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Concerned Women for America of South Dakota Archives – Concerned Women for America

Ask Gov. Noem to Veto Pot Bill

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Just when we thought the legislative session was over, we found it necessary to look at the bills still awaiting the Governor’s signature and urge her to veto one bill in particular.

SB1 is sponsored by Sen. Erin Tobin (R-District 21) and Rep. Ernie Otten (R-District 6). SB1 passed in the House and the Senate. It now awaits the Governor’s signature, which could occur any day. So, your immediate action is required.

We want Gov. Noem to veto SB1!

  • SB1 would expand the conditions where people could obtain a Medical marijuana card by adding seven conditions without any significant scientific evidence that marijuana is an effective treatment for these conditions. In fact, evidence has shown that marijuana may be harmful. 
  • Under SB1, decision-making regarding adding new conditions is transferred from the Department of Health (DOH) to the legislature. It undermines the medical marijuana bill South Dakotans passed and eliminates the current process that requires medical evidence and oversite by the DOH. Before a condition is approved, proof should be required that treatment with marijuana is safe and effective in treating patients.
  • SB1 substitutes political interests, some of whom may have ties to the marijuana industry, for scientific evaluation. Our legislatures should not be making these decisions.
  • Marijuana is NOT a harmless drug. It has a relatively high addiction potential and can have significant side effects, so the addition of new conditions should be done with caution.
  • Eighty-eight percent of South Dakota counties rejected recreational marijuana last fall. Poorly regulated medical marijuana is equivalent to recreational marijuana. The industry has found a way to turn medical marijuana into de-facto recreational marijuana. 

 

Call Gov. Kriste Noem at 605 773-3212. Ask her to veto SB1. Leave your name and your town.

 
Linda Schauer
State Director
CWA of South Dakota

Legislative Update – Session Almost Over

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“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

 

We are nearing the end of the legislative session with just one week remaining. The final week mainly consists of conference committees. The bills in which we were involved have passed or were defeated. 

 

Drag Show Bill Fails
HB1116 was a good bill that would “prohibit the use of state resources in hosting lewd or lascivious content.” HB1116 passed in the House with a strong vote of 60-10. We were disappointed that HB1116 failed in the Senate. See the votes here.

 

Live Bill Moves to Senate
HB1220 is a good pro-life bill that will “provide that a female who undergoes an unlawful abortion may not be held criminally liable.” With the enactment of our trigger law that prohibits abortion except to save the life of the mother, HB1220 will ensure that the woman is not held liable for an unlawful abortion. Because the mother is often coerced into having the abortion, this will offer clarification to our trigger law. We have never, in the past, held a woman liable for having an abortion. HB1220 has easily passed the House and will be voted on in the Senate on Monday.

 

Please pray: “Father, as this legislative session comes to a close, rebuke weariness, and provide the legislators with wisdom and clear mind to make right decisions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 
Linda Schauer
State Director

Legislative Update & Action Item: Stop Funding Drag Shows

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HB1116 is a good bill that ” prohibits the use of state resources in hosting lewd or lascivious content.” HB1116 passed in the House with a vote of 60-10. These “drag shows” are billed as “kid-friendly,” but it 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.

HB1116 will next be heard in a Senate committee and then by the full Senate.

ACTION: Contact your senator through our Action Center here and ask them to support HB1116 to protect our children’s innocence and from the evil of gender radicalism.


Recent Victories
We are pleased to report that Gov. Kristi Noem signed the “Help Not Harm” bill on February 13. Read Concerned Women for America’s press release on this victory here.
 
The resolutions to tinker with our U.S. Constitution (HJR5005 and HJR5002) were finally defeated on February 14 when the effort to “smoke it out” of committee failed in the full House.
 
Foreign Ownership of South Dakota Land
SB185 is Gov. Noem’s effort to revise provisions related to the foreign ownership or control of agricultural land. SB185 passed unanimously in the Senate Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee February 14. 
 
China and other foreign states with interests opposed to South Dakota and the U.S. have ramped up their purchase of agricultural land throughout the country. The proposed legislation seeks to stop this practice by creating the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States – South Dakota (CRIUIS-SD), a board with authority to investigate purchases, leases, and other land transfers by a foreign entity.
 
We expect this bill to gain support in the full Senate and the House.
 
Sports Gambling
HJR5006 was an effort to submit to the voters in the 2024 election an amendment to the South Dakota Constitution to provide sports wagering (gambling) via personal smartphones. We are pleased to report that HJR5006 was defeated in the House this week with a vote of 28-48-1.
 
Paid Family Leave Act
HB1151 is a good bill to promote stronger families in South Dakota introduced by Gov. Noem. It will provide voluntary enhanced paid family leave to state employees for childbirth, adoption of a child, care for ailing family member, or military exigency. No state funds will be used for this benefit; rather, an insurance group will be created that private employers may join. HB1151 was debated in the House State Affairs committee and was voted to send to the Appropriations Committee, where it was defeated.
 
Internet Pornography
SB192 failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee by sending it to the 41st day, thus killing the bill. Internet pornography sites must vet their users to authorize they are not minors. We know that pornography is a public health crisis and SB192 would have prevented minors from accessing internet pornography.
 
“Father, as we go into the final weeks of the legislative session, grant us wisdom and grace as legislators make decisions that affect our state. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.”

Linda Schauer
State Director

Legislative Update and Time Sensitive Action Item: Urge Gov. Noem to Protect South Dakota Children

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We have made it easy for you to contact your legislators with our handy “Action Center.” Simply enter your name and address and we will send a pre-written message to your legislator. Remember to follow up your action with prayer!
 
“Help Not Harm” bill passes!
The “Help Not Harm” bill passed in the Senate this week overwhelmingly. HB1080, a bill to “prohibit certain medical and surgical interventions on minor children,” passed with a vote of 30-4-1. We now anticipate the Governor’s signature.
 
ACTION: Contact Gov. Kristi Noem using our Action Center and ask her to sign HB1080 quickly.

HB1080 will prohibit the radical “treatment” for gender dysphoria, which involves puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries like double mastectomies and genital removal or reconstruction to “become” the opposite sex. The bill allows for civil action for damages to the minor for such treatment. Additionally, if a healthcare professional is in violation of the terms of HB1080, their professional license must be revoked.

You may find more information on CWA’s website here.


Protect Our Constitution

The Constitutional Convention resolutions (Convention of States), HJR5002 and HJR5005, were defeated in the House State Affairs Committee this week. Check the votes here and here. We wanted a YES vote to send it to the 41st day, which kills the bill because there is no 41st legislative day.
 
Unfortunately, there will be a “smoke out” on Monday or Tuesday.
The “smoke out” rule requires the support of 24 members of the House. If that is achieved, the House State Affairs Committee must send the resolution to the floor “with or without a recommendation.” Then a majority vote is needed to place it on the calendar for a final vote.
 
ACTION: Contact your two House representatives using our Action Center and urge them to OPPOSE a Smoke Out on HJR5002 and HJR5005.
 
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. A right to tax-payer-funded abortion could easily be considered.

Please read our brochure “The U.S. Constitution is Not the Problem!” and “The Case Against Term Limits” to understand this topic.


Good Bill Fails in Committee

HB1163 was a good bill that would prohibit the dissemination of obscene material to minors in a public school or public library. The bill failed in the House Judiciary Committee. The vote sent it to the 41st legislative day. We wanted a No vote.

Father, we thank you for Your grace and mercy on our state and nation. Help us to be a state and nation that blesses and honors You.

 

In Christ,

Linda Schauer

State Director

Action Alert: Protect U.S. Constitution

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A bad resolution will be heard in House State Affairs committee next week. HJR 5002 is an application to Congress for an Article V Constitutional Convention. Those who call for a Constitutional Convention are crafty and always include a “hook” issue in which people in the state are interested. This particular application is a request for a Constitutional Convention dealing with term limits.

 

Term limits come with unexpected consequences, including denying a voter the liberty to re-elect his or her candidate of choice. John Adams, second President of the United States, said, “The people should be at liberty to choose the ablest and best men – yet, upon the present [term limits] supposition, the people voluntarily resign this right, and shackle their own choice.” The best term limits are elections. (We “termed” out Sen. Tom Daschle.) Read more about terms limits here.

 

Most importantly, we know that a Constitutional Convention might not be limited to one subject. It could open the U.S. Constitution for any amendments that the delegates desire. It could weaken our Second Amendment or put unfettered taxpayer abortion in the Constitution. It could rewrite the entire Constitution, as there are already rewrites waiting for such an occasion. Read our brochure The Constitution is Not the Problem.

 

Former Justice Antonin Scalia said, “A Constitutional Convention is a horrible idea.”

 

ACTION: Contact the members of the House State Affairs Committee and urge them to vote NO on HJR 5002. You may use one or more of my talking points in your comment. Put “Vote No on HJR5002” in the subject line.

 

Also contact your two representatives with the same message. Click here for the list of representatives and their contact information. If you do not know who your state representatives are, click here. Include your name and address so they know you are a constituent. Legislators have asked that we indicate on the subject line your legislative district, for example, “from District 9.”

 

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.

 

God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.

Linda Schauer
State Director

Action Alert: Don’t Harm Our Children

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“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

 

You may recall our efforts to target Sanford Health for co-hosting the Midwest Gender Identity Summit with the Transformation Project on January 13 at the Sanford Research Center in Sioux Falls. The mission of the Transformation Project is “supporting and empowering transgender youth,” thus promoting the lie that “men and women can change their gender.”

 

We are grateful for HB1080, sponsored by Rep. Bethany Soye (R-District 9), to “prohibit certain medical and surgical interventions on minor children.”  HB1080 would prohibit the radical “treatment” for gender dysphoria, which involves puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries like double mastectomies and genital removal or reconstruction to “become” the opposite sex. Damages to the minor for such treatment may result in civil action.

 

Additionally, if a healthcare professional is in violation of the terms of HB1080, their professional license must be revoked. Furthermore, Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota finds these activities very disturbing, especially among a healthcare institution that takes an oath to “do not harm.” Ironically, healthcare providers blatantly deny the science that tells us one cannot change their God-given sex. Children struggling with gender dysphoria should be protected from unethical medical interventions that ignore underlying causes and reject long-term health and well-being.  

 

You may find more information on CWA’s website here.

 

ACTION: Email your two representatives and urge them to Vote YES on HB1080 to protect our children. Click here for the list of representatives and their contact information. If you do not know who your state representatives are, click here. Include your name and address so they know you are a constituent. Legislators have asked that we indicate on the subject line your legislative district, for example, “from District 9.” They get so many emails and are only concerned about their constituents. Also, if you are a member of CWA of South Dakota, be sure to let them know.

 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we pray for those struggling with gender dysphoria that they will believe the truth about Your design for them found in Scripture and reject the lies of Satan. You say in Word in Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” We ask for protection of the hearts and minds of all our children, and we pray for Christians to courageously and lovingly speak God’s truth about Your design for sexuality in a confused and needy world.   

 

In Christ,|
Linda Schauer
State Director

Don’t Discriminate Against Homeschoolers

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Two years ago, a good and freedom-loving homeschool bill, SB177, passed in the legislature and signed by Gov. Kristi Noem. However, this year SB57 is an attempt to chip away at those good provisions homeschool families have been enjoying.

 

SB57 would remove the eligibility of homeschooled students to participate in activities in the district of their choice where it may be a better fit for them. Furthermore, the bill does not put this same restriction on public school students, thus discriminating against homeschooled students.

 

ACTION: SB57 could be heard in the Senate Education Committee the week of January 23. Contact the members of the committee and ask them to Vote NO on SB 57. Click here for the list of committee members. Click on their name to send an email.

 

Also, email your state senator and ask them to “Vote NO on SB57.” Put “Vote NO on SB57” in the subject line. Click here for the list of senators. Click on the name to email. If you do not know who your state senator is, click here. Be sure to include your name and address so they know you are a constituent. If you are a CWA of South Dakota member, be sure to let them know.

 

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 the skills to lead a God-honoring life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Thank you for your prayers and activism.

Linda Schauer
State Director

Action Alert: Protect moms and babies in South Dakota

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For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 193:13

 

HB1053 is a good pro-life bill that will prohibit pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from being able to secure a certificate for medical marijuana use.  Our goal is a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Read the bill here.

 

HB1053 could be heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee the week of January 17.

 

Studies show that marijuana use during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, stillbirth, and premature birth. The chemicals in marijuana can lead to learning problems, difficulty focusing, and behavioral problems. These chemicals can also pass into breast milk and can affect the infant’s neurobehavioral development.

 

Take Action!

Contact your two state representatives and urge them to protect moms and babies by voting YES on HB1053. 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.

 

Pray
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your watch-care over our moms and babies. Thank you for being the giver, sustainer, and protector of life.

 

In Christ,
Linda Schauer
State Director

Update: Legislative Session-Week 1

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“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

 

The First Week of the Legislative Session

 

Lisa Gennaro, our Legislative Liaison, and I arrived at the Capitol in Pierre Tuesday morning for the opening day of the legislative session. Our week was filled with greeting new and returning legislators, networking with other pro-family lobbyists on possible legislation, listening to the State of the State speech by Gov. Kristi Noem, the State of the Judiciary speech by Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen, and the State of the Tribes speech by Chairman Peter Lengkeek, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

 

We will monitor and work toward a positive outline on the following issues that align with our seven core issues: protecting the sanctity of life, protecting children from radical transgender ideology, protecting our U.S. Constitution, ensuring school choice, and fighting pornography, sex trafficking, and marijuana are all issues.

 

You can depend on Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota to actively represent your voice at the State Capitol in Pierre.

 

We cannot be effective without your grassroots prayer and activism. I will be sending email alerts with action items for you to contact your two state representatives and your one state senator. I will also report back to you their votes.

 

Thank you for your continued support of CWA of South Dakota. Together, through prayer, education, and action, we can impact our state mightily for His kingdom!

 

“Let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos 5:24

 

In Christ,
Linda Schauer
State Director

Merry Christmas from CWA of South Dakota!

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“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given …” Isaiah 9:6

 

Merry Christmas!

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.'” Matthew 1: 23 

 

“God with us.” How awesome that the Christ, the Son of the Living God, emptied Himself of His heavenly glory to humbly be born as a baby in a barn. He is not a distant God, but is “God with us,” allowing us to have a personal relationship with Him. His greatest gift is the salvation He secured for us as He “became obedient to death—even the death on a cross.” And as He conquered death, we too may enjoy the gift of eternal life with Jesus.

 

“Therefore. God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 8-11

 

Amongst the busyness of shopping, baking, presents, decorating, entertaining, and Christmas programs, may you focus on Jesus—”God with us.”

 

My prayer is that you will enjoy a blessed Christmas and an abundant New Year!

 

Linda Schauer
State Director

Gov. Noem Takes Action on Harms Done to Children

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Last week, this email was sent  asking South Dakotans to contact the President and CEO of Sanford Health and to urge him to cancel the Midwest Gender Identity Summit scheduled for January 13, 2023, at the Sanford Research Center. Sanford Health and The Transformation Project were billed as participants in this event.

 

The Summit was brought to the attention of Gov. Kristi Noem, who took immediate action by canceling the state’s contract with “The Transformation Project,” a non-profit whose mission is “supporting and empowering transgender youth.” Gov. Noem stated, “We should not be dividing our youth with radical ideologies. We should treat every single individual equally as a human being.”

 

We are grateful that Gov. Noem terminated the state’s contract. According to Ian Fury, Gov. Noem’s Chief of Communications, the contract was signed without the Governor’s knowledge or approval, and she is now reviewing all Department of Health contracts.

 

You may read the media articles in the Daily Signal and the Dakota News Now

 

ACTION:  Contact Gov. Noem at 605-773-3212 or her online contact form and thank her for terminating the state’s contract with “The Transformation Project.” Thank her for this first important step in protecting South Dakota children from the unethical medical intervention that destroys the health and well-being of children.

 

I want to thank all those who engaged in this issue. Your prayers and activism made a difference!

 

Linda Schauer
State Director

Speak Up to Protect Children from Harm

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“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

 

Sanford Health, the “largest rural health care system in the United States,” along with The Transformation Project, will be participating in the 3rd Annual Midwest Gender Identity Summit on January 13, 2023. The event will be held at the Sanford Research Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

 

The Transformation Project is a non-profit whose mission is “supporting and empowering transgender youth.” They promote the lie that “men and women can change their gender.” They conduct events “where participants, including children, ritually ‘burn’ their ‘old name or pronouns.’”

 

According to the Transformation Project website, several of the Summit’s session topics include:

  • Supporting Your Two-Spirit & Native LGBTQ+ Patients and Coworkers
  • Learning to Address Implicit Bias Towards LGBTQ+ & 2S Patients
  • General Affirming Care and The Attitude of Affirmation in Assessment

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota find these activities very disturbing, especially among a healthcare institution that takes an oath to “do no harm.” It is ironic that health care providers blatantly deny the science that tells us one cannot change their God-given sex. Children struggling with gender confusion should be protected from unethical medical interventions that ignore underlying causes and reject long-term health and well-being.

 

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. A 30-year study in Sweden showed a significant increase in heart disease and in the number of suicides, suicide attempts, and psychiatric hospitalizations in people a decade after they have undergone sex-reassignment surgery compared to a control group of people of the same age and sex.

 

To encourage attendance, “medical professionals” attending the event will be awarded professional education credits.

 

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Contact Bill Gassen, President and CEO of Sanford Health, at [email protected] or by calling the Sanford Medical Center at 605-333-1000, and strongly urge him to cancel the January 13 Midwest Gender Identity Summit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we pray for those struggling with gender dysphoria that they will believe the truth about Your design for them found in Scriptures and reject the lies of Satan.  Let them see truth in Your Word that says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them.” We ask for protection of the hearts and minds of all our children, and we pray for Christians to courageously and lovingly speak God’s truth about Your design for sexuality in a confused and needy world.   

 

Linda Schauer
State Director

“Drag Queen” Show Allowed at SDSU

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“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

Positive Comments Needed for Social Studies Standards

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“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

Encourage-A-Legislator Prayer Project – South Dakota

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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 [email protected] 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.  

CWA of South Dakota Fall 2022 Newsletter

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“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

Letter to the Editor: Respect for life

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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

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.”

 

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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.