PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) “No Way to Pay for It” a Key Concern

The list of South Dakotans concerned about the negative consequences of Initiated Measure 28 has increased to 50 coalition members.

If passed, IM-28 would eliminate state and local taxes on “anything sold for human consumption,” including tobacco, CBD, mouthwash, vaping products, toothpaste, marijuana, beverages, and a host of other items, excluding alcohol and prepared food. It would eliminate up to $646 million annually in state revenues and an estimated $51.5 million from already lean local city budgets and will negatively impact South Dakotans.

“Our groups–made up of tens of thousands of South Dakotans–have serious concerns about the consequences of IM-28,” said Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association and Treasurer of South Dakotans Against A State Income Tax. “Every South Dakotan will feel the negative impacts of IM-28, whether it is new tax increases or cuts to essential government programs like education, healthcare, or public safety.”

Coalition members include:

  1. Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce
  2. Aberdeen Development Corporation
  3. AFSCME Local 3968
  4. Associated General Contractors of South Dakota
  5. Associated School Boards of South Dakota
  6. Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
  7. Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce
  8. Brookings Economic Development Corporation
  9. Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce
  10. Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota
  11. Coalition for Responsible Taxation
  12. CONPAC
  13. Dakota Credit Union Association
  14. DeSmet Development Corporation
  15. Destination Marketing Professionals of SD
  16. Elevate Rapid City
  17. Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
  18. Huron Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
  19. Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce
  20. Mitchell Area Development Corporation
  21. Mitchell Professional Firefighters Local 4166
  22. Pierre Economic Development Corporation
  23. Sioux Falls Development Foundation
  24. Sioux Falls Firefighters Local 814
  25. Sioux Metro Growth Alliance
  26. Sisseton Area Chamber of Commerce
  27. SD Agribusiness Association
  28. SD Association of Cooperatives
  29. SD Association of Conservation Districts
  30. SD Association of County Commissioners
  31. SD Bankers Association
  32. SD Biotech Association
  33. SD Cattlemen’s Association
  34. SD Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  35. SD Council of Community Behavioral Health
  36. SD Economic Development Professionals Association
  37. SD Education Association
  38. SD Farm Bureau
  39. SD Home Builders Association
  40. SD Hotel & Lodging Association
  41. SD Licensed Beverage Dealers & Gaming Association
  42. SD Municipal League
  43. SD Music & Vending Association
  44. SD Petroleum & Propane Marketers Association
  45. SD Pork Producers
  46. SD Retailers Association
  47. SD Soybean Association
  48. South Dakotans Against A State Income Tax
  49. Southeast SD Tourism Association
  50. Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

“This is one of the largest coalitions ever assembled to oppose an initiated ballot measure in South Dakota history,” added Sanderson. “These groups believe, as do I, that IM28 will be a disaster for the state and hurt South Dakotans.”

 

In July, the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Research Council updated its fiscal impact analysis of IM-28 based on how “anything sold for human consumption” would be applied. The measure would eliminate taxes on tobacco, vaping products, cannabis, services, energy, personal care products, paper and stationary, food, and other consumables. The resulting $646 million budget shortfall for the state would force huge funding cuts or new taxes, including a potential income tax. A recent analysis by the South Dakota Municipal League showed cities and towns in South Dakota could lose $51.5 million annually based on lost revenue of just unprepared food and food ingredients.

 

Citizens and organizations can find more information and sign-up to join the coalition at www.nosdincometax.com.