Research

  • Transparency check-in: streaming at the Statehouse (2023)

    With the 2023 regular legislative session concluded, now is a great time to follow up on transparency efforts made by the General Assembly to livestream their committee meetings, an initiative we began last summer.
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    July 19, 2023

  • 2024 a critical year as judicial reform gains steam

    A reform effort to tackle one of South Carolina’s most urgent issues is gaining major steam.   On Monday, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson hosted a public discussion in Charleston with more than 30 state legislators to discuss judicial reform, urging members to address longstanding problems with how South Carolina...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    July 14, 2023

  • South Carolina needs more freedom, study shows

    Update 7/3/24: WalletHub's 2024 edition of "Most & Least Independent States" shows South Carolina making progress in two key areas compared to last year. The state's government independence ranking improved from 43rd in 2023 to 39th in 2024, moving ahead of four states. Additionally, South Carolina made a significant leap...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    June 30, 2023

  • Fast facts: Why SC needs speedy tax relief

    With the passage of South Carolina’s FY23-24 budget – which grows state government considerably and totals $41 billion in combined funds and $13.7 billion in state funds – it's time for a serious discussion on spending, tax reform, and keeping our state on the right track. 
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    June 23, 2023

  • Here's what’s in SC’s next budget (and how it can be better)

    Update 6.23.23: The conference committee's budget document on the Statehouse website appears underrepresent the total "other funds" budget figure. Using figures from the state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, the overall budget is approximately $41 billion.  After weeks of negotiations among House and Senate leaders, the General Assembly on Wednesday passed a...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    June 17, 2023

  • Statehouse Update June 7-9

    Despite the regular session ending last month, legislative business has carried on into the summer as the budget, outstanding bills, and vetoes from the governor draw lawmakers back to Columbia. Here are this week's major highlights.  
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    June 09, 2023

  • Statehouse Update May 23-25

    South Carolina continued its extended legislative session this week, with lawmakers passing a bill to ban abortion around the six-week mark, with certain exceptions. However, the Legislature still hasn’t passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, meaning it will need to return yet again to Columbia in the coming...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    May 26, 2023

  • Cleaning up Columbia: How to fix South Carolina's broken campaign finance and ethics system

    Read the print digital version HERE. By Dallas Woodhouse and Bryce Fiedler When it comes to campaign donations, government ethics and pay-to-play politics, South Carolina has a shockingly corrupt and unaccountable system. Citizens can’t find out who is giving political money and why. Donations of all kinds are secret. Campaign...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    May 18, 2023

  • Statehouse Update May 16-18

    Despite the regular legislative session having concluded last week, the General Assembly failed to pass the a state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition, the General Assembly did not pass a sine die resolution, which normally governs when the Legislature can return and what issues it can take...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    May 16, 2023

  • 2023 session review: SCPC helps achieve major policy victories

    South Carolina is in a much stronger position than it was just a few months ago, thanks to key policy victories supported by SCPC’s research. With the regular legislative session now finished, it’s a great time to look back on some of these achievements. Each are part of the reforms...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    May 13, 2023