“I’m deeply committed to South Dakota's vibrancy and care for its residents."
– Erik Muckey
VISION FOR SOUTH DAKOTA
Public Education
I am the son of South Dakota educators and work daily with schools and colleges in District 15 and around the state. Because of this, I deeply understand the challenges and opportunities that face our public education system today.
Our next generation deserves the highest quality public education as they enter our workforce and build lives in South Dakota.
I will:
Advocate for increased investment in public education, with emphasis on addressing local and state teacher and staffing shortages.
Advance efforts to increase affordability and attainability of technical college and university education for South Dakota students.
Support investment in early childhood education, mental health resources, and wraparound services for ESL learners.
Community Care
As an advocate for public mental health and suicide prevention resources in our state over the past 13 years, I’ve spent countless hours telling the story of what investment in physical and mental health can do to support and save lives.
Caring for our community means ensuring healthcare is accessible to all South Dakotans, regardless of their zip code or lived experience.
I will:
Lead and partner with efforts to establish ongoing investments in statewide mental health and suicide prevention efforts.
Advocate for healthcare workforce investments to meet critical shortages facing rural, tribal, and immigrant and refugee communities.
Work to improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare, especially preventative, mental health, and long-term care options.
Economic Opportunity
As a small business owner, nonprofit leader, and economic development professional, I’ve been fortunate to help dozens of South Dakotans build organizations that meet community needs despite limited access to resources.
We can strengthen our state’s economy and meet workforce shortages by addressing issues keeping South Dakotans from their potential.
I will:
Support efforts to help South Dakotans find and secure meaningful work, including access to living wages and career training.
Ensure continued, long-term investment in affordable, quality childcare options statewide.
Advocate for increased investment in community economic development and affordable housing programs.
“Democracy is based upon the conviction there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.”