Pierre, SD (September 15, 2023) – The South Dakota Freedom Caucus is pledging to oppose any effort to reinstate COVID restrictions in the upcoming legislative session and to introduce legislation to prohibit public mandates or funding to organizations imposing such restrictions, as many in the country seem to be preparing for a COVID-19 resurgence.

“We are determined to safeguard our state as a bastion of liberty and self-determination.” said South Dakota Freedom Caucus Vice-Chair Representative Tony Randolph, “It’s essential that we protect the principles Governor Kristi Noem highlighted in 2020 when she stated, ‘More freedom, not more government, is the answer.'”

The Freedom Caucus underlined the urgency of their pledge, noting that schools, hospitals, and businesses nationwide are reinstating pandemic-era requirements in response to a recent reported spike in COVID cases during the summer.

“As Governor Noem wisely said, ‘We trusted our people and it told them that personal responsibility was the best answer’,” said Freedom Caucus Chairman Representative Aaron Aylward, “We believe in the ability of South Dakotans to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being, it’s not the government’s job to do that for them.”

Dr. M.C. (Michaéla) Schippers, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Experts who have evaluated the COVID-19 government measures implemented in 2020, measures intended to protect the public, research findings have highlighted their unintended adverse consequences. Dr. Michaela Schippers, in her published research, pointed out the “main side effects [of government lockdowns included] … excess mortality from causes such as hunger, delayed healthcare, increased mental health issues, higher suicide rates, diseases like measles, and increased inequalities due to school closures and job loss.” These findings appear to validate former President Donald Trump’s cautionary advice: “Don’t let the cure be worse than the problem itself.”

Freedom Caucus Treasurer Representative Tina Mulally echoed the sentiments of those findings in her support for the Freedom Caucus’ pledge, saying, “Government overreach can have devastating ripple effects on our society, which is why we must stand united in our dedication to limited government intervention.”

With the 2024 legislative session approaching, the Freedom Caucus earnestly calls upon Governor Noem and fellow legislators to join them in this crucial pledge and to support forthcoming legislation that champions individual freedoms and limits government overreach.