Gov. Sanford Praises House for Passing Income Tax Relief

GOVERNOR PRAISES SPEAKER WILKINS, CHAIRMAN HARRELL, MAJORITY LEADER QUINN AND FELLOW TAX CUTTERS

Columbia, S.C. - March 17, 2004 - Governor Mark Sanford today praised the South Carolina House of Representatives for overwhelmingly passing a proposal that would lower South Carolina's income tax from 7% to 4.75% over the next ten years. The joint proposal passed on second reading by a vote of 86-24.

"We've taken a huge step forward in helping realize our shared goal of creating jobs, attracting capital investment and raising income levels here in South Carolina," Gov. Sanford said. "This income tax relief plan is absolutely essential to our efforts to build a stronger business climate here in our state - one that will grow and expand the small businesses that form the backbone of our state's economy. I'd give particular credit to Speaker Wilkins and Chairman Bobby Harrell for their support of this proposal and especially for the leadership they showed in the House. They and so many others have been absolute statesmen throughout this process. I'd also like to personally thank every single member who cast their vote today in favor of keeping South Carolina home to a strong and competitive economy."