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CWA of South Dakota Archives – Concerned Women for America

Feb 18 2023
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Legislative Update & Action Item: Stop Funding Drag Shows

By | South Dakota | No Comments

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

Feb 12 2023
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Legislative Update and Time Sensitive Action Item: Urge Gov. Noem to Protect South Dakota Children

By | South Dakota | No Comments

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

Feb 04 2023
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Legislative Update and Urgent Action Needed

By | South Dakota | No Comments

Good news to report: Help Not Harm bill passes in the House! We are grateful that HB1080, to “prohibit certain medical and surgical interventions on minor children,” passed in the House with a vote of 60-10.

 
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. 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.

 
HB1080 will now go to the Senate, where it may be tougher to pass.


 
Take action TODAY and email or call your state senator through our Action Center HERE and urge them to Vote YES on HB1080. 

 
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.

 

Restrictive Homeschool Bill Defeated!

 

We are pleased to report that SB57, sponsored by Sen. Maher (R-District 28), was defeated in the Senate Education Committee.

 

SB57 would have taken away some of the freedom of choice that was granted to homeschoolers in SB177 (2021). SB57 would have restricted homeschool students from participating in activities in their home district instead of open enrolling in another district of their choice and convenience.

 

We felt SB57 was discriminatory since public school students were not held to that limitation. Furthermore, distances to schools and residency complicated the limitation.

 

Senate Education Committee opposed the bill, voting 5-2. We wanted a Yes vote to send it to the 41st legislative day, which kills the bill.

 

Video Lottery Expansion Narrowly Defeated!

 

SB117, sponsored by Sen. Maher (R-District 28), would have increased the dollar limits for video lottery. Concerned Women for America of South Dakota has always opposed the expansion of gambling and testified relating the harms gambling is to families. It is a poor way to fund the government—on the backs of the poor and vulnerable. SB117 failed in the Senate with a vote of 17-18. 

 

We praise God for these victories this week. God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.

 

“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

 

In Christ,

Linda Schauer

State Director

Jan 25 2023
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Action Alert: Protect U.S. Constitution

By | South Dakota | No Comments

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

Jan 22 2023
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Action Alert: Don’t Harm Our Children

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

 

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

Jan 20 2023
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Don’t Discriminate Against Homeschoolers

By | South Dakota | No Comments

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
Jan 17 2023
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Action Alert: Protect moms and babies in South Dakota

By | South Dakota | No Comments

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

Dec 21 2022
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Merry Christmas from CWA of South Dakota!

By | South Dakota | No Comments

“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

Dec 21 2022
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Gov. Noem Takes Action on Harms Done to Children

By | South Dakota | No Comments

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

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

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 27 2022
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Legislative Update from Pierre – February 27

By | South Dakota | No Comments

“The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws.”  -Noah Webster

Prohibit Medical Abortion via Telemedicine
HB1318 would prohibit medical (RU-486) abortion by telemedicine. With COVID came telemedicine and chemical abortion prescribed over the phone. Self-administered chemical abortions lack medical oversight and care. This dangerous practice not only kills a human life but also puts the life and health of the mother at risk. 

To end her pregnancy, the mother 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. She 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 passed in the House with a vote of 62-8. The bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Monday, February 28. 

Please contact your state senator and ask him/her to support HB1318. If you do not know who your senator is, 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.”  This makes it a Class B felony to threaten an expectant mother to coerce her to have an abortion. HB1113 passed unanimously in the House.

HB1113 was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee but was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee with a “do pass” recommendation for their consideration Tuesday, March 1.

Sports Wagering – Defeated!
SJR502   Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.”

In 2020, the voters approved the legalization of sports wagering in Deadwood. SJR602 would have asked the voters to expand this form of gambling to the entire state.

SJR502 passed in the Senate on February 7 with a vote of 18-17. We are pleased that SJR502 was defeated in the House State Affairs Committee on February 25.

This defeat means that the issue will not automatically appear on the November ballot. But rather, the gambling stakeholders will now have to begin the arduous process of collecting signatures on petitions if they want it on the ballot.

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