The SDSWMA supports training of landfill operators and operator certification. The SDSWMA encourages the state to continue funding the training program for landfill operators in conjunction with SDSWMA.
The SDSWMA urges the funds collected from the solid waste per ton fee and the tire fee to continue to remain for its intended use for solid waste disposal, recycling, and waste tire cleanup activities as specified by statue.
The SDSWMA believes the main emphasis of environmental protection should be information and assistance to local and state entities and education of the general public. The Association urges the state and federal government to fully fund programs and provide technical assistance for planning and implementing programs and regulations established by state and federal laws.
The SDSWMA believes the 50/50 split in recycling and disposal grants should be eliminated and funds shall be awarded, for either disposal (landfill) or recycling, on the basis of merit.
The SDSWMA supports volume reduction, recycling, and reuse as described in South Dakota Administrative Rules Chapter 74:27:18. This includes but is not limited to recycling, source reduction, reuse and composting of material which otherwise would be disposed of within landfills throughout South Dakota.
Whereas, Initiated Measure #10 would prohibit any municipality or county from paying dues to any association that lobbies;
Whereas, it is far more efficient and cost effective to join together with our fellow municipalities and counties through the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association for coordinated communication with the Legislature than to have each solid waste facility stand alone;
Whereas, the costs to the taxpayers of having each municipality and county monitor, report, and travel to Pierre to participate in the Legislative Session would be much greater than any dues to the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association;
Whereas, coordinated communication with Legislators leads to more efficiency in the Legislative process and has saved millions of dollars in taxpayer funds;
Whereas, restricting the ability of South Dakotans to support candidates and communicate with their elected public officials is a violation of their right to freedom of speech;
Whereas, the measure will be challenged in court and will most likely be found to be unconstitutional, costing millions of dollars in taxpayer money;
Whereas, Initiated Measure #10 does not limit State government-paid lobbyists, out-of-state lobbyists, or corporate lobbyists, but only stifles coordinated voices for local control;
Whereas, South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association finds that municipal and county officials throughout South Dakota are dedicated, honest and ethical people with the best interests of their municipalities and counties in mind and that both take great pride in providing open, honest government to our citizens;
Whereas, the thousands and thousands of South Dakotans who do business with the State, Cities, Counties, and other governmental entities should not be penalized for providing such services;
Whereas, civic groups who work to better their community, and often require local funding to provide their services should not be prohibited from communicating their needs to local public servants;
Where as, the forces supporting Initiated Measure #10 will not reveal the source of their funding, leaving the reasonable assumption that out of state special interests are once again attempting to hijack the South Dakota ballot and abuse our initiative process;
Now, therefore let it be resolved, that South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association strongly opposes Initiated Measure #10 and urges the citizens of South Dakota to vote “NO” on the measure.
SDSWMA supports manufacturer and producer responsibility for product stewardship.
SDSWMA supports legislation to change bid limit requirements for governmental agencies to $50,000. |
