Empowering SC: five years and counting

Five years ago, a small group of South Carolina entrepreneurs, philanthropists and policy-leaders came together around a shared vision of a free and flourishing South Carolina that fully realizes its incredible promise.

Palmetto Promise Institute is the catalyst that is making their vision reality.

Our “founding fathers” recognized that supporting good candidates for office was important. But it was only half the battle. When elected officials arrive in Columbia, they are greeted by an “iron triangle” of bureaucrats, corporate interests and status quo thinkers: the proverbial swamp.

So, much like America’s Founding Fathers, they put their personal resources – both time and financial – on the line to create an independent, data-driven “solution-center” to combat the inertia of business-as-usual. Their dream: to empower busy lawmakers and concerned citizens alike with the action-ready information they needed to create a happier, healthier, more prosperous South Carolina.

I’m proud to report to you that in our short history, this is exactly what Palmetto Promise Institute has done. Since 2013, we have worked with South Carolina leaders and citizens to:

• Defend education freedom for students, parents and teachers by stopping Common Core.
• Expand education opportunity through programs like Exceptional SC, South Carolina’s tax education tax credit program that serves children with special needs.
• Refocus resources and attention on literacy through “Read to Succeed,” South Carolina’s evidence-based reading program, modeled on Florida’s success.
• Empower patients to access affordable healthcare through new laws like “Right to Try” and “Volunteer Care.”

Every day, we are bringing the best ideas from around South Carolina – and the nation – to the public policy challenges that face our state. But our work is no abstract exercise.

Senator Tim Scott said it well: “The passion of Palmetto Promise Institute is a passion for people. They understand that the reason we work in policy is to change people’s lives.”

Our work is far from done.

As we cast a vision for Palmetto Promise Institute’s NEXT five years, we are renewing our commitment to our founding ideals with the launch of The South Carolina Freedom Agenda, based on education, tax, energy, and healthcare freedom.

These ideas won’t happen by themselves.

To help us celebrate our anniversary, a generous supporter has offered to match all contributions up to $2,500. Help us reach $5,000 to commemorate our five years!

Will you join our cause with a contribution today?

With your help, we will fight as never before to redeem the promise of freedom that is our birthright as South Carolinians. Join our South Carolina freedom movement today!

Together for South Carolina’s Future,

Ellen Weaver
Founding President

P.S. – At Palmetto Promise Institute, we believe in the limitless promise of a free and flourishing South Carolina. If you agree…please make a tax-deductible donation safely and securely here: https://palmettopromise.org/donate/. All contributions made in February will be matched due to a generous offer from one of our supporters, effectively doubling the impact of your gift.