Strengthening Families
By Governor Kristi Noem
Strong families have always been the backbone of South Dakota. The kitchen table is where we learn our values. The backyard is where we learn to respect each other. The bedroom is where we learn how to pray.
President Reagan once said this: “Our families nurture, preserve, and pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish, values that are the foundation for our freedoms.” Today, more than ever, it’s important we work to strengthen families, which is why I’m committed to being a family-first governor, fighting to strengthen the family unit and preserve the values South Dakotans have long embraced.
As governor, I have the opportunity to support and create legislation that can create real opportunities for folks throughout South Dakota. July 1 marks a milestone where most bills I signed become law, and I’m proud of the ways we’re using legislation to strengthen families.
One bill going into effect will empower each family’s decisions for education by leveling the playing field for homeschool students. Prior to this legislation, kids who were homeschooled would have to score a 28 on the ACT to qualify for the Opportunity Scholarship. The legislation I signed lowers that required score to a 24 – the same score required for public and private school students who apply for the same scholarship. This bill gives all kids an equal shot at the tools they need for higher education.
Another bill going into effect will streamline the licensing process for military members and their spouses. More than 20 percent of military spouses say that one of their biggest challenges is licensing regulations. The slow process can harm families financially while also slowing military transfers. This bill fast-tracks the licensing process; it lets their experience count so it’s easier to work. This is one way we can support our troops – and the families that stand behind them.
Furthermore, because I recognize that strong families are key to a stronger future, I’ve committed to using my microphone and my influence to educate people about the need for more foster families. I’m confident that South Dakota can be a leader to our nation in how we help kids who are the most vulnerable. Every child deserves love, every child deserves a family, and every child deserves a home.
Strengthening families is a key element to every decision I make as governor, and I’m committed to keeping it at the center. Because strong families create strong communities. And strong communities create a stronger South Dakota.
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“This bill fast-tracks the licensing process; it lets their experience count so it’s easier to work.”
Does anyone know what this is talking about?
“Does anyone know what this is talking about?”
I’m hardly an expert, but I’ll take a shot at explaining. Military spouses, transferred to South Dakota, often have trouble working in their profession. Their license, certification, registration, or permit may not match South Dakota requirements. Sometimes, getting a South Dakota version of an out-of-state license takes forever. House Bill 1111 fast-tracks these professional license applications. It was supported by the Ellsworth Development Authority, the American Institute of Architects of South Dakota, Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, and the South Dakota Design Professionals Coalition. IIRC, the bill passed our legislature without a dissenting vote. Governor Noem signed HB 1111 into law on March 21. This helps workers w/ a out-of-state valid license, certificate, registration, or permit required for the practice of any business, profession, or occupation. The law speeds approval for qualified applicants. Now, any SD licensing body must — within 30 days of receiving a completed application — issue a qualified applicant’s license, certificate, registration, or permit required for the practice of any business, profession, or occupation in South Dakota.
I think it’s a superb idea. We need to integrate these skilled professionals into our workforce. These folks deserve to work. Their families need the income. I’m no fan of paying folks who “prefer not to work” or however they’re described in the green new deal. But I’m a huge fan of cutting away red tape and allowing qualified workers to get started, pronto. Good job by Governor Noem & SD legislators (of both parties).
“More than 20 percent of military spouses say that one of their biggest challenges is licensing regulations.”
Thanks for clarifying, but are more than 20 percent of military spouses really in professions for which South Dakota requires licenses? Maybe we ought to remove some of those licensing requirements, both for people who are in the military and for permanent South Dakota residents who aren’t.
Great point! I agree with you, and I applaud a good step in that direction.