Research

South Carolina moves closer to zero income tax

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D. and Sam Aaron South Carolina just took a major step toward meaningful tax reform—and closer to becoming a national leader in economic competitiveness. Last Tuesday, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed an amended version of H.4216, a landmark income-tax reform bill that incorporates many of...

Vance Ginn Ph.D.

Written by
May 09, 2025

  • South Carolina moves closer to zero income tax

    By Vance Ginn, Ph.D. and Sam Aaron South Carolina just took a major step toward meaningful tax reform—and closer to becoming a national leader in economic competitiveness. Last Tuesday, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed an amended version of H.4216, a landmark income-tax reform bill that incorporates many of...
    Vance Ginn Ph.D.

    Written by
    May 09, 2025

  • These provisos in South Carolina’s FY26 budget warrant closer scrutiny

    When the S.C. Senate passed their budget without new legislator-requested earmarks, “one-time” temporary laws known as “provisos” were still included.   Provisos outline directives for the use of budget funds, with some provisos including nonrecurring fund disbursements that represent continued earmark spending from past years.  
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    May 09, 2025

  • Statehouse Update May 6-8

    Update 5/08/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The House still has the budget to address, along with many education bills that advanced to the floor last week. The newly amended income tax bill is also on the House floor. The Senate has...
    Neil Wolin

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    May 06, 2025

  • Statehouse Update April 29-May 1

    The budget, big energy bill, and film industry incentives are on the House floor this week. School choice is on the Senate floor, and many important education bills including schoolboard livestreaming are set to be heard in a House k-12 subcommittee.
    Neil Wolin

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    April 28, 2025

  • Will lawmakers move on liquor liability reform?

    Update 5/8/2025: In the final week of session, lawmakers reached an compromise on joint and several liability as it relates to liquor liability. The agreement focuses solely on liquor liability reform like SCPC recommended, aiming to provide direct relief to an industry in turmoil. This legislation is a great start—but...
    Sam Aaron

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    April 25, 2025

  • Path to Prosperity: A Fiscal Roadmap for South Carolina

    Key Takeaways South Carolina’s complex and inefficient tax system ranks 33rd in tax competitiveness nationally due to irresponsible spending. These fiscal burdens include a complex, inefficient tax system that penalizes work, investment, and entrepreneurship. H.4216 would provide a much-needed income tax rate reduction, but is unfortunately designed in a way...
    Vance Ginn Ph.D.

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    April 22, 2025

  • Statehouse Update April 22-24

    The House ways and means committee is hearing testimony on Tuesday from our Senior Economic Fellow, Vance Ginn, Ph.D. and Manish Bhatt, Senior Policy Analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation(Livestream can be viewed here). Keep an eye out for our upcoming report from Dr....
    Neil Wolin

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    April 21, 2025

  • No pork in this year's budget?

    The State Senate has proposed their $14.4 billion general funds budget from the Senate finance committee without earmarks, setting the stage for the House to consider omitting earmarks in their second budget draft.
    Neil Wolin

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    April 18, 2025

  • Legislative victory: Senate and House reach agreement on school choice bill

    Update: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. 5/1/2025: On Thursday, the House concurred with the Senate’s amendments and sent the bill to the governor’s desk. On Wednesday, the Senate announced that after continued negotiations between the House and Senate Education committees, they...
    Sam Aaron

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    April 17, 2025

  • Statehouse Update April 15-17

    Update 4/16/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The legislative schedule at the Statehouse is relatively light this week. The House is on furlough, and the full Senate is scheduled to meet just one day, likely to take up the budget. SCPC will provide...
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    April 14, 2025