Allows the Legislature to make changes in the way corporations do business.  This amendment gives the Legislature the ability to change current regulations, but does not give specifics on HOW they would be changed.  Corporations have successfully done business in South Dakota for many decades under current law.  If changes are needed, they should be very specific, rather than casting a broad net that allows more control by the Legislature/State government.  A “NO” vote keeps the Legislature from “passing the law so we can find out what is in it”.

Allows the Legislature to set the reimbursement amount for mileage.  The Constitution currently provides for five cents per mile.  We all would agree that is not adequate in today’s economy.  The question voters should ask is this… “does this proposal identify a specific solution?”  The answer is NO!  It simply gives the Legislature a blank check.  A good proposal would identify the specific solution rather than just give the Legislature the broad authority to set their own reimbursement levels.  A “NO” vote prevents the Legislature from having a blank check.

This proposed change to the Constitution would change the distribution of funds from a state trust fund from $12 million dollars to 4% of the “Market value” of the fund.  Proponents suggest that in bad economic times, the funds could be depleted.  That is a valid point.  The problem that is NOT addressed is at least of equal importance… what happens when the economy rebounds?  The simple answer is that it would allow the Legislature to spend even MORE money.  Having served in the Legislature, I can tell you if the money is made available they WILL spend it.  An easy solution to this problem would have been to place a lid of $12 million dollars on what could be taken.  That was conveniently not included in this amendment, allowing the opportunity for the Legislature to increase spending levels without anyone “noticing”.  A “NO” vote will compel the Legislature to present a solution that prevents increased spending.

Called a ‘balanced budget’ proposal, this amendment to the Constitution is anything But balanced.  Currently, the Constitution says that expenses cannot exceed revenues.  That IS balanced.  This change would allow the Governor to manipulate “anticipated” revenues as a means to increase spending.  Currently, spending can only be increased by adding a tax.  This proposed change provides easy cover for state politicians to increase spending.  A “NO” vote keeps the Governor and the Legislature accountable to taxpayers. 

This is a 25% tax increase.  No need for further discussion.  A “NO” vote holds the line on taxes.

This law takes nearly one-quarter (22%) of the contractors excise tax and gives it to “large economic development projects”.  This law is based on several flawed premises.  Real job creation and economic development happens as a result of small companies.  The RIGHT approach to economic development would be to lower taxes on the job creators by REDUCING the contractors excise tax by 25%.  That would produce genuine economic development and help family businesses rather than a few select big businesses.  A”NO” vote prevents “taking from the poor and giving to the rich” and calling it economic development.

Education reform is the mask on this proposed new law.  It actually expands the intrusion of state government into local control over schools.  It also creates 6 new boards, councils or “work groups”, which includes nearly 100 people in addition to staff.  If you like more government, you will love this new law.  A “NO” vote stops more state control and prevents the creation of another layer of bureaucracy.

***Gordon Howie is a nationally syndicated author, host of Liberty Today TV and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

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