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State Representative District 33 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Description: The South Dakota State Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of South Dakota. It is a bicameral legislative body, consisting of the Senate which has 35 members, and the House of Representatives, which has 70 members. The two houses are similar in most respects; the Senate alone holds the right to confirm gubernatorial appointments to certain offices. The Legislature meets at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. It begins its annual session of the second Tuesday of January each year. The legislative session lasts 40 working days in odd-numbered years, and 35 days working days in even numbered years.Term: 4 consecutive 2 year termsSalary: $16,348/year + $178/day for legislators who reside more than 50 miles away from the capitolRequirements for Office: 21 years old; 2 years residency; qualified voter; may not have been convicted of bribery, perjury or other infamous crime; may not have illegally taken "public moneys".Petition Requirements: Depends on party and legislative district. See SD Secretary of State's website for details.

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    Sandra Comer
    (Rep)

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    Kari Hall
    (Dem)

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    Phil Jensen
    (Rep)

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    Jeff Marlette
    (Rep)

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    Curt Massie
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What should state government do to support access to affordable housing?

What should state government do to support equitable, quality public education (pre-K through higher ed) for all?

How do you view the initiative and referendum process in South Dakota? Are there any changes to this system that you would support?

Considering recently passed laws, what will you be watching for to ensure all eligible voters have equal access to the ballot box while maintaining the security and integrity of our elections?

What, if anything, should our state government do to support access to affordable, quality childcare?

What do you see as the most important challenges facing our state?

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State government should focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing by investing in workforce housing, supporting local infrastructure, and reducing barriers that slow responsible development.

We also need to expand access to homeownership and rental assistance programs, while ensuring housing is accessible for working families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

This work must include rural and Tribal communities, where housing challenges are especially significant. Affordable housing is key to strong communities and a stable workforce.
State government should ensure every student has access to a high-quality public education by investing in the people and systems that make it work. That starts with supporting and retaining teachers, ensuring stable and adequate funding, and addressing gaps in rural and Tribal communities where access to resources can vary.

We also need to expand access to early childhood, career and technical education, and affordable higher education.

For too long, South Dakota teachers have been asked to do more with less—and I’ve seen firsthand how that impacts classrooms. It’s time for our policies to catch up with what we ask of our schools.
South Dakota’s initiative and referendum process is an important part of our state’s history and gives voters a direct voice in our democracy. It serves as a critical check and balance and allows citizens to bring forward issues when they feel their elected leaders are not addressing them. I believe we should protect this process and ensure it remains accessible, transparent, and fair. While there may be opportunities to improve clarity or efficiency, I would be cautious about changes that make it harder for citizens to participate. Any reforms should focus on increasing transparency and voter understanding—not limiting access to the ballot.
I will be watching closely to ensure that efforts to protect election integrity do not create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. Both access and security are essential, and one should not come at the expense of the other. I am particularly concerned about policies that require additional documentation, which can disproportionately impact voters who have changed their names, lack easy access to records, or face logistical barriers to obtaining them. Recent changes in South Dakota law requiring documentary proof of citizenship for certain voter registrations raise important questions about access, especially for voters in rural and Tribal communities who may face additional challenges obtaining required documents. While some forms of i
State government should support access to affordable, quality childcare by addressing both cost and availability. Right now, too many families are trying to make it work without enough options. That means investing in the childcare workforce, expanding access for working families, and supporting community-driven solutions that reflect the needs of South Dakota’s diverse communities, including Tribal areas where childcare shortages can be especially acute.
One of the biggest challenges facing South Dakota is that too many families are being asked to do more with less. The rising costs of housing, groceries and fuel, childcare, and healthcare are outpacing what people can reasonably afford. This is directly tied to workforce challenges and the long-term strength of our communities. If people can’t afford to stay, work, and raise families here, we all feel the impact. We also need to invest in public education and strengthen access to essential services, while addressing gaps across rural and Tribal communities. At the end of the day, these are connected issues.
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