Healthcare is something that we all will need in our lives at one point or another. We all know that healthcare and health insurance are complicated and expensive. As somebody who has spent much of their free time trying to understand the nonsensical billing and how to possibly pay for my portion of the bills. State government regulates the insurance industry, and that includes health insurance. As a legislator, I believe the state has an obligation to make sure that state regulations help citizens and not corporations. This includes ensuring that resources for those who qualify for healthcare assistance can receive the coverage they need. South Dakotans with medical debt double the national rate. The state has an obligation to ensure that all healthcare is affordable, accessible, and private.

Like the vast majority of Americans, I received a public education. I was in the first era of students to be part of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ programs. There is no reason why South Dakota should not have the finest schools in the nation. We live in a state where we have a strong sense of community, and public education is a cornerstone of that community. However, the politically motivated underfunding of our public school system is a vicious attack on a system that has been purposely underfunded over the last decade.

Our public schools have suffered from years of political neglect and underfunding. Education should be viewed as an investment in our future, not an expense. When we support teachers, strengthen curriculum, and improve facilities, every child benefits.

It’s time to take politics out of the classroom and focus on what matters most: giving our kids the education they deserve.

Housing is a human right. Our state government has a duty to ensure an unhindered path for South Dakotans to obtain safe housing. Hard-working South Dakotans are spending more of their hard-earned money on housing than ever before. The state must work with the private and public sectors to expand the inventory of housing and ensure that every South Dakotan has a safe, dry, and warm place to lay their head at night. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American dream. The state should expand resources and opportunities for those seeking homeownership. We have successful programs in place now. This can be expanded to reach more South Dakotans.

Strong communities are built on the backs of a strong workforce. It’s time our policies reflect the values of South Dakota’s workers. The working class is the heartbeat of our economy and community. But those who run our state from Pierre seem to have forgotten that the workers, not the corporations, keep South Dakota moving. Work should be a ticket to a stable, meaningful, dignified life. This means ensuring workers have fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. Corporations that ask for special tax exemptions should reinvest in the community by ensuring that even their lowest-paid workers are making a living wage, not just the minimum to get by. We are at a crossroads in our state with the relationship between workers and the billionaire class. When we choose to invest in our workforce and stand beside our working class, we create an economy for all. An economy where workers matter more than shareholder value. Siding with labor means siding with our neighbors, family, and community. Creating a culture where grit and hard work define our character.

In South Dakota, the people rule. Preserving democracy will require a steadfast commitment to transparency, accessibility, and the protection of the citizen-led initiative process. In South Dakota, local representation is the backbone of governance, maintaining the integrity of the ballot and ensuring that the voices of residents are heard. I will always resist measures that would limit the public’s ability to participate in the legislative process.  Recently, there have been efforts to undermine the will of the voters. I support reforms that increase transparency regarding out-of-state “dark money” and mandate plain-language ballot summaries, but I will firmly oppose any measures that make it harder for South Dakotans to exercise their direct democratic rights. Our focus should be on protecting the integrity of the vote, including implementing safeguards that prevent the legislature from immediately repealing or diluting measures passed by a majority of the people.

Safeguarding public lands isn’t just a policy position for me, it’s a mission. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have access to and explore millions of acres of national forests and parks. These experiences directly formed my love for the outdoors and my respect for nature. I believe that we have a moral duty to preserve and protect our public lands. It’s our responsibility to protect these sacred places. I am committed to ensuring the national heritage embodied by these lands. That way, future generations can find the same inspiration and wonder that I did. This commitment to conservation goes beyond the beautiful views our public lands offer. I stand firmly in opposition to the sale of public lands to private entities. I will also fight to ensure that out-of-state billionaires cannot restrict access to public lands. It’s also about protecting the vital resources we all rely on to survive. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, safeguarding our environment is a collective action that impacts all of our lives.