Taxes and Spending

  • S.C. Senate moves to expand property tax homestead exemption

    As home value assessments rise, South Carolina residents 65 and older are increasingly calling for property tax relief. 
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    February 19, 2026

  • S.C. House advances small business tax proposal

    South Carolina lawmakers are continuing to look for ways to make the state a more supportive place for small businesses, including proposals that would lower taxes and reduce paperwork.  
    Cameron Rumpp

    Written by
    February 18, 2026

  • Big spending, bigger choices for South Carolina

    South Carolina lawmakers are once again facing an important choice. As budget subcommittees meet through early February and the Senate prepares to debate income tax reform on the floor, the state must decide whether strong revenue growth will be used to expand government or to deliver lasting tax relief.
    Vance Ginn Ph.D.

    Written by
    February 09, 2026

  • Hollywood handouts: Why giveaways harm South Carolina

    South Carolina is in the process of making the state a more competitive and attractive business environment across all industries, including the consideration of tax cuts for residents.  
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    January 23, 2026

  • FY 27: Another year of big state spending?

    On Monday, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster released his proposed state spending plan for fiscal year 2027, which starts July 1. 
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    January 16, 2026

  • Where Does South Carolina Rank in Economic Freedom?

    South Carolina ranks 21st nationally with an overall score of 6.84 in the Economic Freedom of North America (EFNA) report published by the Fraser Institute. People have more economic freedom when they are allowed to make more of their own economic choices. Based on 2023 data, the ranking places the...
    Vance Ginn Ph.D.

    Written by
    January 16, 2026

  • The 2027 South Carolina Responsible Budget

    A Pro-Growth Framework for Responsible Spending, Surplus-Driven Tax Relief, and Long-Term Prosperity By Vance Ginn, PhD., and Sam Aaron   Introduction South Carolina enters Fiscal Year 2027 with strong economic momentum but growing fiscal risk. Payroll employment expanded by 3.1 percent year over year, while the unemployment rate edged up...
    Vance Ginn PhD. and Sam Aaron

    Written by
    November 12, 2025

  • Where SC’s gubernatorial candidates stand on judicial reform, taxes, and spending

    Recently, the South Carolina Policy Council sat down with several of the state’s gubernatorial candidates for in-depth policy discussions. While SCPC does not endorse candidates, we extended an invitation to all who have formally declared their candidacy.  Over the past several election cycles, one thing has become clear: Long-form, open...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    October 25, 2025

  • South Carolina's roads: Spending, quality, and safety in question

    South Carolina has long struggled to maintain adequate roads, and citizens are well aware of the issue. In 2017, public frustration over poor road conditions pushed the Legislature to approve the first gas-tax increase in 30 years. The revenue was intended to improve infrastructure and bring South Carolina’s road quality...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    October 03, 2025

  • South Carolina must learn from Kansas’ tax reform failures

    For years, critics have pointed to Kansas as a failed tax experiment—“cut taxes and calamity follows.” That’s a myth. The real problem wasn’t the tax cuts; it was the refusal to restrain spending. Kansas lowered income-tax rates in 2012 but let government outlays surge. By 2017, deficits ballooned, and lawmakers...
    Vance Ginn Ph.D.

    Written by
    September 25, 2025