Kristi Noem in 2022 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Abortion:
As soon as Roe is overturned, ready to protect every unborn
Government's most fundamental role is to defend the lives and safety of the people. That includes the rights and the lives of unborn children. I look forward to the day when all unborn lives are protected. The Supreme Court has a historic opportunity to
make that a reality. As soon as Roe v. Wade is overturned, our state laws are ready to protect every unborn South Dakota child. But until then, we can take steps to protect South Dakota children, today.Every human life is unique in a truly beautiful
way from the moment that they are conceived. It isn't long before they have their own unique heartbeat, too. Science tells us that an unborn child's heartbeat starts 6 weeks after conception. And any abortion after that point stops that heartbeat--
stops that life--stops that gift from God. Today, I am asking all of you to protect the heartbeats of these unborn children. I am bringing legislation to ban all abortions once a heartbeat can be detected.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Civil Rights:
In South Dakota, only girls can play in girls' sports
Boys' and girls' bodies are biologically different. In South Dakota, only girls can play in girls' sports according to the executive orders I signed almost a year ago. But I am introducing -- and hope you will support -- a bill that will be the
strongest law in the nation. Congress passed Title IX years ago to guarantee that girls have a level playing field on which they can succeed--to ensure their liberty to achieve. [OTI note: the intent is to bar transgender girls from participating.]
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Crime:
We recruited law enforcement officers to move to our state
When the riots and violence started across the country months and months ago, we launched a nationwide campaign to recruit law enforcement officers to move to our state. Hundreds of law enforcement officers responded to our invitation.
And we are so proud to be known as a state that stands and defends the people who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Drugs:
Make medical cannabis program safest, most responsible
I take our citizens' health seriously. I don't make these decisions lightly. Our state's medical cannabis program is one example. It was launched on schedule according to the timeline passed by South Dakota voters. I know there will be some debate
about that program this session. My focus is on making sure South Dakota has the safest, most responsible, and well-run medical cannabis program in the country.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Education:
Re-instill right to pray in school, absent far too long
We began here today with a prayer asking for God's grace and guidance. Yet in our public schools, prayer is absent--forbidden. I am introducing legislation that would allow for a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day.
Students can choose to reflect on the upcoming day or have a quiet moment--they can also exercise their First Amendment right to pray. We will protect the freedom to worship and re-instill a right that has been absent for far too long in our schools.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Education:
Teach true, honest history not radical Critical Race Theory
We have to make sure our children know America's promise. We have to teach them the true, honest history of our country. In state after state children are being exposed to radical political ideologies like Critical Race Theory. Our state supports
opportunity for all. We don't teach our children to be divisive and organize them into separate groups based on skin color. I am bringing legislation this year to enshrine these values and protect our students from hatred and division.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Government Reform:
Eliminate fees for starting or renewing a business
Let's eliminate fees associated with starting or renewing a business with the Secretary of State in South Dakota. In 2020, the theme of my State of the State was "Open for Business," and we are continuing that commitment today.
We are already among the most business-friendly states in America, and with this step, we will make it even easier to do business here.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Gun Control:
Won't cost you a penny to exercise 2d amendment rights
Let's also eliminate all fees for concealed carry permits in the state. We will pay the costs for federal background checks, as well. It will not cost you a penny to exercise your Second Amendment rights in South Dakota. Three years ago,
Constitutional Carry was the very first bill that I signed as Governor. We guaranteed the right of our people to keep and bear arms. Together, we will continue to defend this key constitutional liberty.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Health Care:
Unvaccinated Americans are still Americans
The COVID vaccination should be a choice. And we should reject the efforts that we're seeing in other parts of the country to divide us into two classes: vaccinated and unvaccinated. Unvaccinated Americans are still Americans. We live in a free
country--free to make our own decisions. The government does not get to make them for us. I am bringing legislation to protect the right to a medical or religious exemption from COVID vaccines. We will also recognize natural immunity.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 11, 2022
Page last updated: Apr 04, 2022