Affordable housing is critical to workforce and economic growth. If people can’t find a place to live, communities can’t grow.
The state should continue investing in tools that work, like the Housing Infrastructure Fund, which helps offset the high cost of infrastructure and makes projects possible.
We also need more creative ways to incentivize builders to develop entry-level and workforce housing. This could include targeted rebates or similar programs, paired with property tax mechanisms to help replace or sustain those incentives over time.
Finally, we must reduce regulatory barriers and delays so projects can move faster. If we create an environment where it makes sense to build, the private sector will respond.
Equitable, quality education starts with focusing on outcomes and opportunity for every student, no matter where they live. The state should prioritize strong K-12 funding that supports teachers, keeps class sizes manageable, and ensures rural schools remain viable.
We also need better alignment between education and workforce need, with focus on technical education, dual credit, and partnerships with local employers so students are prepared for careers here in South Dakota.
Early childhood education should remain a priority and receive additional attention
We must also trust our school administrators and reduce unnecessary regulations so common-sense, practical teaching methods can thrive, while maintaining accountability for results.
South Dakota’s initiative and referendum process is an important part of our state’s history and gives citizens a direct voice in government. It should be protected.
At the same time, we need to ensure the process is fair, transparent, and reflects South Dakotans, not outside influence. That means strong disclosure requirements so voters know who is funding measures and clear, honest ballot language.
I would also support reasonable safeguards that ensure initiatives are well-vetted and understood before reaching the ballot, without creating unnecessary barriers for citizens.
The goal should be balance: protect the people’s right to be heard while ensuring the process is transparent, accountable, and works as intended.
I’ll be watching to ensure these policies are implemented in a way that protects both access and integrity. That means clear standards, strong oversight, and safeguards so eligible voters are not unintentionally discouraged or removed from the rolls.
We should continue requiring voter ID and maintaining accurate voter lists, while also ensuring processes are simple, transparent, and fair. That includes making absentee voting accessible, providing clear guidance to voters, and supporting local election officials with the resources they need.
Ultimately, confidence in our elections comes from both security and accessibility, and we must deliver on both.
Access to affordable, quality childcare is essential for working families and a strong workforce. If parents can’t find reliable care, they can’t fully participate in the economy.
The state should strengthen programs that support providers and working families. We can look at states like Iowa, which expanded a program allowing childcare workers to receive childcare assistance, helping attract and retain workers.
We should also encourage public-private and employer-supported solutions, especially in rural areas.
The goal is simple: increase access, support providers, and make childcare affordable for families and sustainable for those delivering it.
Affordability is the most pressing challenge facing our state, whether it’s housing, childcare, or everyday cost of living. If people can’t afford to live here, we will struggle to grow.
Workforce and housing are closely tied to that challenge. Businesses can’t expand if they can’t find workers, and workers can’t come if housing isn’t available or attainable.
We also need to better align education with career opportunities to retain more of our young people, while staying competitive through smart infrastructure investment and a strong business climate.
If we stay focused on affordability and growth, we can build long-term momentum for South Dakota.
Signed into law on March 30, 2026, Senate Bill 245 creates the Homeowner Property Tax Reduction Fund to improve housing affordability. Fueled by an initial $55.9 million investment and sales tax revenue, it lowers school levies for owner-occupied homes. This provides an estimated annual saving of $400 to $450 for the average Aberdeen homeowner. I voted for SB 245 to directly reduce the cost of living for South Dakota families.
Signed by Governor Rhoden, HB 1262 provides $2,000,000 for a new Aberdeen school starting August 2026. This school integrates mental health support with learning. I was a key proponent, testifying in committee and on the House floor. As Vice Chair of House Appropriations, I helped pass it with a 14-2 vote in Appropriations and a 61-5 vote in the House.
Supported by HB 1017, this allows school boards to move disruptive students to therapeutic settings. This provides a better education for those students and a safer environment for classmates. This is achieved without raising costs as students are already funded. By creating manageable classrooms, these bills increase the probability that quality teachers return next year.
South Dakota’s initiative and referendum process is a powerful tool that ensures the voice of the people remains a primary force in our state's governance.
I would lower the signature requirement to make the process more accessible for in-state grassroots groups. Regarding out-of-state "big money," the goal is ensuring South Dakota laws are shaped by South Dakotans. While federal courts have limited outright bans on such funding, we can focus on transparency. Clear disclosures on who is funding ads and public donor lists help voters see the true source of a campaign. Both steps protect the integrity of our direct democracy.
Maintaining the integrity of our elections starts with ensuring only eligible citizens participate. I believe a photo ID must be required for both registering and casting a ballot. To protect the "one person, one vote" principle, I will monitor the consistent use of photo identification at the polls and verify proof of citizenship for new registrants. Furthermore, I will advocate for ID requirements on absentee requests and regular maintenance of voter rolls to keep our files accurat
I believe reducing regulations on in-home daycares increases affordable childcare. By cutting red tape and licensing hurdles, we empower small in-home daycares to operate without crushing regulation. Additionally, I support the Youth Development Center (YMCA) to provide quality options. This free enterprise approach lowers costs for families and supports small businesses across South Dakota.
As Vice Chair of House Appropriations, I believe we must spend each dollar wisely, balancing taxpayer needs with preparing our children for a changing world and caring for our seniors. Quality education and compassionate care for those unable to care for themselves—like residents in nursing homes and those supported by Aspire—is a top priority. Simultaneously, we must maintain a focus on free enterprise and fiscal responsibility, creating an entrepreneurial environment that provides opportunity for all South Dakotans.
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Encourage and strengthen technical education. We need more skilled tradesmen. The lack of skilled tradesmen drives up the cost of building, repairing, and remodeling homes. The low numbers of available homes drives up the price.
Put the parents in the driver's seat of their child's education, parental choice. Parents know what is best for their children and how best to educate their children. We need to ensure the parents have the resources they need to make the best decision possible in their child's education.
Initiative process in South Dakota does not call for enough input from the public. Bills end up on the ballot are not vetted well. And are not in the format that our state uses in drafting laws. There is no opportunity for public discussion and amendments to make the language better and to overcome pitfalls that the initial drafter may have not considered. The ability to change our constitution should not be easy. Changing the Federal Constitution takes 2/3 of the states I believe our state constitution should also take 2/3 of the majority to amend. I am fully in favor of referring laws that the legislators have passed to the general public.
Every fraudulent vote that is cast removes the voice from a legitimate voter. We must be diligent in ensuring that every vote cast is cast by a legitimate voter.
Free enterprise is the key to driving down the cost of child care small in home daycares are essential for affordable child care we need to make sure that we remove red tape and unnecessary regulations from in-home daycares we also need to support local groups like The YMCA in after school programs
High property taxes are driving fixed income elderly out of their homes. A lack of skilled technical workers is driving up the price of homes. This is especially truefor first time home buyers. Our children's proficiency in Reading and arithmetic it's unacceptable.
