Education
Education is the greatest opportunity that we can offer the citizens of South Dakota. The quality of life in South Dakota is dependent on the quality of our education. Life-long education is crucial to our democracy, to our economic development, and to our continued growth and well being as individuals, families, and communities. The citizens of South Dakota have the right to the best education possible.
Mary Ann Supports:
1.Funding education first; education is mandated under the South Dakota State Constitution and should be addressed first during the legislative session.
2.State Aid for k-12 education at a level that is commensurate with other neighboring states.
3.Initial and on-going professional development of teachers and staff. Professional Development is a leading indicator for student achievement.
4.Funding for universal public early childhood education.
5.All day/every school day kindergarten as part of our education system.
6.The continued success and funding of the four Technical Institutes.
7.The continued development and success of the Tribal Colleges and Universities.
8.The continued success and funding of the public SD universities and the SD School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the SD School for the Deaf.
9.The continued support and funding of the Opportunity Scholarship Program.
10.Legislation, which guarantees that each student has equal access to all educational opportunities, including alternatives within the public educational framework.
Health Care
The health of South Dakotans is critical to the well-being of the state. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right regardless of geography or financial means. Health plans should provide affordable, accessible and quality healthcare including prescription benefits to every individual in South Dakota.
Mary Ann Supports
1.Public and private health systems that promote community wellness and disease prevention.
2.Higher and vocational education opportunities in South Dakota that encourage those pursuing professions in healthcare to practice in rural settings. Admission preference should go to South Dakota residents.
3.Innovative programming and technology aimed at enhancing recruitment and retention in health professions.
4.Adequate funding for mental and physical healthcare and rehabilitation services for our veterans.
5.Insurance coverage for mental healthcare on an equal basis as physical healthcare.
6.Recognition of addictive conditions as health issues.
7.Coverage of comprehensive family planning services and contraceptives in order to support the health and well-being of all people in South Dakota.
8.Access to comprehensive family planning, emergency contraceptives, and HIV/STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) prevention services.
9.Age-appropriate, medically accurate and comprehensive sexuality education.
10.The rights of families, patients and medical providers to make medical and end-of-life decisions without government interference.
Agriculture
Mary Ann recognizes the importance of agriculture, not only to its farmers and ranchers but also to the economy of South Dakota and nation and the plentiful, wholesome, and reasonably priced supply of food and fiber to the consumers of the nation and the world. Mary Ann also recognizes that the fundamental core of agriculture and rural life is the family farm and ranch and rural communities.
Labor and Employment
Mary Ann is committed to improving the lives of South Dakota’s workers and their families. She recognizes that South Dakota has the highest percentage of dual income families in the nation. She believes that government policies should promote good benefits, good wages and fair treatment in the workplace so South Dakota families can spend more time together.
Human Rights
Mary Ann recognizes that we are a global and multicultural community. Each individual brings a special gift to the community, and she believes in the principles of dignity, self-determination, justice and a decent quality of life.
Natural Resources and the Environment
Mary Ann recognizes that protection of our water, air, land, and other natural resources is both essential and beneficial to responsible economic development and our quality of life. Natural resources must be managed and protected in a way that enhances our quality of life while strengthening South Dakota’s vital industries. Management and regulatory policies must recognize the need to promote sound conservation practices geared toward long-term sustainability of our natural resources. Our natural resources must be protected for present and future generations.
Please note that Mary Ann Giebink’s platform issues and stances are taken directly from the South Dakota Democratic Party Platform. The Platform was voted on at the 2008 South Dakota Democratic Party Convention in Oacoma on June 29, 2008.
