Kadyn Wittman is running in District 15 for South Dakota Senate.
Why are you running for office?
I’ve spent the past decade working to support and empower marginalized populations in Sioux Falls and across South Dakota. I believe that as a state legislator, I will have the opportunity to bring life-changing legislation that will make a tangible impact on my city and state.
Women’s Reproductive Health
What is your opinion on the overturn of Roe v. Wade?
I am horrified by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
What will you do to ensure access to critical healthcare to save the lives of
women, despite recent restrictions on reproductive services?
If chosen to serve in the state legislature, I will be a vocal advocate for reproductive access and justice for all South Dakotans, as well as oppose any legislation that would further restrict abortion access in our state.
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?
To echo my earlier remarks, I will always be an advocate for reproductive justice in our state and oppose legislation (like the trigger law) that harm our citizens and restrict their choices.
Social Justice
What will you do to combat the violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls?
I will work alongside community partners to examine the factors that contribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and the response from social service organizations, understand the roles federal, state and tribal jurisdictions play, and improve and implement robust data collection and reporting methods. With this information we can work to fight the abduction, homicide, violence and trafficking of Indigenous women in South Dakota.
What will you do to combat the history of racism and oppression against the Indigenous people of South Dakota?
I will strongly advocate for school curriculums that teach our history accurately and encourage our students to think critically about the future of our state and how they can combat racism and oppression of Indigenous people.
What would you do to make sure LGBTQ+ and BIPoC feel safe in South Dakota?
I have been an ally of both LGBTQ+ and BiPOC community’s in South Dakota for a decade, and serve on several boards that offer public education opportunities for all community members to expand their knowledge and understanding of these diverse communities.
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 believe a major part of my role in the state legislature includes ensuring that we have the right policies to protect the natural resources we enjoy across South Dakota—our lakes, rivers, prairies, our wildlife habitats, and abundant farmland. It is the responsibility of the state legislature to promote responsible conservation and smart policies that allow our outdoor recreation, fishing, and hunting industries to thrive. Because of this, I am dedicated to advocating for legislation that addresses the current climate crisis, preserve farmlands, reduce flooding dangers, and keep the air and water clean.
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 hope to bring legislation that will incentivize our South Dakota farmers to produce ethanol made from SD-based biomass. Hopefully, this will spur innovation to support the development of biofuels that will provide our state with an alternative motor fuel, protect our soil and water quality, and provide new wildlife habitats.
Where will protecting the environment and addressing climate change fall on your list of priorities once you take office?
It is certainly in my top five issues I hope to tackle if chosen to lead.
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?
I will partner with local organizations (like Lost&Found), schools, an other institutions to deliver innovative and actionable programs to young South Dakotans. In addition, I will advocate for evidence-based education and tools that prevent suicide and raise awareness of our state’s mental health needs.
How can we break the cycle of incarceration and poverty for those exposed to violence, drug/alcohol abuse, trauma at a young age?
We need to eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing for first time, low-level, non-violent drug offenses. Through legislation, we can also enhance community resource involvement in substance abuse prevention by building interagency coalitions and training community members and agencies in substance abuse education and prevention.
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?
In partnership with culturally appropriate agencies, I will work to expand the reach of suicide prevention organizations across South Dakota, as well as work to develop a program for suicide prevention run by Native advocates to support tribal communities across the South Dakota.
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?
I will advocate to uphold the will of the people.
What should happen to individuals who are currently incarcerated or on probation for marijuana related offenses if/when marijuana is decriminalized?
They should be released back into our communities and given tools and resources to acclimate to life outside the prison walls.
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?
We can bring forward a bill that would require a 72 hour wait period and psychological screening prior to purchasing a firearm
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?
We can expand Medicaid!
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?
Provide more resources (especially in rural parts of our state) to provide more preventative care and ultimately lead to less health emergencies for our citizens.
To Conclude
How can the voices of our generation be heard and honored in South Dakota?
Through youth engagement in politics and advocacy.
How can we (the young people in South Dakota) help you to achieve these goals?
You can volunteer your time with an organization you care about!
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 believe that everyone should be respected, accepted and celebrated regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. As long as you do not infringe on the right of others, you should be free to live life as you choose.