The South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC) is South Carolina's longest-serving free market research organization.  SCPC was founded in 1986 by Thomas Roe as an independent, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the principles of limited government, individual liberties, free markets, and traditional South Carolina values.

For nearly four decades, SCPC has been a leader in tax reduction and reform, private property rights, education reform, judicial reform, government deregulation, transparency and governmental accountability, and efforts to expand individual liberty.  

Our Principles

• Limited government – The most effective government is one that empowers its citizens by minimizing overreach and maximizing their freedom to thrive. 

• Individual liberties – We contend that individuals are the most capable and informed decision-makers when it comes to their own lives and choices. 

• Free markets – To unlock South Carolina’s full potential, we must enable the economy to thrive by reducing regulatory burdens and eliminating unnecessary red tape. 

• Traditional South Carolina values – We believe that the center of a prospering South Carolina revolves around a strong family and tight-knit community for all. 

Why South Carolina Needs SCPC

Our timely research provides critical insight to policymakers and the public on various statewide issues, and has been driving positive change for decades. 

However, there's more work to be done. South Carolina continues to suffer from the highest state income taxes in the Southeast, and is in danger of losing its comparative advantage as neighboring state make it cheaper to live, easier to start a business, and expand school choice.

• The CATO Institute ranks South Carolina 29th in terms of overall personal and economic freedoms
• South Carolina ranks 29th according to the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index
• A recent study ranked South Carolina's K-12 public schools among the worst in the nation at 41st
• The Institute for Justice gave South Carolina a grade of D- on their civil asset forfeiture laws

We work tirelessly to educate South Carolinians on these issues, identify meaningful policy solutions, and advocate for legislation that can achieve lasting reform. 

South Carolina Policy Council Past Victories

• Responsible for legislation requiring roll call voting in the state House and Senate
• Secured important tax relief and reform through education and advocacy
• Protected property rights by defeating proposals to give eminent domain power to private companies and a measure imposing heavy regulations on short-term lenders
• Removed healthcare barriers by championing a repeal of Certificate of Need
• Fought for more transparency in state and local government leading to a more open process including live streaming of government meetings
• Promoted successful election reforms that make it easier to vote and harder to cheat
• Promoted legislation to foster a fairer and more transparent judicial selection process
• Educated voters on the need to increase South Carolina's rainy day fund leading to the passage of a constitutional amendment

Our Goals

• Make South Carolina the #1 state to start and run a business, raise a family, work, play and retire
• Move South Carolina from the highest-taxed state in the Southeast to the lowest
• Expand school choice options for all South Carolina parents and school children
• Improve South Carolina’s road and bridge infrastructure to reduce traffic fatalities and lower the economic costs of poor road conditions
• Create a fair legal environment for South Carolina citizens and businesses
• Ensure South Carolina governmental operates in an open, honest and transparent manner
• Remove unneeded regulations that stifle innovation and job creation
• For a complete list for our 2025-26 proposals click here

The Nerve

The Nerve is SCPC's investigative news site focused on emerging policy and political issues facing South Carolina.  It produces hard-hitting, one-of-a-kind stories about property rights, overregulation, government waste, lack of transparency, conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

Rick Brundrett is The Nerve's award-winning news editor.  Rick helped launch The Nerve on Jan. 11, 2010, after covering South Carolina's court system for The State newspaper.  He also has worked as an investigative reporter for the Greenville News and as the projects editor for The Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette newspapers.  Rick has won numerous reporting and writing awards over the years in Michigan and South Carolina, including while with The Nerve.