On February 10, 2026, I was fortunate enough to testify before the House K-12 Subcommittee on South Carolina Representative Pedalino’s H.5073, which would prohibit schools and school districts from adopting grade floor policies and ensure that students’ grades are based purely on their academic performance. The below article, originally posted in the South Carolina Daily
This op-ed, written by Ryan Dellinger and originally published in The Post and Courier, addresses some common concerns arising regarding South Carolina’s pending open enrollment rules – rules that would permit public school students to transfer to a new school across district lines. Columbia, S.C. (The Post and Courier) – Last year, the S.C. Legislature
This article, originally published in the Post and Courier, cites Dr. Oran Smith’s testimony during a recent hearing on Senator Greg Hembree’s S.692, which would eliminate “Option 4” homeschooling from South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program. Columbia, S.C. (The Post and Courier) – A panel of state senators sharply questioned how South Carolina
In 2023, South Carolina took a decisive leap in ensuring quality and affordable care for patients through the repeal of the South Carolina CON (Certificate of Need) statute. These laws required government permission slips to start or expand the services of a healthcare business. While the repeal of CON was an important step in the
On Wednesday of this week, Governor Henry McMaster gave his final State of the State Address before a joint assembly of the Senate and House of Representatives. His speech was full of rich South Carolina history, policy priorities, and—most importantly—hope. He outlined a pathway for freedom and prosperity that is well within our grasp; a
Palmetto Promise Director of Education Policy Ryan Dellinger is quoted in the below article, originally published in The Post and Courier. Columbia, S.C. (The Post and Courier) – Gov. Henry McMaster has opted South Carolina into the federal tax credit scholarship program passed by Congress last year, his spokesman confirmed. That unsurprising decision means some families
The below article, originally published in FITSNews, highlights a recently-released Palmetto Promise poll measuring conservative voter attitudes toward lawsuit reform and the 2026 gubernatorial race. Specifically, this article explores lawsuit reform in South Carolina – a previous article explores the gubernatorial race results. Columbia, S.C. (FITSNews) – Last week, we spoke with leaders of South Carolina’s
The below article, originally published in FITSNews, highlights a recently-released Palmetto Promise poll that highlights conservative voter attitudes toward lawsuit reform and the 2026 gubernatorial race. Columbia, S.C. (FITSNews) – A flurry of surveys has been released this month in the race for governor of South Carolina – polls from campaigns, polls from consultants purportedly
Palmetto Promise President and CEO Wendy Damron is quoted in this article, originally published in Forbes by Kerry McDonald. Kerry’s research interests include homeschooling and alternatives to school, education entrepreneurship, parent empowerment, school choice, and family and child policy. FORBES – At Carolina Kids Co-Op, school is out—outside, that is. At its flagship location in
