Amendment.

 

Many of the winners of these races will be determined in the Primary rather than in the General Election held in November. This will be the case for many state legislative races and the U.S. House race.

 

If you are undecided about how to vote, feel free to call the candidates and question them about issues that are of concern to you. Many cities are scheduling candidate forums where you can hear from the candidates and ask them questions.

 

Here is a useful resource when researching candidates: CWALAC Congressional Scorecard.

 

Because of redistricting, you might be in a different district than previously, so call your county auditor to find out your correct district. You can also find your voting location online here.

 

If you are not registered to vote or know someone who is not registered, the last day to register to vote is Monday, May 23. Early voting has already begun.

 

So be sure to exercise your right and duty to vote!!!

 

Prayer: Father, we thank You that we in America have the right to vote for the candidate of our choice. We ask that You guide and direct us to choose the right person to represent us in all these important levels of government. Please ensure that our elections will be fair and honest and that You would rebuke any fraud or cheating. Let Your righteousness reign. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Blessings,

Linda Schauer
State Director
Apr 17 2022
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Wrapping Up the South Dakota Legislative Session

By | South Dakota | No Comments

CWA of South Dakota Spring Newsletter Now Online

January 11, 2022, was the opening day of the South Dakota legislative session. Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota State Director Linda Schauer and Legislative Liaison Lisa Gennaro represented your interests as volunteer lobbyists at the Capitol in Pierre.
 
On-the-ground lobbying efforts combined with grassroots prayer and action are the key to upholding God-ordained family values. Contained in the Spring newsletter are highlights of some of the bills with which CWA Legislative Action Committee was involved. 

Links are provided to the bills, including the votes, so you may check how your legislators voted.
 
If you have questions, please feel free to call Linda at (605) 380-6914 or email her at director@southdakota.cwfa.org.
 
Click here to read our 2022 Spring Newsletter. This edition’s articles include:

  • Pro-Life Voices Heard at the Supreme Court
  • CWA of South Dakota in Action! Legislative Session 2022
  • The Case AGAINST Term Limits

Thank you, Encouragers!

A huge thank you to those of you who participated in our Encourage-A-Legislator project. Many of you have received thank you notes from your legislator. One day during the session, I heard a legislator reading his postcard on the House floor, indicating the wisdom needed as he casts his vote. You are appreciated!

Governor Issues Executive Order

With the defeat of HB1337 in the legislature, Gov. Kristi Noem (Republican) signed Executive Order 2022-02, which restricts the teaching of Critical Race Theory in K-12 education in South Dakota.

“Political indoctrination has no place in our classrooms,” said Gov.Noem. “Our children will not be taught that they are racists or that they are victims, and they will not be compelled to feel responsible for the mistakes of their ancestors. We will guarantee that our students learn America’s true and honest history – that includes both our triumphs and our mistakes.”

Read the entire Executive Order here.

Feb 20 2022
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Legislative Update from Pierre: February 20, 2022

By | South Dakota | No Comments

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” –Matthew 19: 14

Prohibit Medical Abortion via Telemedicine
HB1318 would prohibit medical (RU-486) abortion through telemedicine. The rise of telabortion results from pro-abortionists using the coronavirus crisis to expand access to abortion-inducing drugs.

This dangerous practice kills human life and puts the life and health of the mother at risk. Self-administered chemical abortions lack medical oversight and care. 

For the mother to end her pregnancy, she takes mifepristone blocking progesterone, which cuts off food from the baby and ends its life. A day or two later, she takes the second pill, Misoprostol. This drug triggers blood flow so that she passes the baby. Women experience a series of symptoms, like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. If she suffers complications, there is no guarantee that she has a caregiver and may endure alone the hard and depressing process.

HB1318 will require the medicine to be prescribed by a licensed physician in a licensed abortion facility. Both medications must be taken at the facility instead of at home under the care of the facility’s staff. The mother must be given all the required informed consent as required by any other abortion and return after two weeks for a follow-up checkup.

HB1318 will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee Tuesday, February 22.

Action: Please contact your two representatives and ask them to support HB1318. If you do not know who your representatives are, click here. Send an email message here. 

Commercial Surrogacy and Adoption

We are pleased that SB137 failed in the Senate with a vote of 15-20. We wanted a No vote. This bill would have legitimized commercial surrogacy. It would have violated the rights of the child by commodifying the child through a contract and exchange of money. Contracts are for transferring property, not people.

CWA supports HB1311, which relies on the adoption code to put the child’s best interest first, allows for altruistic surrogacy, and falls under the adoption code. Those codes will be utilized when voluntarily terminating a relationship between a birth mother and a child. Unfortunately, HB1311 failed in the House with a vote of 29-38. We wanted a Yes vote.

Action: Contact your representatives if they voted Yes and thank them. If you do not know who your representatives are, click here. Send an email message here. 

Critical Race Theory

HB1012, “An Act to protect students and employees at institutions of higher education from critical race theory training and orientation,” passed in the House this week with a vote of 54-14. We wanted a Yes vote. 

HB1337, “An Act to protect elementary and secondary students from political indoctrination,” passed in the House with a vote of 50-18. We wanted a Yes vote.

Action: Contact your representatives if they voted Yes and thank them. If you do not know who your representatives are, click here. Send an email message here. 

Coerced Abortion

HB1113 “An Act to prohibit threats made with the intent to coerce an abortion and to provide a penalty therefor.” HB1113 makes it a Class B felony to threaten an expectant mother in order to coerce her to have an abortion. The bill passed unanimously in the House.

PRAYER: Father, we thank you for the legislators who serve our state. Please give them wisdom with every vote they make that it would honor You. Keep them healthy and keep them from weariness during these final weeks of the legislative session.

Linda Schauer
State Director

 

 

Feb 05 2022
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Legislative Update from Pierre – February 5, 2022

By | South Dakota | No Comments
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
 
Concerned Women for America of South Dakota are boots on the ground for you each week in Pierre! We are working on your behalf and wanted to give you our legislative update for the week with important timely action items.

Video Lottery
HB1138, the bill to increase the payout for video lottery, was defeated in the House Commerce and Energy Committee this week. Check the votes here. We wanted a YES vote, sending it to the 41st day which kills the bill. 
 
If your legislator is a member of this committee and voted YES, please thank them. If you do not know who your member is, click here.

The Privacy/Bathroom Bill
HB1005, the student privacy/bathroom bill, passed in the House with a vote of 38-29. Check the votes here. We wanted a YES vote. 
 
HB1005 will “provide for the designated use of public-school multi-occupancy rooms and sleeping rooms.” HB1005 will assure girls use private spaces designated for girls and boys use private spaces designated for boys. “Sex” in this bill means the student’s sex as determined at birth. If a student is unable or unwilling to use facilities according to his/her sex, the school must provide a private space for him/her.
 
If your representatives vote Yes, please thank them. If they voted No, kindly express your disappointment.
 
HB1005 will now go to the Senate. 
 
ACTION: Contact your state senator and urge them to support HB1005, the privacy bill. If you do not know who your senator is, click here. Send an email message here, “Please vote YES on HB1005.”  Also, if you are a member of Concerned Women for America of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.

Fairness In Girls Sports
SB46, the Fairness in Girls Sports bill, passed in the House this week with a vote of 50-17. Check the votes here.
 
Gov. Kristi Noem (Republican) signed the bill into law on February 4, 2022. 

Protect our Constitution
A Constitutional Convention bill (Convention of States), HJR5001, started in the House, passed in the full House on January 25 with a vote of 39-30. We wanted a No vote.
 
HJR5001 was heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee, where it was defeated. Check the votes here. We wanted a YES vote to send it to the 41st day. Unfortunately, it will be “smoked out” of committee to send it to the full Senate for debate and a vote.
 
ACTION: Contact your state senator and urge him or her to OPPOSE HJR5001. Be sure to provide your name and address, so they know you are from their district. Senators are getting lots of out-of-state emails but only are concerned with their own constituents. It would be a good idea to put your town in the subject line.
 
If you do not know who your senator is, click here. Send an email message here. 
 
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. There is too much national division and radical interest groups.
  • We already have limited government and fiscal restraint stipulations in our Constitution. They just need to be obeyed. The Constitution is not the problem.
  • There is too much uncertainty as to how a Constitutional Convention would be conducted. Would Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer be in charge?
  • Delegates to a Constitutional Convention could set their own rules with a new and weaker ratification mode. 
  • Who selects the delegates? Would California get more than South Dakota? Unknown.
  • Our Second Amendment and Electoral College would be threatened.

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for the freedoms we enjoy in our country. We thank you for those who serve in the state legislature. Please guide and direct them to make decisions that are constitutional and are according to your will.
 
Please share this update with others.

God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.

Sincerely,

Linda Schauer
State Director
CWA of South Dakota
Dec 07 2021
0

An Historic Day at the Supreme Court

By | South Dakota | No Comments

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota was well represented at the United States Supreme Court prayer rally on December 1 for the oral arguments of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization pro-life case.

I, along with Lisa Gennaro, our Legislative Liaison, and my daughter-in-law, and four granddaughters were honored to be present to pray and hear great speakers from all walks of pro-life organizations. We were encouraged that God has raised up such a passionate crowd of fighters for the sanctity of life. We estimated that much more than two-thirds of those present were pro-lifers. Our voices rang louder and stronger than the pro-abortion side.

Concerned Women for America  is hosting a live webinar one week after the oral arguments to provide perspective on all the activity that happened outside the Court on December 1, and to answer the question everyone is asking, “Now that the oral arguments are over, what’s next for the Dobbs v. Jackson case?”

On Wednesday, December 8, join CWA’s CEO and President Penny Nance and CWA’s Legal Counsel Mario Diaz, Esq., as they debrief the December 1 oral arguments and discuss what happens next with the Court on this critical pro-life case.

Whether you attended the December 1 event or joined us in prayer from home, this webinar is for you!

Here are the details:
Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Time: 2:00 p.m. EST [1:00 p.m. CST; 12:00 p.m. Mountain; 11:00 a.m. CST]

Click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

It was an honor to be part of history-in-the-making as we continue to pray that Roe v. Wade will be overturned and life in the womb protected and women empowered.

Blessings,
Linda Schauer
State Director

Nov 04 2021
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SD Capitol

Are You an Encourager? The SD State Legislature Needs You!

By | South Dakota | No Comments

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I Timothy 2:1-2

We are excited to launch our 2022 Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) program! For those who have not participated in our EAL program in the past, it focuses solely on prayer and encouragement for our state legislators. The EAL program is one of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota’s most valued programs.

Though CWA members and friends regularly contact their legislators and pray concerning our core issues the EAL program is designed to pray for and encourage the legislators with no mention of legislation or policy. Regardless of whether legislators are conservative, liberal, Republican, Democrat, Independent, Christian, or non-Christian, they need both our prayer and encouragement.

For more information about the EAL program click here. Please print and distribute to others who might want to participate in our program.

To sign up to participate, please contact me at director@southdakota.cwfa.org or call (605) 380-6914. Provide your name, physical address, phone number, and email address.

Sincerely,
Linda Schauer
State Director

Aug 15 2021
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News Updates from CWA of South Dakota

By | South Dakota | No Comments

“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.

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

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