Joint Democratic Caucus: A Vision for South Dakota Families

For Immediate Release

1/14/2026

Pierre, SD - Below is the statement from the Joint Democratic Caucus following Gov. Larry Rhoden's State of the State Address.

"As the Joint Democratic Caucus of South Dakota, we agree with Governor Rhoden that our state is facing a consequential moment. In a year marked by tight revenues, economic uncertainty, and deep polarization, his call for civility is welcome. South Dakotans expect their leaders to debate vigorously without demeaning one another, and we appreciate the Governor’s emphasis on respectful dialogue as the Legislature begins its work.

We also share the belief that South Dakota should remain open for opportunity, strong, safe, and free, not merely as a slogan, but as a lived reality for families in every corner of our state. For Democrats, opportunity must be measured by whether people can afford to live here, raise families here, and plan for a secure future.

We were encouraged by the Governor’s recommitment to economic development. Sustaining growth, attracting businesses, and supporting local employers are essential to investing in our communities. We appreciate his focus on the next generation of farmers, recognition of South Dakota’s growing biotechnology sector, and investments in cybersecurity. Democrats stand ready to work with the administration to ensure these efforts benefit rural communities, tribal nations, and working families, and that economic growth results in more money staying in the pockets of South Dakotans.

At the same time, Democrats believe economic opportunity must be evaluated through the lens of affordability. We were concerned by the absence of a direct acknowledgment of rising costs facing families, including child care, housing, and groceries. While numerous property tax proposals are under consideration, there are too few that offer meaningful, broad-based relief for working families, whether they own property or not. A state that is truly open for opportunity must also be a place where families can afford to live, work, and raise children.

We welcome the Governor’s recognition of new investments in rural health care made possible through federal grants. Rural hospitals, clinics, EMS services, and mental health providers are the backbone of care across much of South Dakota. Investments that modernize equipment, expand telehealth, and strengthen infrastructure are both necessary and appreciated.

However, these investments must be understood within the broader health care context. While rural grants can improve facilities and technology, they do not address the fundamental challenges of affordability and access when nearly $980 million has been removed from Medicaid. Modern facilities cannot serve families who cannot afford care, and providers cannot remain viable without the funding that keeps their doors open.

We are deeply troubled by the Governor’s comments on abortion medication and the fear-mongering they promote. Mifepristone and misoprostol, both FDA-approved medications, are extremely safe and have been used by millions of patients worldwide for decades. These medications are supported by overwhelming medical evidence and are routinely prescribed not only for abortion care, but for miscarriage management and other essential reproductive health needs. Spreading misinformation about their safety ignores science, undermines medical professionals, and misleads the public. Elected officials have a responsibility to rely on facts and medical expertise, not rhetoric that injects fear into deeply personal health care decisions and interferes with the patient-provider relationship.

We join the Governor in honoring the professionalism and service of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. But Democrats are outraged by ICE, whose actions in our region are illegal, reckless, and a direct threat to families. We also strongly oppose any expansion of Operation Prairie Thunder that supports or coordinates with ICE’s enforcement activities, because it pulls state resources into federal immigration actions that sow fear rather than safety. By disregarding the law and using intimidation to enforce federal policy, ICE spreads fear, destabilizes communities, and puts lives at risk. Tragic events in neighboring states involving federal immigration enforcement operations have underscored the deadly consequences of this approach, fueling protests and calls for accountability. What happens across our borders does not stay there. South Dakota families deserve leaders who protect communities, uphold the law, and defend human dignity, not federal agents and allied operations that sow fear and chaos.

We continue to express serious concern about the long-term value being placed on public education. Public schools are foundational to opportunity, workforce development, and civic life. Years of underinvestment and the diversion of public funds away from public schools threaten that foundation, and we will be watching closely to ensure public education is protected and strengthened.

Our caucus will continue to engage in these conversations guided by Democratic values: fairness, dignity, transparency, and responsibility to one another. We believe government should work for people, not special interests, that opportunity must be affordable and accessible, and that public policy should be rooted in facts, compassion, and accountability. Democrats will continue pushing for policies that lower costs, protect fundamental freedoms, strengthen public institutions, and build secure futures for South Dakotans in every community."

- Joint Democratic Caucus of South Dakota

Minority Leader Sen. Liz Larson

Minority Leader Rep. Erin Healy

For questions, please contact Dan Ahlers, Executive Director of the SD Democratic Party at dan@sddp.org or 605-940-3071.

Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party | www.sddp.org