Sanford to stump for tax relief in Greer

GREER -- Gov. Mark Sanford is visiting Greer today -- Tax Day -- to push for an expansion of his small business tax break just one day after the bill went into law.

Sanford will first stop in Aiken before heading to downtown Greer's oldest small business, Smith & James men's clothing store, to endorse income tax relief for all South Carolina residents.

Sanford on Thursday signed the bill, which cuts South Carolina's income tax rate from 7 percent to 5 percent for small businesses.

He even held onto his ceremonial pen in hopes that he'll use it again if the General Assembly expands income tax relief to include all South Carolina taxpayers.

"I'm taking this pen with me so I'll be ready," Sanford said.

"Hopefully, the taxpayers of South Carolina won't have to wait too long to get the same income tax relief we're giving small businesses."

Chip Bittner of Smith & James said Sanford's recognition of small businesses means a lot to him.

"It's businesses like this one that help build communities," said Bittner, who said Bernard Price opened Smith & James in 1916.

"It means a lot that lawmakers recognize us."

Greer City Administrator Ed Driggers said picking Smith & James is appropriate.

"It is small business that has seen feast and famine," he said.

"Times can get tough for small businesses and they weathered a downtown that has thrived and declined -- and they've stayed in there and helped it thrive again.

"That shows commitment."

Amanda Ridley can be reached at 877-3225, 574-5980 or

amanda.ridley@shj.com.

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