NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer released the following statement this evening in response to Gov. Henry McMaster’s State of the State Address:

“Our members were impressed by Governor McMaster’s commitment to reforming the state’s civil justice system. We agree that our current system is stifling job creation and economic growth.

“South Carolina’s ​​​​​​small businesses are dealing with a host of economic challenges right now, but frivolous lawsuits are making a bad situation even worse. Clearly, individuals have a right to seek compensation if they’ve been wronged, but some lawsuits are brought simply because someone sees a chance to make money.

“Lawsuit abuse drives up insurance and other operating costs, which only worsens inflation’s impact on South Carolina’s businesses and families.

“We were also pleased to hear Governor McMaster affirm his commitment to reducing and eventually eliminating the state personal income tax. Most small businesses in the state are organized as pass-through entities, meaning the revenue passes through the business to the owner, who pays taxes at the individual rate.

“These are difficult times for South Carolina’s small businesses, with rising prices continuing to raise questions about the direction of the economy. Florida and Tennessee already have a managed to build strong economies without a state income tax. Reducing and eliminating ours would ease the financial pressure on local businesses and encourage them to grow and create jobs.

“We looking forward to working with Governor McMaster and legislative leaders on this and other important issues that would help South Carolina’s job creators.”