Statehouse GOP to push tax cuts, school choice

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But many details of the plan were not available and some portions are similar to bills that died in the Senate earlier this year.

Members of the House Republican Caucus gathered on the Statehouse steps to pledge to pass the five-part plan within 90 days of returning to work in January. Details of the education and jobs proposals are still being worked out and leaders could only address broad concepts.

Gov. Mark Sanford appeared with the lawmakers to support their pledge. Most of the plan resembles Sanford's "Contract For Change," his five-point legislative plan.

Some parents said they approve some of the concepts announced Tuesday but want to see the details.

Harriet Cunningham of Greenville said she likes the idea of incentives for small business but has questions about the tax cuts and the school choice legislation. She said she doesn't favor granting tax credits to remove children from public schools.

"I just think it's a mistake to take money out of the public school system," she said. "I say make our existing public schools better."

The Rev. Tony Beam of Fountain Inn appeared at a hearing last year to speak on behalf of a bill which would have given parents tax credits for sending their children to private schools or for educating them at home. He said it sounds like the Republicans are "watering down" that idea.

"I think it would be a mistake for them to back up," he said.

Rep. James Smith, leader of the House Democrats, said the Republicans left important issues out of their pledge, including funding inequities in public education. But he said it is difficult to argue about a plan without details.

House Speaker David Wilkins of Greenville, who was re-elected Tuesday as the chief officer of the House, said all of the details will be worked out by the time lawmakers return next month.

"This is our new agenda based upon a decade-old pledge: that House Republicans would maximize South Carolina's potential by minimizing the size and scope of state government," he said.

The jobs plan would give more incentives to small business, Wilkins said, allowing firms that add five employees or more in a year to get a tax credit. That number now is 10, he said. Lawmakers also are considering tax credits for small-business investors and possible credits for health care benefits for new employees, he said.

Dean Jones, Greenville County workforce development administrator, said the ideas mentioned Tuesday could help create jobs in Greenville County.

"I think all of that is going to give us a big plus here in South Carolina," he said.

The Republican plan also would lower the top income tax rate from 7 to 4.75 percent, reform medical malpractice litigation rules and restructure state government.

Sen. John Land, leader of the Senate Democrats, said he doesn't think the Republican agenda will pass in the Senate unless a promised rules fight in January produces "a little House of Representatives."

Sen. Verne Smith, a Greer Republican who chairs the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, said he opposes the tax-cut idea but wants to know more about the House package.

"It sounds awful far reaching to me," he said.