South Dakota gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith made a stop in Mitchell yesterday. Around 100 people came to the Corn Palace and heard Smith speak on a number of issues including the repeal on sales tax for food, education, and abortion.
Regarding the proposal to eliminate the sales tax on food, which Governor Noem recently proposed, Smith said the Democratic caucus has been in favor of it, and the timing of the governor’s proposal is interesting. He added that it is a regressive tax, and South Dakota would be better if legislators figured out how to get rid of it. He added that Governor Noem is opportunistic and is trying to figure out how to connect with the people of South Dakota.
Several legislators called on Noem to call a special legislative session to discuss the proposal. Noem said she would not, claiming she does not have enough votes in the Senate to pass it. Smith says he is in favor of a special session, adding that the state has a $115 million surplus that would be better off in the pockets of South Dakotans.
Several Democratic candidates running for local, statewide, and federal office also spoke at the event.
U.S. Senate candidate Brian Bengs
South Dakota Secretary of State candidate Tom Cool
South Dakota gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith