We have already begun to see positive progress in the areas of tort reform and workers compensation reform; the recent DUI debate, however, proves that there is still much work to be done in reforming the General Assembly.
Our state tax system needs to be reformed, too. Our rates are too high, not only compared to other neighboring states, but compared to states around the nation. Our state income tax rate ranks among the top ten highest in the country, while our sales tax remains above the national average. We must relieve the tax burden on hard working South Carolinians and our state's businesses to produce greater job growth in high-skill, high-wage segments of our economy.
Our workers compensation system has been improved by the recent reform bill, but steps remain to be taken to improve the system, including adopting standards that will remove junk science from the courtroom. These important reforms will mean that more South Carolinians find the good jobs they are seeking, because companies of all sizes will be able to hire more people to expand their business.