A Letter From Our Executive Director About Initiated Measure 28

Initiated Measure 28 calls for exempting the State of South Dakota from collecting sales tax on anything sold for human consumption, excluding alcohol and prepared food. Please read the following letter from the Executive Director of DakotAbilities, Nathan Stallinga, about the long-term implications for the people we support. We encourage all voters to go to the polls informed and educated on the long-term impact a revenue loss of up to $646 million annually will have on all residents of our State.

October 2, 2024

Dear Staff, Families, and Stakeholders:

I hope this letter finds you well. As the Executive Director of DakotAbilities and President of the Community Support Providers of South Dakota Association, I am writing to inform you about an important development that directly impacts our state and our organization.

Recently, South Dakota brought forth a significant legislative initiative known as Initiated Measure 28 that would exempt the State of South Dakota from collecting sales tax on anything sold for human consumption, excluding alcohol and prepared food. It will appear before South Dakota voters on the 2024 General Election ballot on November 5.

If IM28 passes, the State of South Dakota is expected to lose an estimated $124 million to $646 million in revenue annually. This significant annual reduction in funds will impact several critical areas, including healthcare, public education, public infrastructure, and agricultural programs.

At DakotAbilities, we are dedicated to the health, safety, and welfare of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing affordable, accessible housing, nursing care, and educational and day programs aimed at helping people live their lives to the fullest extent of their abilities. We have advocated for the rights of people with disabilities for the past 60 years and will tirelessly continue to do so well into the future. As such, we believe it is critical for all South Dakotans to understand the implications of IM28 and the impact its passing would have on our state as a whole, and particularly on the individuals we support whose livelihoods depend largely on government health and education programs, the generosity of donors, and the commitment of volunteers and staff.

Should Initiated Measure 28 become law, the impact on healthcare and education cannot be overstated. We encourage you to educate yourselves on the measure and knowledgeably participate in discussions with facts and resources so that others may do the same.

For further information on Initiated Measure 28, please take a moment to watch this informational video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POthuciqfVI and visit the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce website at www.siouxfallschamber.com/advocacy/chambers-position

Sincerely,

Nathan Stallinga

Executive Director, DakotAbilities