Pennington County Democratic Party

PO Box 1632
Rapid City, SD 57709
(605) 721-1636
chair@pendem.org

Political Agenda 2008

We, the Pennington County Democratic Party, state and affirm the following:

Community and Family: We believe that preserving South Dakota's special way of life for future generations should be the guiding principle of government.; We believe that our communities, large and small, rural and urban, are being put at risk by the departure of our children for employment in other states.; We believe that bold investments in our state will create the economic conditions necessary for future generations to prosper in the communities in which they were raised.
Governmental Philosophy: We believe in free and open government whose purpose is to serve all the people of our state, regardless of power and influence.; We believe that equal and open access to government promotes integrity in all official affairs. Lobbying, campaign finance, and comprehensive "open meeting" laws should be strengthened in order to limit undue influence from special interests.; We do not believe that government should seek to impose a rigid social order on its citizens, nor should it dictate morals. We are opposed to governmental interference in the private decisions of our citizens.; We believe that the State of South Dakota should continue the work of reconciliation with the Native American community. State government should be equally accountable to all of its citizens in regards to public policy, economic development, and access to the political process.
Education: We believe a well educated workforce is the cornerstone of economic growth.; We believe that the current system inadequately funds the educational needs of South Dakotans.; We believe that a strong educational system at the local level and continuing into higher education provides a genuine ladder of opportunity for our citizens. Thus we support a state contribution to higher education that makes it affordable to all students.
Employment and Economic Conditions: We believe that all working people should have safe and fair working conditions governed by labor laws that are fair to both the workers and to businesses.; We believe that the minimum wage needs to be raised to allow workers to support themselves and their families.; We believe in an economy that promotes growth without compromising the well being of our community and environment.; We believe that well paying jobs can be created through bold economic initiatives that promote new growth while sustaining the diversity of our economy.; We support the development of a coordinated Smart Growth Plan for the Black Hills.; We believe that our rural economies need to be supported with adequate infrastructure, education, and access to health care.
Environment: We believe in preserving the sanctity and beauty of the Black Hills.; We believe that our environment should be clean and healthy for our citizens to enjoy. We support legislation to enforce accountability onto those who would exploit or pollute our land, air, and water.
Health Care: We believe all children should have access to affordable health care. South Dakota's Children's Health Insurance Program should be expanded to bring economic security to our working families who cannot afford to cover their children with private sector insurance.
Taxation: We believe that South Dakota's regressive tax system overburdens those who are least able to afford it.; We believe in targeted tax relief for working families and retirees on fixed incomes.