Record breaking prices are making everyday life harder for Americans, especially for some in South Carolina. Indeed, by some measurements, the Palmetto State (and the South generally) is experiencing higher inflation than the rest of the country. The big picture In the South, overall prices have jumped by 8.8% in the last year (Apr 2021 …
Posted: May 20, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Inflation in SC shows need for bold tax cuts
Record breaking prices are making everyday life harder for Americans, especially for some in South Carolina. Indeed, by some measurements, the Palmetto State (and the South generally) is experiencing higher inflation than the rest of the country. The big picture In the South, overall prices have jumped by 8.8% in the last year (Apr 2021 …
Posted: April 26, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
As session wraps up, promising bills near the finish line
South Carolina’s regular legislative session ends May 12, meaning just three weeks remain (including this one) to send most bills to the governor’s desk for signing. Fortunately, there’s some great legislation near the finish line. Below is an overview of these proposals, several of which SCPC has supported or sought to improve this year. Tax …
Posted: April 13, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Analysis: School board transparency is great, but lawmakers should lead by example
The Senate last week unanimously passed a bill pushing South Carolina’s school boards to livestream their meetings. Despite some issues in its execution, this is a much-needed policy – one that is central to the Policy Council’s goal of empowering citizens through transparency in government. At the same time, however, the proposal highlights a double standard by …
Posted: March 30, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Perspective: Utilize mega surplus for tax relief, not government growth
When we published our analysis comparing the House and Senate tax cut bills last month, we noted that state government was expecting a $4.6 billion revenue surplus for next fiscal year, and questioned why House lawmakers opted for a relatively small cut that would take years to fully phase in given the extra money available. The …
Posted: March 19, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
These House budget provisos need attention
The House this week passed its version of the largest state government budget in South Carolina’s history – a bill that would appropriate $38.2 billion in tax dollars, federal funds, and other fines and fees. Included in the bloated budget are hundreds of temporary laws called “provisos”, which are meant to guide spending but are …
Posted: March 4, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Check-in: Budget transparency hits a new low
Transparency for taxpayers hit a new low this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, the S.C. Senate held a total of nine budget subcommittee hearings – the most it has held in one week since session began. Not one was streamed to the public. According to meeting agendas, 36 state agencies presented their budget requests to lawmakers without …
Posted: February 24, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Analysis: SC’s competing tax cut proposals, what to know
After years of justified frustration from taxpayers, state lawmakers have finally decided to address South Carolina’s highest-in-the-Southeast top income tax rate. The House on Wednesday passed a bill that would lower and consolidate the state income tax, while the Senate recently introduced its own income tax proposal that includes a plan to use $1 billion in surplus funds …
Posted: February 15, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Analysis: Blurring the line between education and job training (updated)
Update as of 2/12/22: H.4766, which would add more seats and give more power to the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development, passed the S.C. House on Feb. 8. The bill now heads to the Senate. For more information on why we oppose the bill, see below for our analysis. *** Two concerning education bills have …
Posted: February 14, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Analysis: Medical cannabis is a win, despite issues in bill
In late 2020, a Senate bill (S.150) was introduced that would give South Carolinians the right to use medical cannabis to treat certain debilitating conditions, called as the “Compassionate Care Act”. Now, after days of debate, and many years of sitting on the issue, the bill finally passed the Senate. Below is a breakdown of …
Posted: January 27, 2022 by South Carolina Policy Council
Analysis: Bill would let for-profit pipeline companies take citizens’ property
A House committee this week deliberated a bill that would allow for-profit pipeline companies to take citizens’ property using eminent domain. Two similar bills were filed in 2020. How your property gets taken H.3527 creates a process by which privately owned petroleum pipeline companies can use eminent domain to acquire land for pipeline projects. Under the bill, before a company could construct a new petroleum (oil) pipeline, or expand …