SC FairTax Launched with 63 Co-Sponsors
Representative Bill Taylor, R-Aiken
It was a gloomy day in Columbia, SC, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of FairTax supporters from across the state who came to witness the official launch of the South Carolina FairTax Act (H3993) in the State House of Representatives.
Speaking to the media at a 2pm press conference were House Representative Bill Taylor (R-86), Senator Larry Grooms (R-37), and John Steinberger of SCFairTax.org, the grassroots organization that has been building support for this bill.
Freshman Representative Taylor, who defeated his incumbent opponent with outspoken support for the FairTax, was the first to make statements.
Surprising many, he announced that 63 cosponsors had already signed on to the bill, the most of any bill so far this session, and already a majority of the 124 member House. Included amongst the co-sponsorships was House Speaker Bobby Harrell (R-114).
“Most importantly, this is a jobs bill,” he said. “Economic development people around the state have told me that if we can enact the SC FairTax Act, we can be a magnet for creating businesses and drawing businesses to SC. That creates jobs we sorely need.”
Speaking next was Senator Grooms, one of 11 Senators currently signed on to the Senate version of the same bill.
“If we want to grow our economy, if we want to create jobs in SC, it’s ludicrous to tax the very thing you work hard for…income. You should not be taxing income. That is wrong! We’re going to make sure we deliver freedom and opportunity for people to make money in SC. We’re going to grow our economy and the only way we’re going to do this successfully is to become the first state to pass the FairTax.”
Grooms continued, “…you either work for the tax payers or the tax spenders. Too many people in Columbia work for the tax spenders. No longer.”
Grooms also voiced support for individual resolutions to be passed at the county level by members of the Republican Party. He intends for support of the FairTax to be a part of the official Republican platform.
John Steinberger of Charleston began his remarks by indicating that, “Whatever ails the SC economy, the FairTax is the cure”!
“There are nine states without a personal income tax. That’s where the job creators are going. That’s where the opportunities are. That’s where the wealthy retirees are relocating. We want them to come here. We want them to add to the SC economy. I guarantee you, when you unleash the consumers, when you allow SC consumers to keep 7% more of their paycheck, they will support local businesses, and they will be in a position to expand and hire. It’s going to be a new day in SC with the SC FairTax Act.”
When asked what makes passage of the SC FairTax possible this year, Steinberger declared, “South Carolina has had 10% unemployment for every month of the last two years. We’re at the breaking point right now. People want an environment where jobs can be created and this is the vehicle to make that happen.”
The South Carolina FairTax Act eliminates the 7 percent state personal income tax and the 5 percent state corporate income tax and fully funds the state government General Fund with a 6 percent sales tax on all new goods and services. It replaces the current sales and use tax, which is riddled with nearly 300 exemptions. Research by economists Art Laffer and Stephen Moore indicates that the nine states without a personal income tax have an advantage over their counterparts in job creation and personal income growth.
For more information visit SCFairTax.org.
Edit: At the time of this posting, support for the SC FairTax Act has grown to 66 cosponsors.
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[…] Originally posted at PunditHouse.com by Christian Hine. Video of the press conference is posted there. […]
What’s the situation in the senate? Looks like a done deal in the house and the Gov. will sign, so that leaves the senate vote. Has anyone studied how retailers will be impacted near the border regions with other states like NC & GA?
@ Kim – with a 6% base sales tax rate, the South Carolina FairTax Act will be border neutral. As for the State Senate, we have a lot of work to do. We currently have 12 sponsors and need another 16 to get the super-majority needed for passage. Please go to http://www.scfairtax.org/how-you-can-help to get the contact info for your State Senator!
Indeed John. As a resident of Fort Mill, but a frequent (daily) visitor to Charlotte, I already try to shop in SC when I need something. The gas tax is already significantly lower and in Mecklenburg the sales tax is 8.25%. Instituting an across the board 6% sales tax in SC will still mean it is less expensive to keep my dollars in SC. One exception will be on groceries, but with gas prices at $3.5 a gallon, I’m not going to drive to Charlotte and spend a couple bucks on gas just to save a couple bucks at the cash register. I live across the street from Food Lion, and they will retain my business.
FairTax now!
Great news!! Thanks to all who have worked so very hard for years to get the amazing concept of this finally into enough minds and hearts to get to this place!!! we will be doing whatever we can to help get the word out!!! Bless you!!!
Thanks Chris! Make sure you sign up with scfairtax.org, and make a contribution if you are able to. The special interest groups are all going to work hard to carve out their exemptions and our side will need the resources to fight back!
This is the most important piece of legislation to come before the General Assembly in decades. The governor and the House get it. The Senate badly needs to get it. This is not the time to play petty, mindless politics. The F/T needs no more study. It’s done. It’s an incredible tool for returning power and control to the people of SC. Once it is passed here, it will serve as an igniter for the FairTax at the National level and that is what the doctor ordered.
[…] Christian Hine at PunditHouse reports on yesterday’s official launch of the South Carolina FairTax Act (H3993) in the State House of Representatives. Freshman Representative Taylor, who defeated his incumbent opponent with outspoken support for the FairTax, was the first to make statements. […]
[…] Read More […]