Honorably discharged veterans now qualify for shopping online at military exchanges (retail & some services). Active duty and National Guard already use this shopping. The full service started November 11, 2017. If you’re a vet, go to VetVerify.org. There’s typically a 20 percent DISCOUNT with special arrangements for major purchases (appliances/furniture). Prices are not posted until you’re logged in securely. NO SALES TAX.
Given South Dakota government is principally supported by sales tax, there’s significant budget repercussion. The state is 900K with 70K veterans. Veteran dependents can use the service such that there is potential for more than 120K total customers. Retail sales could decline 10% or more at first with awareness potential for 15% by 2020. This is exempt interstate sales that are not reported to state or local government. Some shopping sites let you fill in false information and make purchases.
www.shopmyexchange.com
www.mynavyechange.com
www.shopcgx.com
www.mymcx.com
Sales volume is focused on the two major cities in South Dakota. Internet sales is why there are so many empty store fronts. Sioux Falls has had and will continue having revenue short falls. It’s more than just Amazon and other tax free online purchases. There are signs the booming economy is over. It will be harder to make bond payments on the half billion in debt. This is not a time for play places, admin buildings, or parking garages. It’s important to amend the charter so there’s no strong mayor veto power and no council overrides. Take away the mayors’ credit card and put him on an allowance. There will be tax increases. Veterans can keep their quality of life with on line tax free sales.
Sioux Falls is NO PLACE FOR A VETERANS CEMETERY. It has been proven in SD Supreme Court that the city is not democracy. Circuit court cases decided that Strong Mayor Charter denies due process. A cemetery must be on solemn federal ground. The usual city scheme is to acquire undeveloped land then rezone for development. The federal government does a magnificent job of maintaining cemeteries. For the city it would be just another inferior golf contract.
Easy chicken little, the sky is not falling……
The ultimate insult to veterans is city Kleptocracy. When they respect us, we’ll respect them. Meanwhile, cutting off their water (tax revenue) is one way to stop the foolish entertainment projects. I don’t like living in a city that makes the mayor a multi-millionaire.