December 30, 2009

A Look Back, a Look Ahead

It's been a tough year for the nation, and a tough year for South Carolina. If anything, desperate times have generated even more shortsighted policy decisions, greater intrusions on our personal freedoms, and much bigger government. Over the past year, the Policy Council, with the support of our members, has dramatically increased our scrutiny of policies and politicians, educated citizens and lawmakers with solid policy analysis, and offered our state a roadmap back to prosperity through Unleashing Capitalism.

The coming year will demand even more innovation and vigilance if we are to turn the tide of tax-and-spend government that threatens to prolong economic recovery, compromise our personal freedom, and continue to concentrate power in the hands of politicians.

In the meantime, we end 2009 with our final three Best & Worst legislative and policy reviews: small business, property rights, and elections.

The Best & Worst to Come in 2010: A Review of Independent Business, Property Rights and Elections Legislation

 
Independent businesses will revive South Carolina's struggling economy and create real prosperity. The General Assembly is considering some ideas that will help independent business like eliminating regulations, loosening licensing requirements and lowering taxes for all businesses.

Several bad ideas for independent business are being considered such as raising the minimum wage and passing more targeted tax credits. It is critical that the General Assembly allow small businesses to compete freely and allow the marketplace to pick winners and losers.     


Property Rights are an essential element to a free and prosperous society and a vibrant economy. The General Assembly is considering some property rights ideas that would strengthen these rights, such as reforming the state's ability to seize private property under eminent domain. Protecting property rights is essential to people's incentive to work, save, and be productive participants in the economy.  


Elections bills, both good and bad, are being considered by the General Assembly is 2010. Good ideas include increasing campaign transparency and lifting campaign contribution limits. Among the bad ideas: using tax dollars to fund political campaigns.

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