South Carolina Policy Council

10/15/2026

South Carolina ranks 6th nationally in defending against federal overreach.

In 2023 S.C. was ranked 3rd.

Read more on the state’s strengths and areas to improve federalism ⬇️

The State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism recently published its 2026 Federalism Scorecard, ranking states based on their ability to protect state decision-making from federal agency overreach. South Carolina ranked sixth nationally, down one spot from fifth in 2025, two spots fro...

10/14/2026

‼️ BREAKING: Governor McMaster has announced he will NOT remove the Charleston County school board member for misconduct

10/13/2026

The new Federal Education Tax Credit allows citizens, not the government, to build institutions that fund students in their educational programs of choice.

There are three main groups that bear responsibility for implementation of the program. Read more ⬇️

Alexis DeTocqueville spoke of America as a nation of builders and innovators, a people who, rather than turning to government, work together to solve problems. In Volume II, Part II, Chapter 5 of Democracy in America he said:

10/08/2026

For the first time, a sitting school board member faces removal by the Governor of South Carolina.

Read more about what happened in the removal hearing, why the process is unprecedented, and SCPC's recommendations for improved removal hearings.

On Monday, September 28, three panelists selected by Governor McMaster held a first of its kind hearing to give Charleston County School District Trustee Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson the ability to refute allegations of misconduct. This was the first hearing of its type to take place, as a 2022 law aut...

10/07/2026

Today's S.C. Senate's tax reform subcommittee has begun!

It's great to see that legislators are discussing how to develop a responsible budget (population growth + inflation).

South Carolina's spending has grown at twice the rate of population + inflation!

SCPC will continue to champion a Responsible Budget and we are glad to see our legislators using the same rhetoric.

10/02/2026

Sam Aaron, Research Director for the South Carolina Policy Council, said the race for governor will determine the state’s future direction.

“It’s very important to vote,” Aaron said.

“This is going to determine the direction of the state going forward, and I would encourage everybody to refresh up on the candidates and figure out who aligns with what they support.”

WMBF News

10/01/2026

It's time to eliminate earmarks to unaccountable nonprofits.

South Carolinians are strapped for cash while earmark recipients abandon promises and close off facilities to the public.

Claw back the money.

Additionally, there needs to be a transparent process for lawmaker-requested earmarks that both House and Senate members participate in.

SCPC has long advocated for legislation that would bring thorough public scrutiny to “community projects”.

09/30/2026

The S.C. Supreme Court should clarify Rule 5.4 to ban outside investment in law firms.

Investors care about one thing: their bottom line.

Lawyers are supposed to focus on representing their client to the exclusion of other considerations.

If external party investors are allowed to run law firms, we would see increased litigation, heightened verdicts, and ultimately upward pressure on insurance rates.

Read SCPC's public comment on Rule 5.4 ⬇️

09/29/2026

Our team enjoyed meeting with the Kershaw County Republican Women's Club last night! We discussed the Policy Council's history, purpose and current policy issues including data centers, tax reform, and tort reform.

If you'd like for a member of our team to come speak to your group, you can message our page or reach out at [email protected].

09/22/2026

Civil asset forfeiture law in South Carolina ensures you are guilty until proven innocent.

Your Constitutional right to due process does not apply to civil asset forfeiture.

Law enforcement agencies are incentivized to seize property, as they are awarded the majority of the proceeds.

The property value of seized assets is often less than the cost of litigation, so victims of government theft often give up.

Read more from our latest report ⬇️

“The privileges and immunities of citizens of this State and of the United States under this Constitution shall not be abridged, nor shall any person be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.” – Articl...