Research

  • The disconnect between graduation rates and college readiness in South Carolina

    Increasing concerns about grade inflation have emerged in education, particularly regarding its impact on students’ preparedness for higher education and the workforce. While rising graduation rates may indicate academic success, they do not necessarily reflect an increase in college readiness. 
    Charles Ann MacDonald

    Written by
    March 21, 2025

  • Statehouse Update March 18-20

    Update 3/19/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Although much of this week is composed of Senate budget hearings, Senators may have a deal ready for joint and several liability reform. The Senate is also scheduled to hear the House's energy bill, along with...
    neil Wolin

    Written by
    March 18, 2025

  • Budget breakdown: The S.C. House's 2026 budget

    The South Carolina House has passed the FY 2026 budget with plenty of fireworks during debate. The proposed spending plan – which would be the largest in state history, taking effect on July 1 – puts billions of dollars on the line. With agencies seeking budget increases and new spending requests piling up, where are your taxpayer dollars going?  
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    March 14, 2025

  • Statehouse Update March 10-13

    Update 3/13/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The House kicked off the budget debate Monday, a process expected to stretch well into next week. Meanwhile, the Senate left tort reform discussions in limbo. Last Thursday, before adjourning, an amendment was introduced that...
    neil Wolin

    Written by
    March 10, 2025

  • Major tax cuts on the table: Will S.C. eliminate state income tax?

    Lawmakers have filed multiple bills this legislative session aimed at reducing or eliminating state income tax. Expediting a decrease in state income tax rates will position South Carolina to be economically competitive amidst significant population growth.   Rather than relying on corporate welfare to attract industry, South Carolina should utilize...
    neil Wolin

    Written by
    March 07, 2025

  • Statehouse Update March 4-6

    Update 3/06/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Liability legislation is set for debate on the Senate floor, along with a slew of other bills scheduled on the Senate calendar. Legislation allowing the governor to appoint the Director of Employment and Workforce is...
    neil Wolin

    Written by
    March 04, 2025

  • South Carolina House passes universal school choice bill

    On Thursday, the South Carolina House passed S.62, the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, by a vote of 80-32. The bill now returns to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to accept or reject the House amendments.  Last week, the House Education Committee made several key changes to the Senate’s...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    February 27, 2025

  • Statehouse Update February 25-27

    Update 2/27/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The House chamber is set to hear the newly amended school choice bill that designates the general fund as the funding source.  We await Senate floor debate on SC DOGE, elimination of the Comptroller General, and...
    neil Wolin

    Written by
    February 25, 2025

  • Analysis: South Carolina’s unfair civil liability system

    The civil liability system in South Carolina is placing an unfair burden on small and medium-sized businesses. This issue has been a focal point of legislative discussions for several years, though reform legislation died in the Senate in 2024. 
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    February 21, 2025

  • Statehouse Update February 18-20

    Update 2/20/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. It's a cold week in Columbia but the legislature is hot with bill movement! Final subcommittee amendments are due from members by Thursday for liability legislation. A new SC D.O.G.E. committee, automatic renewal for gun permits,...
    neil Wolin

    Written by
    February 18, 2025