Loila Hunking

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Loila Hunking
Hunking, circa 1972
Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives
from the 11th district
In office
1972–1976
Personal details
Born (1939-07-21) July 21, 1939
PartyDemocratic

Loila Hunking (/loʊˈaɪlə/ low-EYE-luh, born July 21, 1939) is an American politician. She served two terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Early life and education

Hunking was born on July 21, 1939, and grew up in Fessenden, North Dakota.[1][2] In 1960, she received her Bachelor of Arts from Jamestown College in North Dakota, and later studied at Augustana University, South Dakota State University, and the University of Hawaii.[1][3]

Career

Prior to entering politics, Hunking worked as an English teacher. In 1965, she became an editor for the Argus-Leader, a daily newspaper in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.[4] She also served on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Education Association.[3]

In 1972, Hunking won election to the South Dakota House of Representatives, representing the 11th district.[5] She won re-election in 1974.[6]

As Representative, Hunking helped to pass bills that supported women's rights. In 1973, she spoke in support of and voted for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution, which made South Dakota the 24th state to ratify the amendment.[7] During the same year, she introduced a bill that would prevent schools in South Dakota from receiving federal funds if they did not comply with Title IX, which prohibits American schools from discriminating based on sex. The bill did not pass, but it began discussions regarding sex-based discrimination in education in the state. In a 2014 interview, Hunking remarked that "it caught everybody so off-guard and made people think about the impact. Change was slow, but it began to happen."[2]

In 1983, Hunking was elected to the Sioux Falls City Commission.[8] During her time on the city commission, she created the city's program for snow removal, and instated a sales tax that raised funds for street repairs and city improvements.[9][10]

In 1996, Governor of South Dakota Bill Janklow appointed her as state coordinator for child care services in the South Dakota Department of Social Services.[2]

References

  1. South Dakota Legislative Research Council. Biographical Directory of the South Dakota Legislature 1889-1989 (A-K). Vol. 1. p. 516. Retrieved September 10, 2026.
  2. Weinstein, Dorene (September 8, 2014). "The legacy of Loila Hunking". Argus-Leader. Retrieved September 4, 2026.
  3. "Loila Hunking House Candidate". Argus-Leader. April 20, 1972. p. 3. Retrieved September 4, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Mrs. Hunking Is Named Women's Editor of Argus". Argus-Leader. June 6, 1965. p. 27. Retrieved September 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Minnehaha Elects Kean, New State Legislature". Argus-Leader. November 11, 1972. p. 4. Retrieved September 4, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Makeup of the South Dakota Legislature". Argus-Leader. November 7, 1974. p. 5. Retrieved September 4, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Solons endorse women's equality amendment". Deadwood Pioneer-Times. February 3, 1973. p. 1. Retrieved September 4, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. Ryan, Lisa (July 6, 1983). "Hines says 48 votes is too close for comfort". Argus-Leader. p. 19. Retrieved September 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Hunking: She likes to see things get done". Argus-Leader. May 6, 1996. p. 5. Retrieved September 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. Busek, Brian (July 16, 1984). "Loila Hunking: One year in office". Argus-Leader. p. 13. Retrieved September 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.