SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A conservative group and two business organizations have banded together to defeat a ballot measure that that advocates say will improve government transparency in South Dakota and help prevent corruption.
Americans for Prosperity-South Dakota, the South Dakota Retailers Association and the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry will work against the measure, the Argus Leader (https://argusne.ws/29vnZmP) reported.
The initiative would create a state ethics commission, require additional campaign finance disclosure and limit lobbying by state officials and high-level employees after they leave government. It also would create a publicly funded campaign finance program.
Rick Weiland, who is pushing for the measure to become law, said that it “demands more government transparency and accountability.”
The proposal, called Initiated Measure 22, goes before voters in November.
Ben Lee, chairman of the group opposing the initiative, said the coalition planned to start an advertising push Friday against it.
Chamber president David Owen said his organization’s members are concerned that publicly funded political campaigns would take money away from basic government services. The ballot measure would allow voters to assign two “democracy credits” worth $50 each to participating political candidates.
“When you’re running for public office you should be able to go out and raise funds on your own accord and not on the backs of taxpayers,” said Shawn Lyons, executive director of the retailers association.
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Information from: Argus Leader, https://www.argusleader.com
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