Because of regular tracking by professional monitors of state spending, both in government and in the media, the impact of COVID-19 on public education budgets is coming into focus. It is now clear that even with federal support, states and school districts will be scrambling to meet current emergency needs while also preparing for anticipated

This op-ed was written by Palmetto Promise Senior Fellow Dr. Oran Smith and was published in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.  Because I registered my opinion way back in 1994, surely I was among the first to call for the state to sell Santee Cooper and get out of the utility business. But that said, my opinion

Businesses in South Carolina are slowly reopening, but optimism about a post-Great Suppression economic revival is being dampened by businesses afraid of being sued into bankruptcy should someone get sick and “dial all 9’s” (or some other trial lawyer of choice). Although South Carolina’s businesses have been fighting for years to reform the tort system,

PPI Senior Fellow Oran Smith was interviewed by WIS News 10 regarding the potential for a full repeal of CON laws in light of COVID-19 and action taken by Governor McMaster. PPI Visiting Fellow Dr. Marcelo Hochman was also interviewed. This article, and accompanying video, originally appeared on WIS News 10. Written by Jason Raven.  Dr.

On Monday, South Carolina honored those who gave their lives fighting for our country’s freedom. On Tuesday, with the signature of Governor McMaster, South Carolina acted in support of those who fight for our freedom today. S.455, now permanent law, cuts occupational licensing red tape, allowing spouses of our military to get to work as

As South Carolina budget writers continue to warily watch COVID-19’s impact on state revenue projections, what better time to take a look at how South Carolina generates tax revenue. Tax economists generally advocate for a “3-legged” stool of taxation, a balanced combination of income, consumption (sales), and property taxes, to create revenue stability across the

As South Carolina deliberates over an array of options for how and when to get students physically back in school without further loss of academic progress, we have solid examples from other states and other countries on ways to open schools safely. South Carolina’s AccelerateEd task force has floated the possibility of opening schools as

Palmetto Promise Institute joined the Federation for Government Accountability (FGA) and other partner organizations in asking lawmakers on Capitol Hill to block the so-called “maintenance of effort” (MOE) provision in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This provision would cause irreparable harm to state budgets. You can read the letter below.  May 21, 2020 The

A new rule change by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), the private organization that oversees athletics in the Palmetto State, will be devastating for a specific group of student athletes. Who are the athletes being targeted by this action? Answer: Any player who transfers to or from a public charter school or private

Palmetto Promise Institute signed onto a letter, joining 15 other organizations, calling on lawmakers to support the “Getting Americans Back to Work Act”, limiting federal unemployment benefits to the applicant’s last paycheck. This bill will help restart the American economy.  May 18, 2020 United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative, We, the