“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
South Dakota’s state legislators didn’t waste any time getting started introducing and even having committee hearings on bills. Between Gov. Kristi Noem’s (Republican) State of the State speech on the first day of the legislative session and the State of the Judiciary Speech and the State of the Tribes Speech on the second day, legislators hit the ground running.
HCR6001, a resolution in support of the Electoral College, was brought by Rep. Tina Mulally (R-District 35), who considered it an educational lesson for the legislators and others. Rep. Mulally brought this same resolution in 2020, where I testified on behalf of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota. In her floor speech, Rep. Mulally used portions of my 2020 testimony. The resolution passed the House and now moves to the Senate. Click here for the House votes on HCR6001.
HB1002 is a bill to require the ACT test to be administered to all 11th-grade students, overriding any objection of parents. Previously, schools were required to administer the test, but students were not required to take it. CWA of South Dakota objected to this overreach, and HB1002 was tabled in the House Education Committee January 12.
SJR503 is the reoccurring Constitutional Convention or Convention of States (COS) resolution. This resolution is brought every year, and every year, we defeat it. Simply put, it would open up our U.S. Constitution for changes by unknown delegates. Proponents believe that the problems in our country are the cause of the Constitution. CWA of South Dakota believes that the Constitution is not the problem. The problem is lawmakers who do not obey it. SJR503 has not been scheduled yet in the Senate State Affairs committee, but I expect it to be soon.
ACTION: Contact your state senator and urge him to oppose SJR503. You may use a talking point from above. If you do not know who your state senator is, click here, enter your address, then click on the legislator’s name to bring up his email address.
Blessings,
Linda Schauer
State Director