SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Democratic Party is hosting town halls throughout April with a goal of helping South Dakotans make their voices heard.
Hundreds of people packed into Hamre Hall at Augustana University Tuesday night. One of the topics discussed was the potential cuts to Medicaid.
“I’m concerned about all the people across our state that are very vulnerable, that rely on services and supports to just get through their day-to-day lives, and it’s under threat and attack,” Brenda Smidt of Sioux Falls said.
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There was also frustration with the bill to dismantle the Department of Education.
“There is so many protections for individuals with disabilities in other populations that are in that department, and they are all at risk,” Smith said.
KELOLAND News spoke to Republican Senator Mike Rounds about this topic last week.
“For states, it would mean more block grant money with less strings attached coming from the federal government,” Rounds said on April 9.
Other issues brought up at the town hall included frustrations with tariffs and deportations.
Emotions were high throughout the evening, but panelist and U.S. Senate candidate Julian Beudion said that it’s important to have meaningful conversations with people you may disagree with.
“When we’re talking about building a policy that suitable for every American, it deserves compromise. It’s your responsibility to compromise. It’s the expectation of the citizens that you compromise,” Beaudion said.
The next town hall is set for next week Thursday in Vermillion at the University of South Dakota. The town halls will wrap up in Aberdeen on April 28.
