MORNING HEADLINES | The state Senate on Tuesday voted to shelve legislation that sought to conform the state’s tax code to federal changes made under President Donald Trump’s coined “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bipartisan 27-16 vote effectively kills the bill for the year.
“We’re not going to be beholden to everything Congress does for our tax policy,” said Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield. “We’re going to set our own tax policy, and we’re going to have more people pay less as opposed to less people paying more, which will allow us to drastically drop income tax.”
Senate lawmakers rejected the measure amid concerns that conforming to federal tax law would interfere with long-term plans to eliminate South Carolina’s income tax.
Gov. Henry McMaster supported conformity, saying in a statement ahead of the vote that he believed lawmakers should conform and give residents additional tax relief through their 2025 returns.
Find lots of cool stuff to do around Charleston
Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
- Also sign up today to get relevant newsletters on art, music, food, fun events, statewide news and opinion.
In recent headlines
Lowcountry residents fighting back energy rate increase. Around 100 members of the public attended a public hearing for the South Carolina Public Service Commission Tuesday, arguing against Dominion Energy’s plans to increase the energy rate by 12%.
RiverDogs to open festive weekend at The Joe. Baseball returns to Riley Park on April 2 as the RiverDogs host the Myrtle Beach Pelicans for a three-game Opening Weekend series.
Two Charleston restaurants named James Beard Award finalists. Merci, a European-inspired bistro located at the corner of Pitt and Montagu streets and Weltons Tiny Bakeshop on King Street are earning national recognition as finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards, often considered the highest honors in the American culinary industry.
More Trident Tech students may qualify for LIFE Scholarship. Trident Technical College is expanding opportunities for students across the Lowcountry, highlighting financial aid options like the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship while working to make higher education more accessible.
S.C. sees no new measles cases as end of outbreak nears. There were no new measles cases in South Carolina in the latest update from the Department of Public Health on March 31, drawing the worst outbreak in decades toward an end.
Support independent journalism
Keep the City Paper strong with a winter gift. This holiday season, please consider donating $25 — or even $100 — to support free, independent journalism at the Charleston City Paper. Every donation helps keep alive a voice of freedom. Your help is appreciated.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.