As a state, complacency with mediocrity won’t bring more businesses or faster economic growth to a state where private employment growth rates have been surpassed by nearby and neighboring states. South Carolina’s economic performance isn’t terrible, but we certainly aren’t booming either. Policy decisions and government regulation should be analyzed and examined thoroughly to see what can be done to ensure future prosperity.

South Carolina residents receive back more federal funding per dollar of federal taxes paid than the national average. In 2005, South Carolinians received $1.35 in federal pending for every dollar paid; ranking them 16th highest in the nation at the time. So it makes sense for us to focus on the costs of state and local government here in the Palmetto State.

As South Carolinians, we should ask these important questions:

• How can we as a state avoid economic stagnation and continue to encourage prosperity?
• How can workings within state government be improved, and the size and scope reduced to further the state’s success?
• How can we remain competitive and bring prosperity to our citizens?

To find out the answers to these questions and more, click here to read Keeping South Carolina Competitive: Prosperity in the Palmetto State.