South Dakota Democratic legislative leader Erin Healy vows to focus on and fight for issues that matter

The finish line is in sight for the 100th legislative session. This has been a long and, at times, challenging few months, but our work is not done yet. The final stretch is always a whirlwind, and right now, much of our focus is on finalizing the state budget.

Our caucus remains committed to funding education — ensuring that South Dakota’s students, teachers, and schools get the support they need. Investing in education is investing in the future of our state, and we will continue to fight for responsible and meaningful funding that benefits everyone.

One of the most concerning issues we saw last week is the push to allow guns on college campuses. This is a dangerous policy that puts students, faculty, and staff at risk. South Dakota’s universities should be places of learning and growth, not environments where the presence of firearms creates fear and uncertainty.

The data is clear — introducing more guns into these spaces does not make people safer; it increases the likelihood of violence, accidents, and tragic outcomes. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, this kind of legislation could have long-term consequences for our universities, including declining enrollment as students and parents look to other states where safety is prioritized.

Once again, we’ve seen a flurry of so-called “election integrity” bills from Republicans as they continue to find new and creative ways to propose unnecessary legislation. The truth is, South Dakota already has strong election laws in place.

There is no evidence of widespread issues that require the constant tinkering we see year after year. But that hasn’t stopped some legislators from patting themselves on the back for “cleaning up elections” that weren’t messy to begin with. At this rate, I look forward to next year when, after all their hard work fixing imaginary problems, they’ll finally decide our election statutes don’t need any more “improvements.”

As we wrap up this session, our focus remains on the real needs of South Dakotans — investing in our schools, protecting individual freedoms, and strengthening our communities. While some continue to push divisive policies and unnecessary legislation, we will stay committed to addressing the real challenges our state faces.

The work doesn’t stop when the session ends, and we will continue fighting for policies that make life better for all South Dakotans.

Rep. Erin Healy, who represents District 10 in Sioux Falls, is the state House of Representatives minority leader.