This article originally appeared in The Post & Courier. Patrick Kelly of the Palmetto State Teachers’ Association contended in a recent op-ed that the education scholarship account program proposed in H.3976 would not be accountable, affordable or accessible. While I echo his calls to equitably fund charter schools and expand intradistrict public options to offer school
This article originally appeared in The Greenville News. The First Amendment protects every American’s right to criticize government and join together with fellow citizens in support of a cause. Yet if Congress has its way, exercising these freedoms may soon come with a risk — and a price tag — most can’t afford. Under the so-called “For the
What a week in the South Carolina General Assembly! The most dramatic moment came on Wednesday, when Senator Wes Climer (R-York) took the well of the Senate, refusing to back down and leaving longtime defenders of a broken status quo with nowhere to go. The target of Climer’s ire? Antiquated state laws that kill competition
It is urgent that South Carolina addresses this anti-competitive, regulatory “wall” surrounding hospitals and allows the free market to work. As Senator Jackson said during the debate, “we could literally save lives.”
We are encouraged by this victory for common sense in South Carolina (and the many Mom and Pop businesses it protects). This Freedom Agenda legislative win is a much-needed step in the post-COVID recovery process for our Palmetto State economy.
Using analysis rather than backroom deals is the only way to achieve the best deal for ratepayers as they continue to bear the brunt of Santee Cooper’s $7 billion debt.
As Tax Day rolls around once again, Palmetto State residents are painfully reminded that—when compared to our Southeastern competitors—South Carolina currently takes home the trophy for "highest personal income tax rate"... a whopping 7%. Meanwhile, our neighboring states have been on the move to modernize their tax systems.
Action by a federal court would have the effect of restoring eligibility for federal COVID relief funds to students in denominationally-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other faith-based colleges, and religiously-affiliated K-12 independent schools.
We have willing buyers and the state needs cash due to the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s drive a hard bargain for SC taxpayers and turn Santee Cooper over to private enterprise.
No, South Carolina public schools are not underfunded, and no, it will not be a catastrophe for South Carolina to take a small but vital step forward to fund low-income students wherever they learn best, through the help of an Education Scholarship Account.
