Pierre, SD: One year ago today, Speaker of the House Jon Hansen and Speaker Pro Tempore
Karla Lems led South Dakotans in a decisive stand for the values that define our state. Together
with citizens across South Dakota, they fought back and won against extreme ballot initiatives
that represented some of the greatest threats to life, liberty, and private property in our state’s
history.
Speaker Hansen and Speaker Pro Tem Lems joined thousands of South Dakotans to defeat two
major measures:
● Amendment G – an extreme constitutional amendment that would have legalized
abortion up to the moment of birth in South Dakota.
● Referred Law 21 (RL21) – a measure that threatened private property rights by paving
the way for out-of-state carbon capture companies.
“These victories were about more than defeating bad policy; they were about protecting South
Dakota’s way of life,” Speaker Hansen said. “When we stand together, rooted in faith and guided
by common sense, we can overcome any attack on our values.”
While Speaker Hansen celebrates these victories, he is also emphasizing that the fight for
South Dakota’s future continues.
“Our work isn’t done,” Speaker Hansen said. “The same special interests that tried to rewrite our
constitution and take our land are still out there. Through this campaign for Governor, we’re
continuing the fight for life, liberty, and freedom, and to make sure South Dakota’s values always
come first.”
“This day serves as a powerful reminder that when we work hard and fight for what we believe
in, we win,” Speaker Hansen said.
