Governor Dennis Daugaard has stepped forward to continue the work of the Jolene's Law Task Force.

After a shocking defeat in the House State Affairs Committee Thursday, led by Republicans, supporters of the task force efforts went looking for a solution.

Here is the email Jolene Loetscher sent out at 12:45 this afternoon. It speaks for itself.

"The voice of those who suffer in silence will be heard. Jolene's Law Task Force has been saved. As a testament to the power of what people can do with their phone calls, tweets, posts, emails and letters, this morning Jolene's Law Task Force members Senators Deb Soholt, Alan Solano and Jenna Haggar and Representative Peggy Gibson joined Governor Dennis Daugaard and announced the continuation of Jolene's Law Task Force.

The Executive Branch will partner with the Department of Health to continue Jolene's Law Task Force for another year. As Gov. Daugaard stated this morning, "This work is too important." I am so incredibly proud and thankful for those of you that joined us in this fight for the children of this state. To the hundreds and possibly thousands that stood up to the ten Representatives who tried to stop our work, you showed the caring and compassion they could not.

My appreciation to all those who worked behind the scenes, including Sen. Soholt and to Gov. Daugaard. For those that live with the pain of child sexual abuse, may today bring the light of hope to brighten the darkness of hurt. Survivors do not stand alone. We stand together.

I hope victims of child sexual abuse see today as validation that your pain will not be ignored. Our stories will continue to empower. I believe continuing to be a survivor and not just a victim comes when you see more good days than bad. Today is a good day.

And now our work goes on. I know at this moment, there are thousands of South Dakota children hurting, whose spirit and souls feel shattered. Our work to put those pieces together for them is only beginning.

Special thanks to all the media outlets for their coverage. It is not an easy story to tell, but every one I have met has always done so with the utmost professionalism."
No rational reason has yet been provided by any Republican Member of the House State Affairs Committee for their vote to kill the bill authorizing the continuation of this work.

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