S.D. Democrats respond to Noem’s State of State address, point out problems she has ignored as governor
South Dakota Democratic legislators responded to Gov. Kristi Noem’s State of the State address. State Sen. Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls said there is common ground.
“There is much that South Dakota Democrats and the governor agree on. We applaud her deepening commitment to taking care of new moms and children in the first 1,000 days of life,” said Nesiba, the Senate minority leader. “We too believe in the dignity of work, respect for all, and are committed to freedom. We also want to enhance South Dakota’s outdoor way of life while creating more opportunities for our ranchers, farmers, and business owners.
“However, the governor’s commitment to new life in South Dakota makes one wonder why she continues to oppose Pre-K education and to oppose state funding to address our child-care crisis,” he said. “She also opposed accepting federal dollars to reduce child hunger during the summer that would be consistent with her support for families.
“And on some points, we simply disagree. The governor brags that we pay the cost of background checks for concealed permit applicants. We use revenue generated in part from infant formula and baby food to pay for that. That’s simply wrong.”
State Rep. Oren Lesmeister of Parade, the House minority leader, asked about Noem’s priorities.
“The governor says freedom works here, and we’re spending all of this money on advertising,” Lesmeister said. “Why don’t we spend those same dollars to help bring our in-state Native American population into the workforce.”
State Rep. Kameron Nelson of Sioux Falls said Noem offered many generalities in her address.
“She continues to use ‘freedom’ as a dog-whistle to push conservative policies in our state and attract new freedom-loving Americans. Democrats love freedom too,” said Nelson, the House minority whip. “The governor overlooked the tragic loss of lives during the pandemic as she touted the freedom to work. There was no mention of federal stimulus dollars that have coursed through South Dakota over the last three years to bolster our economic recovery and the strong economy that she touts. South Dakota has seen a 3.2% increase in personal income growth, and yet our state median income has decreased. Not as strong as the governor makes it out to be.
“Once again, Gov. Noem insists on refusing federal funds to feed hungry children in South Dakota, update our cybersecurity and make South Dakota competitive across the nation,” he said. “Our Democratic caucus will prioritize an individual’s right to access health care and earn a living wage as well as support our Native communities, provide opportunities for the best education, and build a South Dakota for everyone.”
The South Dakota Democratic Party issued this release in response to Gov. Noem’s State of the State address as the 2024 legislative session opened.
