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Children's Day at the Capitol 2014: February 4

Since 1995, South Dakotans from across the state have gathered in Pierre to speak on behalf of youngsters. The event, held this year on February 7, drew advocates from across the state to visit with policymakers and to join with others who are committed to assuring that South Dakota children are healthy, educated and safe.

Since 1995, South Dakotans from across the state have gathered in Pierre to speak on behalf of youngsters. The event, held this year February 5, drew advocates from across the state to visit with policymakers and to join with others who are committed to assuring that South Dakota children are healthy, educated and safe.

Some of the individuals and organizational representatives from across the state who care about the health, education and safety of South Dakota children register for the 2013 Children's Day at the Capitol.

Jennifer Kline, executive director, welcomes children's advocates to Voices' legislative briefing.

Senator Craig Tieszen, Republican, District 34, Rapid City, chaired the Safe Teen Driving Task Force. He spoke during Voices' Children's Day legislature briefing about the four bills the Task Force introduced in 2013. South Dakota leads the nation in the number of teen deaths — most the result of vehicle crashes.

Senator Jean Hunhoff, District 18, Yankton, serves on the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. She spoke on issues relating to children during Voices' briefing on priority legislation at Children's Day at the Capitol 2013.

Representative Scott Parsley, District 8, Madison, talked about the sales tax on food, particularly as regards children in low-income families.

Voices' Youth Advisory Council members on the steps of the state Capitol with executive director Jennifer Kline (front row, far right). They are (front row, left to right) Bailee Matucha, Burke; Lexy Hanson, vice chair, Hill City; (second row) Kyle Stegeman, Arlington; Moriah Even, Keldron; Logan Pochop, Spearfish; Jack Herke-Dennert, Madison; (at top) Jamie Withorne, chair, Sioux Falls. They were in Pierre for Children's Day at the Capitol, February 5.

Scott Jones, Pierre, who chairs Voices' Board of Directors, welcomed lawmakers and their constituents to the Children's Day luncheon.

Jamie Withorne, a junior at Sioux Falls' Washington High School, chairs Voices' Youth Advisory Council. Her presentation highlighted Council members work to improve teen driving safety throughout the state.

Following the luncheon, Greg Boris, Voices' senior policy and program specialist, provided advocacy training in advance of attending a House of Senate session.

Click here to view photos of this event from previous years.