Legislative Priorities

Lowcountry Voices Shape the Statewide Agenda

When SC Manufacturers and Commerce brought its Voice & Vision Tour to the Lowcountry, our four area chambers, along with community and business leaders from across the region, came ready to talk. Will Frierson, Vice President of Government Affairs, put a series of questions to the room to help shape the organization's state-level advocacy, and the answers painted a clear and consistent picture: workforce is at the center of everything.

The big picture. Asked to name the state's top priority, attendees answered overwhelmingly: workforce. Finding qualified workers was also the challenge most increasingly affecting their businesses. Where does South Carolina fall short? Most pointed to infrastructure and energy. On direction, the room was cautiously optimistic, with the majority saying the state is "somewhat" headed the right way, though most felt South Carolina is somewhat less competitive than its southeastern neighbors.

Economic development and taxes. Most respondents see economic development incentives as essential tools for transformational projects. On tax modernization, reform of the individual income tax rose to the top, and the room favored continuing the current gradual reduction rather than cutting it all at once.

Legal climate. A fair legal climate was rated extremely important by an overwhelming margin. Most attendees believe that in cases involving multiple parties, each should pay only for its own share of fault or damages, and a majority supported banning outside investors from financing lawsuits.

Regional needs. When asked to rank the greatest needs and impact for our region, attendees placed affordable housing first, followed by affordable and accessible childcare, transportation access, adult workforce training and upskilling, and apprenticeships and work-based learning. Their top three infrastructure priorities were roads and bridges, energy, and water and sewer.

Policy priorities. Workforce and education policies tied with strategic economic development as the most impactful for local businesses. And if the upcoming legislative session could deliver just one major win, the majority said it should be addressing workforce barriers and aligning education with industry needs.

What it means for us. The message from the Lowcountry is unmistakable: our businesses can't grow without the people, housing, childcare, and infrastructure to support them. These priorities align closely with the work your Chamber is already doing, and we'll carry these voices with us into the coming legislative session.