19. CONTROL Local Debt, Taxation, & Spending

South Carolina always takes a hit in the
annual Rich States, Poor States economic
outlook rankings because of local government
debt levels. The level of local spending
transparency (often through the posting
of online “checkbooks”) varies widely by
jurisdiction. This should be standardized
statewide as a true checkbook system.

The Palmetto State should also consider
a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) or Truth
in Taxation legislation (Tennessee, Kansas)
that prevents property tax bills from rising
automatically simply due to an increase in
property valuation.