Palmetto Promise Moderates Congressional District 1 Debate

Quality of Life
Blog · June 19, 2026

I recently joined Live 5 News to help moderate the runoff debate for Congressional District 1 between Mark Smith and Jenny Costa Honeycutt.  The candidates tackled a number of tough issues facing South Carolina and the United States, including housing affordability, the future of Social Security, parental rights, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

SC college degree programs under the microscope

Education
Blog · June 19, 2026

In this article, originally published in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, I discuss how South Carolina ensures that our higher education degree programs are delivering meaningful, high-quality education through regular program review by the Commission on Higher Education and the colleges themselves. Columbia, S.C. (SC Daily Gazette) – Suddenly, one of the most pressing issues

2026 Governor’s Runoff Debate Moderated by Palmetto Promise

Quality of Life
Blog · June 17, 2026

On Tuesday, June 16th, Palmetto Promise Senior Fellow Dr. Oran Smith served as a moderator for the first (and only!) gubernatorial runoff debate between Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.  Held on the campus of Coastal Carolina University, the debate allowed candidates the opportunity to comment on a wide variety of topics,

University presidential searches are growing more secretive despite disclosure laws

Education
Blog · June 8, 2026

In this article originally posted in the Post and Courier, Dr. Oran Smith  comments on legislation concerning the transparency of University president headhunting. By Anna B. Mitchell amitchell@postandcourier.com   CLEMSON — After decades of giving the public a chance to vet candidates for some of the state’s top positions in academia, South Carolina’s leading universities

Two Debates, a Broadcast and a Forum!

Blog · June 8, 2026

Over the next several weeks, Palmetto Promise Institute will have a part in four key public events all over the state of South Carolina. On Tuesday night June 9, Senior Fellow Dr. Oran Smith will serve as political analyst for election night team coverage on WORD radio in the Upstate. You can stream the show

How Jasper County could lead SC charter school funding change

Education
Blog · June 4, 2026

In this op-ed, originally published in The Post and Courier, I discuss the potential for groundbreaking statewide public charter school funding reform that hinges on a decision resting with the Jasper County Council.  They are currently considering giving some local funding to some of their charter schools, which could serve as an important test case

New South Carolina law bans grade floors to boost transparency in student performance

Education
Blog · May 29, 2026

I recently joined Stephen Biddix from WIS10 to discuss the passage of H.5073, which bans grade floors in traditional and public charter schools and reforms credit and content recovery programs.  Check out the story below, or head to the original story to watch my video interview! Columbia, S.C. (WIS10) – Parents across South Carolina could

Lowcountry education leaders weigh opinions of proposed grade floor ban

Education
Blog · May 20, 2026

I was fortunate enough to join ABC 4 News (Charleston) to offer some commentary on H.5073, Rep. Fawn Pedalino’s (R – Clarendon) ban on grade floors in public schools.  The bill has since been signed by Governor McMaster and will be in effect for the 2026-27 school year. COLUMBIA, S.C (WCIV) — South Carolina lawmakers have

Qualified to lead, barred from investing. The SEC’s accredited investor rule is costing South Carolina

Tax & Budget
Blog · April 15, 2026

In this OpEd originally published in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, Palmetto Promise CEO Wendy Damron and Investor Choice Advocates Network Founder and President, Nicolas Morgan discuss the strict regulations concerning investing in South Carolina and nationwide. Emily Kapszukiewicz has spent her career in health care — earning a master’s degree in applied economics and