The Greenville Chamber of Commerce is carrying to Columbia a
legislative wish-list that's good for business and the well-being of
South Carolinians. Included in the Chamber's 2007 legislative agenda
are ideas aimed squarely at helping business -- such as workers comp
reform. The Chamber's board also encourages lawmakers to provide
better economic development incentives to create jobs and
opportunities for South Carolinians.
But the seven-point plan goes beyond business matters, touching
on education, health care and comprehensive tax reform. That comes
as no surprise from a Chamber that, commendably, has been known for
looking out for more than merely business interests.
For instance, the agenda endorses an increase in the cigarette
tax. It's an idea that's long overdue: Money raised from a higher
cigarette tax could provide more and better health care for
low-income South Carolinians.
The Chamber also is calling on state leaders to help small
businesses provide health insurance. That's important because S.C.
small businesses are much less likely than corporations to be able
to afford health-care coverage for workers. And the Chamber supports
education initiatives to help young people find direction in their
lives.
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It's good also to see the Chamber supporting comprehensive tax
reform. That's what this state needs -- comprehensive reform that's
fair, reasonable and based on extensive study and debate.
Unfortunately, that's not what lawmakers gave us earlier this year.
The property tax reform effort was rash, grossly unfair and based on
politics.
On tax reform and all of these important public policy issues,
the Chamber's sensible voice is much appreciated.
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Greer
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