At Palmetto Promise Institute, we are proud to advance policies that support a free market economy in South Carolina. The term “free market” is frequently used, yet often misinterpreted as a free-for-all economic melee without a governmental role. It is essential to clarify this. In a theoretical model of pure free markets (see your Econ
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in South Carolina. As of 2024, there were 507,620 small businesses (defined as firms with fewer than 500 employees), making up 99.4% of businesses in the Palmetto State. Because of this outsized role in our quality of life, the government should be very reluctant to interfere with
Does the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have the power to regulate emerging nuclear technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? That is the question being posed in a new lawsuit brought against the NRC by several nuclear technology companies in cooperation with the states of Texas, Utah, Louisiana, and Florida, as well as the Arizona
The University of South Carolina System is taking a leadership role—alongside public higher education systems in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas—in creating a new accrediting agency focused on public institutions. This first-of-its-kind collaboration, known as the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), aims to strengthen academic excellence, prioritize student outcomes, and streamline accreditation
If you’ve been around South Carolina for any length of time, you’ve heard the grumbling about our state roads. The subject of many jokes and complaints about the state over the years, there seems to be a common belief that the Palmetto State is among the worst in the nation for roads and other infrastructure.
COLUMBIA, SC – Palmetto Promise Institute was named the winner of the State Policy Network’s top honor, the Bob Williams Award for Policy Achievement – Biggest Win for Freedom, in recognition of the work Palmetto Promise has done to restore South Carolina’s school choice program and protect children’s futures. In September 2024, the South Carolina
You may have seen this map going around social media lately. It visualizes data from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 (January to March), tracking the Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of each state. If you look closer, you can see the Southeast leading the nation with
University institutes may not always grab headlines, but their impact can be felt far beyond campus. These organizations bring together students, faculty, and community members to explore big ideas, host thought-provoking events, and sometimes even shape public policy. While you might be familiar with popular centers focused on athletics, history, business, or health sciences, South
South Carolina is one step closer to citizens in every school district having easy, online access to the meetings of their local school boards. During its August 5, 2025, meeting, the South Carolina State Board of Education passed new model policy language for local school boards to use in crafting their own policies regarding live-streaming
On November 3, 2026, South Carolina will hold its next gubernatorial General election. In other words, a new individual will be selected as the Palmetto State’s 119th governor next year. And the race is already making the headlines, over a year out! Governor Henry McMaster, the incumbent, will not be able to run again due
