SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Governor candidates weighed in on the food tax and abortion during their first debate held Friday.
All three gubernatorial candidates, Republican Kristi Noem, Democrat Jamie Smit and Libertarian Tracy Quint, want to see the sales tax on groceries eliminated.
It’s a policy proposal that’s taking center stage in the race for governor.
Two days before the debate, Gov. Kristi Noem issued a campaign promise to cut the sales tax on food. That’s an about face from her earlier opposition to the idea which has been pushed by Smith for several years. Democratic candidate Rep. Jamie Smith was the prime sponsor on a bill in 2021 that would do what Noem is now proposing.
Tracey Quint, the libertarian candidate for governor, said taxes should be reduced on essential items.
Meanwhile, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says that if re-elected she will uphold the state’s abortion ban that provides no exceptions for rape or incest.
Her remarks came Friday during her reelection campaign’s lone debate with her Democratic challenger, state lawmaker Jamie Smith, The Republican governor explained her position simply as “pro-life.”
She pledges to push for expanded parental leave in the state and alleviate the toll of inflation on people’s budgets.
Smith called Noem’s stance extreme and said it was endangering women’s lives. He also said it was causing concern among physicians for its lack of clarity on when an abortion is allowed – only to save the life of a pregnant woman.
