You've probably heard that the South Dakota House recently passed the Convention of States Resolution! Now the battle moves to the Senate, but we wanted to pause and give you an inside look at how we secured the victory in the House. The following was written by South Dakota volunteer Jackie Rausch.
More than sixty-five dedicated patriots piled into the committee hearing room in Pierre on Monday morning, January 24. The room was filled with only one item on the agenda: HJR5001, the Convention of States resolution.
The legislators heard from COS volunteers as several South Dakota citizens called for SD to join the 15 (now 16) states already part of the movement calling an Article V Convention.
Enthusiasm ran high the day before the hearing. Two separate COS events brought people into town early in preparation for visiting the capitol.
A group of district captains and COS volunteers gathered for a year in review rally in the afternoon. Leaders gave updates and shared details on the activities in their respective areas to grow COS support throughout the state. The team also discussed the movements growing in other states including Nebraska, Wisconsin and Iowa.
On Sunday evening, a dinner and outstanding presentation from Tim Barton of Wall Builders sent attendees home with hope and anticipation for getting SD to pass the COS resolution. A bigger message of saving our country through the States coming together and shrinking the federal government resonated among everyone.
The Convention of States resolution, HJR 5001, was the only item on the agenda for the House Affairs Committee. The early morning meeting time did not keep supporters from pouring in at the capital. The committee room was full, a majority of guests wearing Convention of States buttons.
The House State Affairs committee passed the resolution (7-5) to send HJR5001 on to the House Chamber floor. An electric group of COS supporters gathered on the rotunda steps for a group photo, then moved to shake hands and advocate for "Yes" votes with their respective representatives.
The COS resolution was brought to the floor of the House the next day for a vote. Many of the volunteers, who had just gotten home, turned around in the early morning hours to drive back to Pierre in order to be present for the House session.
COS volunteers waiting for the vote on the House floor (l-r); Velva Fitzgerald, Teresa Weiler, Robin Wilkins and Rose Dressel.
With no opponent testimony during the resolution discussion, HJR5001 passed the house with 39-30!
This resolution now moves to the Senate side of the capital and must pass committee before going to the Senate floor for final vote.
You can help get our great state on board with the Convention of States. If you have not already, sign the petition to let your elected officials know you are a supporter. Then, if you live in South Dakota, contact your district senator and ask him/her to vote yes on HJR5001.
