Initiated Measure 10: Debate Over Money Use

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By Robert Wilson

Story Created: Oct 13, 2008 at 4:05 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2008 at 4:17 PM CST

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It's been called everything from a gag law to good government.

One of the issues before south dakota voters on election day will be Initiated Measure 10.

If passed, the measure would prohibit the use of public money or government resources for lobbying, campaigning, or other political purposes.

But that's not how Grover Norquist sees the issue.

Norquist, the President of Americans for Tax Reform was in Sioux Falls to lend his support to the ballot question.

He says the goal is simple: stop tax dollars from being used for political purposes.

Norquist says calling it a gag law is wrong.

"It's a clever effort by the left, but it doesn't make any sense. Everybody's free to participate in politics, just not with your money," said Norquist.

But a number of groups opposing the initiative, including the Sioux Falls and South Dakota Chambers of Commerce see it much differently.

Barry Foster is a teacher at Lincoln High in Sioux Falls.

"It's a bad gag law. It's going to take away the voice of citizens of the state of South Dakota and that's not what South Dakota is about. South Dakota is about everyone having a voice and an opportunity," said Foster.

Norquist tells KSFY parts of the language in Initiative 10 have been considered or written into law around the country

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Friday, Oct 17 at 11:35 PM Billiam wrote ...

This article is poorly written and ends abruptly. Also, I know they are trying to appear balanced, but since one side must be basically lying, it should be their duty to at the very least point to what passage of the measure leads someone to call this a gag law. This article did nothing to clarify my confusion over it.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:51 AM SD Voter wrote ...

I recommend all voters read this Initiated Measure and you will see that it prevents abuse of power and special interests. I am voting for this measure because it is good for South Dakotans overall. It is about time our government works for the people and not the special interests.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 5:18 AM Skleezle wrote ...

If a law is passed that could cause you to be put in jail should you speak to a legislator about issues on behalf of a group you belong to, it's a GAG LAW.

Monday, Oct 13 at 4:18 PM KAK wrote ...

So is it or isn't it a gag law? It seems like somebody is not telling the whole truth. How sad

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