Issue Position: Economy and Jobs

Issue Position

Being a small business owner, I understand the importance of growing businesses here in South Carolina. Our state must focus on attracting and maintaining small, medium, and large businesses that add value to our economy and quality of life. We need to be smart in our approach to economic development so that incentives given to businesses produce a "win" for taxpayers in the form of good, higher paying jobs, and contributions to the tax base by businesses.

We need to reduce state income tax rates. South Carolina's rates are higher than other states in our region. Some states in the southeast even have no state income tax. Reducing income tax rates will benefit taxpayers, boost our economy, incentivize people to relocate to SC, and attract business and industry.

South Carolina employers need qualified workers. Our colleges and tech schools must prepare a 21st century workforce to meet the needs of employers. Our higher education system must adapt to meet the needs of students and employers. The four-year college experience is likely to change dramatically in the coming years as the workforce changes and virtual and distance learning become more prevalent.

Our technical colleges will see dramatic changes as employers seek graduates with extensive hands-on skills and training. I led the effort in the House this month to pass a bill that would allow Greenville Tech to offer a four-year degree in applied manufacturing- the first, four-year degree to be offered by a South Carolina tech school.

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