Research

  • 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

  • Half of House budget meetings not streamed in first week (now updated weekly)

    Budget meetings sorted by week As part of our push for more government transparency, we have been tracking the streaming of legislative budget meetings each week. Below is list of how many budget meetings were held compared with how many were streamed, sorted by week. For a more thorough explanation...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    January 14, 2022

  • Three crucial tax reforms for South Carolina

    The S.C. Legislature convened for session this week, renewing calls to fix South Carolina’s dated and uncompetitive tax structure. This focus comes as our northern neighbor passed a significant tax cut last year, with Georgia making a smaller cut, making the Palmetto State’s years of inaction even more baffling.    Taxes can be complicated – our problems, however, are...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    January 13, 2022

  • Bills to watch in 2022

    At the end of each year, state lawmakers file a series of bills (known as “prefiles”) in anticipation of the upcoming legislative session. The following report looks at some of the most significant House prefiles, organized by category, as well as two bills gaining traction relating to state Coivd policy.    
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    December 14, 2021

  • South Carolina needs judicial reform

    1.20.22 UPDATE: Ahead of next month’s judicial elections, including for one seat on the state Supreme Court and Administrative Law Court, and many on the Court of Appeals, circuit court, and family court, enough candidates have dropped out that there are NO contested seats left. Lawmakers are left to choose from...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    November 19, 2021