Introduction:
It’s time we had an honest conversation about what’s at stake with Initiated Measure 28 (IM28) in South Dakota.
You’ve probably heard the noise, the fear mongering from those who should know better, like the South Dakota Municipal League. They’re claiming that IM28 will lead to budget shortfalls and be a disaster for our cities and towns. But let me tell you something—those claims aren’t rooted in reality. They’re based on fear, not facts.
IM28 isn’t a disaster—it’s a lifeline. And here’s why.
Food Insecurity
Right now, across South Dakota, too many hardworking families are struggling to make ends meet. These are people who get up every morning, go to work, play by the rules, and still find it tough to put food on the table. Feeding South Dakota reports that 106,000 people, including 1 in 6 children, are food insecure. They don’t know where their next meal is coming from. That’s not just some abstract statistic—that’s a moral crisis.
Repealing the State Tax on Food:
IM28 is a crucial step toward easing that burden. It’s about repealing only the state’s sales tax on food—the food that sustains our families. When people have to choose between feeding their kids and paying their bills, that’s a choice no one should have to make.
Misinformation from the Opposition:
Now, the South Dakota Municipal League isn’t telling you the whole story. They’re trying to scare you by saying this measure will lead to budget shortfalls. But here’s what they’re not telling you:
The official Fiscal Note from the Legislative Research Council (LRC)—the very one required by law and the one that will be on the ballot—makes it clear that municipalities will still be able to collect their tax on food. The official language of the measure on the Secretary of State's website is also abundantly clear. That’s right, local governments won’t lose a dime on this deal.
Savings for Families from IM28:
In fact, the LRC projects that removing the state’s tax on food will save taxpayers a whopping $123.9 million annually. That’s the official position of the state of South Dakota, and that’s money that goes right back into the pockets of South Dakota families—some of whom spend upwards of 30% of their household income on food. It will help!
Budget Impact and Misleading Claims:
Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of maintaining our roads and parks. The South Dakota Municipal League talks a lot about potholes and park maintenance, and yes, those things are important—but they will not be affected. The idea that IM28 will decimate local budgets is not only misleading, it’s downright irresponsible.
Local governments will still have the authority to collect taxes on food. They won’t be left out in the cold, as the Municipal League would have you believe. When IM28 is approved by voters this fall, it will become the law, superseding existing laws. The state’s tax on food will be repealed, saving consumers $123.9 million, while municipalities will continue to collect their food taxes. Organizations opposing IM28 are running a campaign of hypotheticals and deception.
The Choice for Voters:
So, let’s call this what it is—a choice. A choice between eliminating the state tax on food and supporting our families or clinging to an outdated system that taxes the very food that sustains them.
IM28 is a common-sense measure designed to put money back where it belongs—in the hands of the people who need it most. South Dakota remains one of only two states in the country that still taxes life-sustaining food at the full allowable rate. It’s time to do the right thing and vote yes on IM28.
Rick Weiland
Co-Founder of Dakotans for Health
Official Sponsor of Initiated Measure 28 (IM28)
Get in the Ring with Us
This is a pivotal moment in our state's story, and we need you in this fight. Together, we're rewriting history, and we need every hand on deck. Let’s make our mark. Make a donation to help repeal the grocery tax today!
Make a Contribution to Help Repeal South Dakota's REGRESSIVE Grocery Tax!
P.S. You can also send us a check to Dakotans for Health, PO Box 2063, Sioux Falls, SD 57101.
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