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Coalition Opposes Tax Elimination Measure, Citing Potential Cuts to Services | Local News

Coalition Opposes Tax Elimination Measure, Citing Potential Cuts to Services | Local News

KXLG – Watertown, SD A growing coalition of organizations, including the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, is raising concerns about the potential consequences of Initiated Measure 28 (IM-28), which will appear on the November 5th ballot.

The number of groups opposing the measure has risen to 50.

IM-28 proposes eliminating state and local taxes on “anything sold for human consumption,” including a wide range of items beyond groceries. This includes tobacco, CBD products, mouthwash, vaping supplies, toothpaste, marijuana, beverages, and more. While it excludes alcohol and prepared food, opponents estimate it would create a significant budget hole.

The coalition, led by the South Dakota Retailers Association and South Dakotans Against A State Income Tax, warns that IM-28 could lead to a loss of up to $646 million annually in state revenue. Additionally, local government budgets could be hit hard, with an estimated loss of $51.5 million.

Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, expressed concerns about the impact on essential services. “Every South Dakotan will feel the negative impacts of IM-28,” he stated, “whether it is new tax increases or cuts to essential government programs like education, healthcare, or public safety.”

The coalition fears that significant revenue loss could force the state to implement new taxes, potentially including an income tax. They believe this would be a more significant burden on residents than the current system.

Membership includes chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, labor unions, professional associations, educational groups, and agricultural organizations.

According to Sanderson, this may be the largest coalition ever assembled to oppose a ballot measure in South Dakota history. They believe IM-28 will be detrimental to the state and its residents.

Citizens and organizations seeking more information about IM-28 and the coalition’s opposition can visit

www.nosdincometax.com.

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

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