Bekki for District 17 House of Representatives

03/07/2023

My generation was taught that all drugs are bad and that there is no use for them in the medical community. Science is proving that many drugs that were classified as illegal are beneficial for treating a multitude of health issues.

It's time that we end the war on drugs. People should be treated for addiction in a medical facility rather than being incarcerated.

02/07/2023

The fact so many senators support this clearly.not knowing the facts is another reason to be frustrated with how our elected officials waste time finding solutions to non existent problems instead of enacting policy to actually affect and help real issues in SD.

I'm sad to report Chris Kassin voted yes on this bill. As did Bill Shorma. It is unfortunate our elected representatives would be so swayed by fear based tactics and yet not believe what every medical association supports, and vote against the professionals and facts.

Borrowing from Mike Phelan because he is a logical, fact based human who cares about all humans amongst many other qualities.

South Dakota friends, HB1080 is the biggest anti-transgender rights bill this year. There are others that are bad, but this one is awful. It is being heard WEDNESDAY MORNING (2/8) in committee. This schedule was just published. Vermillion/District 17's senator Sydney Davis is the Vice-Chair of that committee. Her email address is Sydney.Davis (at ) sdlegislature (dot) gov and she needs to hear from you tonight.

If you need some details:
1) The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and every other major medical association opposes these bills.

2) The kinds of major "bottom" surgeries it bans aren't done on kids. Period. Those are there as scare tactics.

3) The bill also bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments that are exactly what trans kids need and are the evidence-based standard of care for trans kids.

4) HB 1080 is not even about banning these procedures and medicines - it's just about stopping trans kids from accessing them. The bill allows everyone else access to these medicines and procedures, specifically banning them only if they're done to help transgender people.

Again, Sydney Davis needs to hear from people who support trans kids, and she needs to hear it TONIGHT. We are planning a letter-writing event at The Bean Wednesday evening, but with the just-announced timeline, the committee needs to hear from us sooner. Thanks.

Join us for a gathering to write a letter to legislators making decisions about trans healthcare for youth in SD (HB1080).
[Image Description: A yellow and white background with the Transformation Project Advocacy Network logo in the top right corner. In the center is a pink post it note with a paperclip at the top and text "Letter writing party! Wednesday, February 8, 7pm. The Bean, 6 W Main St. Vermillion.]

11/09/2022

Giant thank you to every volunteer and supporter. We had all the odds stacked against us and we ran a great campaign. More people know about local politics after this election. We didn't have the resources and party lines hurt everyone, but alas, we keep going. 470 votes.

11/08/2022

We’re counting down the hours until the polls close. There’s still time to make it! Your polling place is open until 7 p.m. tonight! Don’t let your democracy be up for chance, go vote.

11/08/2022

Have you voted yet? There’s only 6 hours left until the polls close. Need help voting? Reach out and we’ll help out. Let’s rock this vote!

11/08/2022

Good morning and happy Election Day! Today, all our hard work will be up to the test. We’re here to help you with any voting barriers you may face. Reach out if you need assistance reaching your polling place or if you need help finding it. Let’s get out the vote!

11/08/2022

Happy Election Day! From 7 a.m until 7 p.m., your polling place is open for you to vote. Today is the day we’ve all been working towards. Treat yourself to the polls to vote, invite a friend along, and text your neighbors to see if they’ve voted today. Your representation is in your hands.

11/07/2022

Our campaign has knocked over 5k doors, met so many people at local meet and greets, discussed priorities at local candidate forums, and heard challenges that plague our district. Tomorrow, vote for someone who listens to your concerns. Solutions are in your vote!

11/07/2022

Just one day until Election Day! You can still vote at your local Auditor’s office today, or tomorrow at the polls until 7 p.m. Let your voice be heard, cast your vote.

11/06/2022

Another great day of getting out the vote! Former District 17 Representative Ray Ring and Gray-Lobe for Clay County Commission 2022 joined a fun group (not all pictured) to go knock doors and remind people their vote matters and you can still vote early. Vote tomorrow at the Auditor’s office or from 7am-7pm on Tuesday!