Listening to South Dakotans. Taking Action.

Standing up for our progressive values, and working across the aisle to make sure our state government works for everyone continues to be my priority in Pierre. Here is a quick history of my legislative work:

• During the 2022 legislative session, I served as prime senate sponsor on 17 bills and resolutions. Two of which were passed and signed into law.

• During the 2021 legislative session, I served as prime senate sponsor on 14 bills and resolutions. Six of which passed and were signed into law.

• During the 2020 legislative session, I served as prime senate sponsor on 23 bills and resolutions. Nine of which passed and were signed into law.

• During the 2019 legislative session, I served as prime senate sponsor on 19 bills and resolutions. Six of which passed and were signed into law.

• During the 2018 legislative session, I served as prime senate sponsor of 19 bills and resolutions. Eight of which passed and were signed into law.

Here are a few pieces of successful legislation I’m proud to have served as prime senate sponsor of:

Restore TANF Benefits to Certain Felons Bill

This bill prohibits the denial of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families based solely on a controlled substance felony. This bill will help women released from prison better support their children. I serve on the Appropriations Committee, and as an appropriator, it’s clear to me that this small benefit helping these individuals now will decrease recidivism and greater costs to the state later.

Education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students Bill

This bill set up a deaf education council that sets development benchmarks and puts resources in the hands of parents so that their deaf and hard-of-hearing students start kindergarten with age appropriate language development skills. As an educator, it is incredibly important for me to make sure that quality education is accessible to every South Dakotan regardless of where they come from or their ability. This bill passed with over 90% support in the state house, and unanimously in the state senate.

Initiated Measure Citizens Bills

I sponsored these bills to make sure our rules and guidelines for citizens to start an initiated measure or petition were clear, concise, and transparent. While the supermajority in Pierre continues to make it harder for everyday South Dakotans to petition for an initiated measure, I’m dedicated to continue work with colleagues to make the processes for beginning and placing an initiated measure on the ballot fair, just, and open to all South Dakotans.

Women’s Veteran License Plate Bill

We added a speciality license plate available to women veterans in South Dakota who’ve served our country, and who want to share their pride of service on their vehicle. It was important to fellow legislators and me to show our women veterans that our state government recognized their service. This bill passed unanimously in the state senate, and with over 75% of support in the state house.

Motorcycle Buyer Protection Bill

I sponsored this bi-partisan legislation to protect motorcycle buyers during the purchase of a motorcycle in South Dakota. The bill closed a loophole sellers were using to sell almost-new-motorcycles as used and thereby preventing consumer’s access to the warranty protections they deserve.

You can see my full list of bills sponsored, co-sponsored, or passed here:

Have a question, idea, or request? Send me a message. Let’s Make a Difference.