Latest Updates

  • SCPC Voter Poll Release (May 31 – Jun 3, 2022)

    Inflation, gas prices are top concerns for SC voters as lawmakers return to Columbia for special session   Inflation and gas prices are among the most pressing concerns for South Carolina voters. Voters also feel positive towards legislative reform efforts focused on taxes, education, elections and transparency.  
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    June 10, 2022

  • 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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    May 20, 2022

  • 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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    April 26, 2022

  • 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...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    April 13, 2022

  • 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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    March 30, 2022

  • 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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    March 19, 2022

  • 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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    March 04, 2022

  • 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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    February 24, 2022

  • Analysis: Blurring the line between education and job training

    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...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    February 15, 2022

  • 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.    
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    January 27, 2022