📜 GRT Truth: Busting the Myths About School Funding, First Responders, and More

🏛️ SEAL SD Sets the Record Straight

At SealSD.com, we know that the Core GRT Plan—part of the Maximum Liberty Plan (Plan 2)—will face disinformation as we approach the November 2026 ballot. This plan replaces all state taxes with a single 5% Gross Receipts Tax (GRT), generating $3.6 billion and saving you $3,000–$5,000 annually by eliminating property taxes. Power brokers will likely spread lies to scare voters, claiming “It won’t fund schools” or “First responders will suffer.” This page is our counter-campaign to dispel these myths with facts, ensuring South Dakotans have the truth about the Core GRT Plan’s impact on schools, first responders, and more, so you can vote with confidence for tax freedom.

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❓ Myth 1: “It Won’t Fund Schools”

The Lie: Opponents will claim the Core GRT Plan will leave schools underfunded, especially in rural areas, forcing closures or cuts to programs.

The Truth: The Core GRT Plan locks in $960 million annually for schools, ensuring no cuts, even in rural districts like Harding County, which receives $1.73 million for operations (Page 16: Implementation Plan). This funding exceeds current levels, and a $95.8 million surplus acts as a buffer against shortfalls. SD-DOGE’s oversight ensures every dollar reaches its intended purpose, with citizen input to prioritize education needs (Page 29: Deep Dive: How SD-DOGE Will Function).

Analogy for Clarity: They’ll say the picnic won’t have picnic toys for kids, but we’ve set aside $960 million in picnic cake slices for picnic playgrounds—Harding County gets its $1.73 million share, with extra picnic frosting to keep every playground safe and fun!

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🚒 Myth 2: “First Responders Will Suffer”

The Lie: Power brokers might spread fear that the Core GRT Plan will cut funding for first responders, leaving communities unsafe.

The Truth: The Core GRT Plan allocates $1.5 billion to local governments, with an estimated $215 million dedicated to first responders across South Dakota. For example, Pennington County receives $31 million to support Rapid City’s fire and police services (Page 17: Supporting First Responders). The $95.8 million surplus ensures funding stability, and SD-DOGE’s audits protect these allocations from cuts, guaranteeing first responders have the resources they need (Page 29: Deep Dive: How SD-DOGE Will Function).

Analogy for Clarity: They’ll scare you that picnic heroes won’t have picnic gear, but we’ve set aside $215 million in picnic cake slices—Rapid City gets $31 million to keep picnic firefighters ready, with extra picnic frosting to make sure no hero goes without!

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💸 Myth 3: “Your Taxes Will Skyrocket”

The Lie: Opponents may claim the GRT will cause your taxes to skyrocket, hiding massive increases in costs.

The Truth: The Core GRT Plan saves you $3,000–$5,000 annually by eliminating property taxes, and the GRT often lowers consumer costs—a 2.5% pass-through on a $40 purchase adds $1.00, compared to $2.60 with the old 6.5% sales tax (Page 13: Deep Dive: Will Prices Go Up?). Businesses save $5,000–$50,000 on property taxes, reducing their need to raise prices, and essentials like groceries are exempt (Page 28: Taxes: Mechanics and Impact of the Core GRT Plan). A Sioux Falls couple nets $4,750 yearly after rebates (Page 10: How It Affects the Average Homeowner).

Analogy for Clarity: They’ll say the picnic fee will jump, but we’re saving you $4,500 on picnic spot fees, and a $40 picnic treat now costs $1 less—your picnic wallet gets $4,750 richer, not emptier!

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🏘️ Myth 4: “It Only Benefits the Rich”

The Lie: Special interests might claim the Core GRT Plan only benefits wealthy homeowners, leaving others behind.

The Truth: The Core GRT Plan benefits all South Dakotans—homeowners save $3,000–$5,000 annually, renters benefit as landlords with lower costs are less likely to raise rents, and exemptions support small businesses, veterans, seniors, and military families ($32.5 million cost) (Page 28: Taxes: Mechanics and Impact of the Core GRT Plan). In-state residents (6+ months) receive $200 rebates, totaling $60 million for 300,000 people, ensuring fairness across income levels (Page 25: Taxes).

Analogy for Clarity: They’ll say only big picnic tents win, but every picnic friend benefits—homeowners keep $4,500, renters don’t see picnic tent fees rise, and picnic heroes, seniors, and small picnic stands get free picnic passes, while everyone gets a $200 picnic gift card!

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💡 Why It Matters: Truth Over Fear

The Core GRT Plan is about breaking a system designed to keep citizens in financial chains, saving $1.6 billion state-wide by eliminating property taxes. Power brokers will use fear and lies to protect their control, spreading myths like “It won’t fund schools” or “First responders will suffer.” But the facts are clear: $960 million is locked in for schools, $215 million supports first responders, consumer costs often drop, and all South Dakotans benefit with $200 rebates. By busting these myths with truth, we ensure you can vote with confidence in November 2026, securing tax freedom and a future where your financial liberty is protected from manipulative disinformation.

Analogy for Clarity: Sneaky picnic planners will spread picnic lies to keep picnic spot fees, but our picnic truth shows the picnic cake funds schools and heroes, saves you picnic money, and helps everyone—vote for a free picnic without fear!

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🚀 Join the Movement

Got more questions? We’re here to help. Join the movement to learn more, volunteer, and help secure tax freedom for every South Dakotan. Your voice can make a difference.

👉 Join the Movement Now →
Your voice. Your state. Your moment. Get involved today.

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📂 Learn More

• 🌄 Our Vision for South Dakota
  The future we’re building — bold, free, and family-first.
• 📊 End Property Tax: GRT Plan
  How the 5% Gross Receipts Tax will replace property taxes — and why it works.
• 📈 Revenue Verification
  Ensuring every dollar is accounted for — transparency you can trust.
• 🛡️ Safeguards to Protect Homes
  No tricks, no traps — just locked-in protections you can count on.
• 🕵️ SD-DOGE: Our Government Watchdog
  Efficiency, oversight, and a watchdog that works for the people.
• 👉Get the Facts
  Will Prices Go Up?: Debunk myths about price increases under the GRT.
• 🚀 Join the Movement
  Your voice. Your state. Your moment. Get involved today.