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South Dakota's housing shortage affects working families, seniors and rural communities alike. I support expanding the state's investment in affordable housing tax credits, streamlining permitting for workforce housing development, and incentivizing local zoning reforms that allow more housing types. The state should also strengthen renter protections and ensure housing assistance programs are adequately funded, because stable housing is the foundation everything else is built on.
Every child in South Dakota deserves a great education regardless of their zip code. I support equitable school funding formulas that don't leave rural and tribal schools behind, robust pre-K access, and competitive teacher pay that keeps talented educators in our classrooms. For higher ed, I believe we should be supporting affordable pathways - notably Southeastern Tech and USD-Sioux Falls, both of which are located within my district and who boast high job placement rates as well as graduates who tend to stay in the greater Sioux Falls area.
The initiative and referendum process in South Dakota is an important tool South Dakotans have to make their voices heard directly. I support protecting this process and oppose legislative efforts that make it harder for ordinary citizens to put measures on the ballot. The bar for amending the constitution deserves thoughtful scrutiny, but we should never make democracy a privilege only well-funded groups can access.
I am closely monitoring the implementation of SB 175, which imposes new voter registration requirements that risk disenfranchising eligible South Dakotans, particularly students, new residents, and those experiencing housing instability. Election integrity means every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have it counted. I advocate same-day registration, accessible polling locations, and clear public education campaigns so voters know their rights under new laws. Security and access are not opposites. States with the highest turnout rates also run secure elections. I want South Dakota to be a model for both.
Childcare is infrastructure. When working parents, especially moms, can't find or afford childcare, they leave the workplace, businesses lose employees, and our economy suffers. South Dakota has a serious childcare desert problem, particularly in rural areas. I support expanding childcare subsidies for working families, increasing reimbursement rates for providers so they can afford to stay open, and creating incentives for employers and communities alike to invest in childcare solutions that make sense for their employees and residents. Childcare isn't a "women's issue" - it's an economic issue, and South Dakota should treat it like one.
South Dakota is a beautiful, resilient state, but we are facing real challenges that demand honest leadership. Affordable housing and childcare shortages are squeezing working families. Rural healthcare and EMS systems are underfunded and overstretched. Our schools need more resources and better-paid teachers. And we have a legislature that too often looks to score political points rather than solve problems. I'm running because District 9 deserves a representative who shows up, listens, and fights for the things that actually affect people's daily lives.
The best way for citizens to afford housing, is for them to keep more of their earnings and to keep a healthy economy.
Public education models are different for each District in SD. Those needs should be addressed in each area and the model should follow these needs.
SD was the first state to adopt the initiative process, in 1898. This is the voice of the people and I wouldn't change the process unless it becomes so corrupted, the intent is forgotten.
Number one each voter should have clear correspondence of their precincts prior to elections. Number two voter ID to confirm their citizenship and state affiliation, for legality of the vote.
This is a hard question because I believe in the free market. However, it comes down to three things. 1. Trust 2. Time of operation.
3. Cost. Last but not least: We need to help with keeping quality workers for longer terms.
My top 5 would be:
1. Protecting our land and resources
2. Addressing addiction and metal health
While supporting preventive programs.
3. Reducing crime and bring down recidivism rates.
4. Look at the K-12 models and find ways to reduce spending. Ex: liability insurance costs.
5. Find new ways in K-12 to incorporate individualized learning pathways for each child. Not a one-size-fits-all formula.
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