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VIEWPOINT | Lawmakers are doing big tobacco’s bidding — and we’re paying for it
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VIEWPOINT | Lawmakers are doing big tobacco’s bidding — and we’re paying for it

Guest column Jordan Mason, South Dakota Retailers for Better Alternatives

Mar 03, 2025
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The Dakota Scout
The Dakota Scout
VIEWPOINT | Lawmakers are doing big tobacco’s bidding — and we’re paying for it
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white cigarette stick on white wall
Photo by Andres Siimon on Unsplash

South Dakota is cattle country. We value hard work, small businesses, and personal freedom. So why are our lawmakers pushing an agenda straight out of Big Tobacco’s corporate playbook?

On one hand, the Legislature just slashed anti-tobacco funding from $5 million to $2 million, gutting programs meant to help people quit smoking. On the other, they’re pushing House Bill 1069, which hands control of the entire vaping market over to cigarette companies, shuts down small vape shops, and wipes out competition—all under the false pretense of "public health.”

NEWS: Gov. Rhoden says spending on state-issued credit cards 'won't be an issue’

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