The S.C. Club for Growth urges all House and Senate members to support 2018 state budget items that would make state government less costly, more accountable, and focused on its core functions.

These items specifically include a study committee established for the purpose of valuing Santee Cooper. A recent study shows that Santee Cooper’s failed V.C. Summer reactor project already accounts for nearly 5 percent of ratepayers’ electric costs, but that number is expected to skyrocket to closer to 13 percent in a few years, costing customers hundreds more per year.

Further items include comprehensive state tax conformity to match the federal tax reforms passed recently. South Carolina’s state tax code remains stuck in the past – and neither 100% conformity nor non-conformity will help South Carolinians keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Legislators need to take a comprehensive approach to fixing the underlying issues with the state’s tax code.

Streamlining state government and making it work better have been a focus of the South Carolina Club for Growth since its founding. Votes related to this year’s state budget will be a part of the SC Club for Growth’s 2018 Scorecard.