ESA Bill in a Nutshell

Education
Blog · April 5, 2023

The following is the statement of Palmetto Promise Institute Senior Fellow Dr. Oran Smith before the House Education and Public Works Committee on the matter of S.39, the Education Scholarships Accounts Act. Update: S.39 was signed by Governor McMaster on May 4, 2023. The effective date of the bill, now Act 8, is June 3,

Six Weeks Left

Education
Blog · March 30, 2023

It is hard to believe that there are only six weeks left in the first session of the 125th South Carolina General Assembly. But it is looking like a promising first year for the Palmetto Freedom Agenda. Here are some highlights with links to a deeper dive: Stay tuned for a full tracking of Palmetto

It’s School Choice Spring!

Education
Blog · March 16, 2023

With a Certified Public Accountant now at the helm of Palmetto Promise Institute, it is time to step up our numbers game! So, are you ready for a bit of simple “Education policy math”? To build our equation, consider events this week at the South Carolina Statehouse… If my calculator is right, that means— Again,

Introducing Fiscal Facts 2023

Tax & Budget
Blog · March 2, 2023

Earlier this year, Palmetto Promise Institute published our Palmetto Freedom Agenda, 23 policies to make South Carolina an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Today I am pleased to deliver to you a “beta” edition of Fiscal Facts 2023: Data to Support the Palmetto Promise Freedom Agenda. This publication is chock-full

Palmetto Promise Institute Internship Program

Blog · March 1, 2023

This program is designed to provide young individuals with the opportunity to learn about state policy development and to gain hands-on experience working on policy research, legislative analysis, and communications. Palmetto Promise Institute is located adjacent to the University of South Carolina and just blocks from the South Carolina statehouse, providing an ideal setting for

Certificate of Need Hearing Fireworks

Healthcare
Blog · February 23, 2023

Palmetto Promise Institute’s Dr. Oran Smith testified this week before the South Carolina House Medical, Municipal and Military Committee on S.164, the repeal of the Certificate of Need (CON) statute. The following is taken from the testimony prepared for that hearing. The History of Certificate of Need (CON) The National Health Planning and Resource Development

Would an Education Scholarship Account law be found constitutional in South Carolina?

Education
Blog · February 9, 2023

With not one, but two education choice bills moving in South Carolina, it is time for some straight talk about the likelihood of education choice legislation being found unconstitutional if passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor McMaster. But in order to arrive at an answer to that fundamental question, we must first

2023-2024 Palmetto Freedom Agenda

Blog · January 27, 2023

Dear Friend, As the newly appointed President and CEO, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Wendy Damron. I moved down to the Charleston area from Michigan in 2013 with my husband, Jason, and our two children to escape the cold climate. We instantly fell in love with the people, the culture, and the beauty of South Carolina. I immediately saw so much potential here and