First Annual VisionSC Summit Agenda

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
11:30 AM – Registration and Check-in
(lunch on your own)

1:30 PM – Opening Welcome
Mike Brenan
President, BB&T of South Carolina
Board of Directors, Palmetto Policy Forum
Columbia, SC

The Honorable Alan Wilson
Attorney General of the State of South Carolina
Columbia, SC

Ellen Weaver
President, Palmetto Policy Forum
Columbia, SC

1:45 PM – A Vision for Freedom: Revisiting the Wisdom of the Founders
What makes a conservative policy “conservative” and more importantly, why does it even matter? We know what we are against, but what principles we are for? In this panel, we’ll hear from leading voices of liberty on why “We Still Hold These Truths” and how states are leading the way to reclaim the Founders’ vision.

Dr. Matthew Spalding
Associate Vice President and Dean of Educational Programs
Allan P. Kirby Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship
Hillsdale College
Washington, DC

Matt Mayer
President, Opportunity Ohio
Chief Operating Officer, The Liberty Foundation
Dublin, Ohio

Moderated by Dr. Oran P. Smith
Senior Fellow, Palmetto Policy Forum
Columbia, SC

3:15 PM – Break

3:30 PM – A Vision for Health Care: Competing for the Soul of 21st Century Medicine
The future of freedom rests on the outcome of the American healthcare debate. The Affordable Care Act not only alters the relationship between patients and their physicians, but fundamentally undermines the constitutional balance between We the People and Washington. And if states fall into the Medicaid expansion trap, it spells the end of our federalist system of governance. Drawing on more than a decade of study, Dr. Gray explores the deeper meaning of the healthcare debate and how we can strategically communicate what’s at stake to engage a broad coalition of support. He then lays out a vision of healthcare reform to help lead our nation back to freedom.

Dr. Clare Gray
Physician & Ethicist
Founder, Physicians for Reform
Hickory, NC

4:45 PM – Adjourn

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
8:15 AM – A Vision for Medicaid Reform: Promoting Health & Fiscal Freedom
How can states reclaim ground and reform programs that the federal government has allowed to spiral out of control? You won’t want to miss this session full of actual stories from the field on state and national trends to rescue state budgets and secure better health outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens.

Tony Keck
Director, SC Department of Health & Human Services
Columbia, SC

Christie Herrera
Vice President for Policy, Foundation for Government Accountability
Naples, FL

Moderated by Dr. Clare Gray
Physician & Ethicist
Founder, Physicians for Reform
Hickory, NC

9:45 AM – Break

10:00 AM – A Vision for Education: Ideas that Empower & Transform
A bi-partisan wave of state-led education innovation is sweeping the nation. Courageous leaders are breaking down barriers and finding new ways to empower parents in every zip code with high-quality options customized to the individual needs of their child. Hear more about this exciting national drive to equip every student with the essential skills to succeed in school and in life.

Jonathan Butcher
Education Director, Goldwater Institute
Phoenix, AZ

Shree’ Medlock
National Advocacy Director, Black Alliance for Educational Options
Washington, DC

Moderated by Mike Brenan
President, BB&T of South Carolina
Board of Directors, Palmetto Policy Forum
Columbia, SC

11:30 AM – Break / Hotel Checkout

12:00 PM – Turning Poverty into Success Through Education and Economic Freedom
United States Senator Tim Scott
Charleston, SC

2:00 PM – Adjourn