Linda Duba is running in District 15 for South Dakota House Representatives.
Why are you running for office?
I believe public service is important and the best way to get involved in helping people.
Women’s Reproductive Health
What is your opinion on the overturn of Roe v. Wade?
Roe v Wade allowed women to help choose if and when they would have children. It supported women who were raped or victims of incest. It allowed the medical community to help women who couldn’t carry a viable fetus to full term. Overturning it is attack on women’s reproductive health.
What will you do to ensure access to critical healthcare to save the lives of
women, despite recent restrictions on reproductive services?
I am working with other legislators, mostly women, to bring legislation that allows for rape/incest exceptions and fully defines when procedures can be done to save a woman’s life and/or ends a not viable pregnancy.
In 2006 and 2010 the people voted to keep access to abortion safe and legal for all who need it in South Dakota, yet the elected officials in Pierre have allowed a
trigger law banning abortions. What is your plan to honor the voters?
I will support a 2024 ballot initiative to bring back abortion rights.
Social Justice
What will you do to combat the violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls?
Since I serve on the appropriations committee, I will ensure the position is fully staffed, it is continuously funded, and ensure we receive an annual report on how we are tracking and solving these cases.
What will you do to combat the history of racism and oppression against the Indigenous people of South Dakota?
I will continue to work with my native brothers and sisters by listening to their concerns and working on solving the problems they experience in their daily lives. Poverty, suicide ideation, drug abuse, etc
What would you do to make sure LGBTQ+ and BIPoC feel safe in South Dakota?
Speak out against any and all hate legislation and vote to defeat it. Model what respect looks like.
Environment and Climate Change
Currently, access to exploratory drilling has been granted to mining groups above Pactola Reservoir. What is your plan to protect our natural resources in South
Dakota, such as fresh water, clean air, and the environment?
I not as well versed on the mining issue but it seems we shouldn’t be mining where one of our most beautiful fresh lakes is. We also have a major invasion of zebra mussels which is ruining our fresh water lakes and streams. I’m working with lake Associations to fund cleaning stations, signage to drain boats, and holding GF&P to dedicating resources to this major issue.
Some South Dakota’s top industries are agriculture, forestry, mining and power, manufacturing and transportation. What steps will you take to ensure these
industries operate responsibly when it comes to environmental protections and preserving South Dakota’s pristine beauty and its natural resources?
I will consult with the experts on where we have issues with violations and ensure that players involved are complying with environmental law.
Where will protecting the environment and addressing climate change fall on your list of priorities once you take office?
Yes
Mental Health
Our generation has lost far too many of our peers tragically to drugs, suicide or violence. How can we make young South Dakotans feel safe and like they have a future in our state?
We can start at the earliest levels by identifying trauma in our youngest and fully funding mental health supports. Prevention through social and emotional learning in our schools and early intervention services are the key.
How can we break the cycle of incarceration and poverty for those exposed to violence, drug/alcohol abuse, trauma at a young age?
First, we must educate all those who work with youth about ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and how to use positive resilience reinforcement with our kids. When we see a child who displays trauma, then we can get them the help they and their family need to overcome these circumstances.
In 2020 suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in SD among ages 10 to 19. In 2019 South Dakota had the 8th highest suicide rate in the nation and our indigenous population is committing suicide at a rate that is 2.5 times higher than Caucasians. Simply put, many of our generation and specifically your indigenous neighbors are finding end-of-life more desirable than living. What can be done to combat these statistics?
I am working with Lost and Found, a non-profit organization to fully fund their prevention, ideation, and peer supports roadmap. They will raise $4M privately and I am sponsoring a one time appropriations bill to match this need. We are building a coalition of legislators and citizens and have the bill drafted. I have been meeting with these groups to bring this to session.
Marijuana Legalization
Do you think that marijuana should be decriminalized?
Yes
Two years ago, The people of South Dakota voted to legalize both medicinal and recreational marijuana. What will you do to honor the voters’ wishes?
Get out the way and implement the plan me and my fellow marijuana task force members designed to support recreational marijuana.
What should happen to individuals who are currently incarcerated or on probation for marijuana related offenses if/when marijuana is decriminalized?
They should have their records expunged and be released.
Gun Control
Do you support gun control legislation?
Yes
What can be done to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous and mentally unstable people while protecting the rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens?
I have submitted draft legislation to bring a red flag law to South Dakota. I am working with the medical association, the trial lawyers, teachers, mental health professionals, the sheriffs association, and soon the Vets to bring this bill to the 2023 legislature
Healthcare
Currently our state has many residents who lack access to necessary healthcare services either because they cannot afford insurance, are underinsured or face social or cultural barriers. What steps can be made to correct this imbalance?
Pass Medicaid expansion and support the rollout.
Many South Dakotans are one health emergency away from financial ruin. What can be done to prevent citizens from severe poverty simply for seeking necessary healthcare?
See my answer above. Ensure all South Dakotans are covered through Medicaid expansion.
To Conclude
How can the voices of our generation be heard and honored in South Dakota?
Continue to reach out to public officials. Hold us accountable. Vote for those who beat represent your ideas.
How can we (the young people in South Dakota) help you to achieve these goals?
Talk with with me about your needs and help me bring your voice to Pierre. Help me craft legislation that makes peoples lives better.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you as a candidate that we neglected to ask? What do you want to make sure our generation knows about you before they cast their vote?
I serve because you trust me with your needs and desires. It is a privilege to be given your trust.