Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota). Photo from Flickr
Kristie Noem addresses sex trafficking
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer
www.nsweekly.com PIERRE – South Dakota Representative Kristi Noem represents the popularity of her constituent’s voice which often times can be unpopular with the Native American tribal members in South Dakota. But in putting politics aside, there are certain things to which all state citizens and tribal leaders can agree with, including changing policy and forming laws to protect women and children. Native Sun News interviewed Rep. Noem regarding her work in human and sex trafficking. She has written and sponsored the passing of anti-trafficking bills including:
• H.R. 4225 – Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation ActNSN: What’s being done to work with tribal leaders, law enforcement and their administrations from your level as a state representative? And the work that you’re doing of course. Noem: Well several years ago when I really started to become aware of the fact that we had such an issue in South Dakota, I met with tribal leaders and with people that worked with victims.
• H.R. 2805 – End Sex Trafficking Act
• H.R. 3610 – Stop Exploitation through Sex Trafficking Act
• H.R. 4058 – Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act
• H.R. 3530 – Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act
Trafficking at times on our reservations can be at epidemic levels. It often happens in areas where there is poverty and 32 percent of our Native children live in poverty. That’s where traffickers prey on those who are vulnerable and is one of the ways they are vulnerable.
Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Kristie Noem addresses sex trafficking (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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