Pat Powers has recently attacked the integrity of Yes on 13 because a substantial portion of the campaign budget at the mid-term report came from a non-profit organization that was formed well over a year ago. Powers is avoiding the real debate but I will gladly clarify for him where the $4k+ donation money from SDCompassion came from. The money amounts to a collection of genuine donations of $10 and $20 amounts to the non-profit organization going back to early 2009. Hundreds of patients suffering from a variety of ailments started providing small donations at all points through out the petition drive. The non-profit group, dedicated in its mission to provide relief to sick and dying patients, donated a substantial portion of that money to the Yes on 13 ballot committee, which was formed to represent everyone supporting Initiated Measure 13 in 2010.
South Dakota is positioned stronger than ever before to pass protection for our fellow citizens who are suffering from terrible, debilitating illnesses. The Coalition is very proud of our accomplishments, and the only way we got this far on a few thousand dollars is because of the impressive commitment and unwavering passion from so many volunteers and supporters.
Pat Powers should pose a credible debate if he opposes the measure, meanwhile he should stop degrading our truly compassionate, grassroots cause. It happens to be that a lot of the honest good people of South Dakota who are going to the polls this November to vote yes on measure 13 also happen to be very poor, but they can and they will stand up for what they believe in.
This is a very emotional issue for the patients and their families. Its not a surprise that so many people are standing up for a compassionate measure on this year’s ballot.
Emmett Reistroffer
Campaign Director
Vote Yes for Compassion, Yes on 13!