COUNTERPOINT | Initiated Measure 28 will require cuts to schools, nursing homes

Guest column by House Majority Leader Will Mortenson & Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree

In November, South Dakotans will decide whether to adopt a measure that would have a massive impact on the state budget and all who rely on it. Initiated Measure 28 (IM28) would repeal taxes on tobacco, food, toothpaste and everything else that humans consume. It would reduce state funding by at least $176 Million with no replacement revenue, meaning it would require the state to cut at least $176 Million. 

Balancing the budget is something we take seriously in South Dakota – our constitution requires it. IM28 does not include any plan to pay for itself; it simply eliminates revenue. Less revenue coming in must be accounted for somewhere, that is simple math and common sense. In South Dakota, we don’t use one-time money for ongoing expenses. Our budget must be truly balanced, with no gimmicks.

POINT | Food tax repeal opponents selling fear, not facts

COUNTERPOINT | Initiated Measure 28 will be devastating for our towns and cities