Sales Tax Breaks

South Dakota farmers and ranchers -- many hurting from low commodity prices -- say the state's current system of ag land valuation and taxation places an unfair financial burden on them at a time they can least afford it. Ongoing efforts to reform the system, however, would likely raise taxes on homes and businesses or leave school districts and counties with fewer revenues.

A state-run debt collection program threatens debtors with the loss of driving, hunting and fishing privileges if they do not pay up. Though the program has collected $8.7 million in unpaid debts since 2016, critics and debtors say it disproportionately affects low-income people.

South Dakota allows more than $1 billion annually in tax exemptions to agriculture, health care, insurance and other industries.