Youth Activists Take to the Streets in South Carolina, Demand Tax Repeal

American Action Fund activists took to the streets in Greenville, South Carolina, this past week to bring awareness to the fact that South Carolina has the highest income tax rate in the Southeast and to encourage folks to contact their elected officials.

South Carolina State Representative and Hazlitt Coalition member Jordan Pace introduced House Bill 3125 to totally repeal the South Carolina income tax.

Unfortunately, Rep. Bruce Bannister, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, seems committed to protecting this lucrative revenue stream, leaching from the fruits of South Carolina citizens’ labor. 

Last year, Bannister refused to hold a hearing on the income tax repeal bill, and he shows no signs of changing course this year. 

That is why youth activists scattered across House District 24, exposing Bannister’s pro-tax position and mobilizing his constituents to join the fight to eliminate the income tax in South Carolina. 

AAF activists engaged with more than 800 households, with South Carolinians being very receptive at the door. One couple was inspired to see young people taking on the establishment and making a difference in their own community. Others were upset to see Rep. Bannister’s inaction and refusal to eliminate the income tax. Many were willing to reach out to Bannister individually to let their voices be heard.

Other southeastern states like Florida and Tennessee thrive without an income tax at all. 

The principle behind this is simple. Governments tax things like alcohol and tobacco, labeling them “sin taxes” and hoping the extra costs deters potential users. 

When the government taxes income, it disincentivizes hard work. Citizens are discouraged to see such a large portion of their labor financing the wasteful pork projects of lawmakers in Columbia. 

In fact, while politicians in both parties in South Carolina refuse to cut taxes, they continue voting for bloated state budgets that fund absurd pork projects, including creating gummy bear statues and financing erotica art. 

South Carolinians are tired of the waste, and they are tired of their money being ripped from their wallets to pay for it. 

American Action Fund will NOT stop advocating for fiscal responsibility and small government in South Carolina and across the country!