PIERRE, SD -- Democratic Minority Leader Rep. Erin Healy released the following statement after Gov. Larry Rhoden vetoed her childcare workforce bill.

"Vetoing HB 1132 is a huge mistake that hurts South Dakota families, businesses, and the people who take care of our kids. Parents are already struggling to find affordable daycare. But they are met with long waitlists and not enough spots. This bill would have helped to expand the child care workforce, but now, more parents - especially moms - will have to leave their jobs because they can’t find care.

The cruel reality of this veto is that the people who take care of our kids can’t even afford childcare themselves and that’s just wrong. These workers spend their days helping children grow and learn, but they don’t get paid enough to afford the very care they provide. To make things worse, we have empty classrooms because we don’t have enough staff to open them. If we don’t start treating childcare workers better, more centers will close, and the problem will get even worse.

Childcare is not a luxury - it is a necessity for working families and a strong economy. This veto sends a clear message: rather than take meaningful action to address this crisis, South Dakota’s leadership is willing to let families and businesses continue to struggle. That is unacceptable.

South Dakota families deserve better. I will keep fighting for real solutions that help parents, support workers, and make sure our state moves forward."

For questions, you can contact the SDDP Executive Director Dan Ahlers at [email protected] or contact the state party office by phone at 605-271-5405 or 605-940-3071.