Lobbying

SDVFJ has actively lobbied for or against over two dozen bills and resolutions since 2017.

SDVFJ lobbies against Islamophobic, anti-immigration, anti-refugee, and racist legislation in South Dakota, and lobbies for inclusive legislation that supports or uplifts immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities in our state.

During 2010-2016 South Dakota state legislative sessions, before SDVFJ began lobbying, 60% of bigoted legislation introduced was defeated, and 40% of bigoted legislation introduced was passed. After SDVFJ began lobbying, less bigoted legislation has passed.

83.3%

of bigoted legislation DEFEATED (2017-2019)

16.7%

of bigoted legislation PASSED (2017-2019)

In 2020, we broadened the scope of our lobbying to focus on not only countering bigoted legislation, but on supporting positive legislation for immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities, as well as supporting anti-racist legislation that aims to create a more inclusive state. SDVFJ continues to fight in order to build a diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist South Dakota.

Stacked bar graph detailing SDVFJ legislative wins, draws, and losses from 2017-2021. Graph shows 2 wins and 1 draw in 2017; 7 wins in 2018; 2 wins and 2 losses in 2019; 2 losses and 1 win in 2020; 6 losses and 2 wins in 2021.

Legislative outcomes based on whether

an item lobbied against failed, or an item supported/lobbied for passed (WIN)
an unfavorable item passed amended (DRAW)
an item lobbied against passed, or an item supported/lobbied for failed (LOSS)

Wins are designated in green on the graph, draws are designated in yellow, and losses are designated in red.

Learn about the legislation we've worked on.