NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer released the following statement today in response to Gov. Henry McMaster’s announcement that unemployment insurance tax rates will remain the same or, in many cases, be reduced for small businesses and other employers in 2026:

“This welcome news comes at a critical time. Many small business owners are facing higher interest rates, slower sales, and rising costs, and our latest monthly survey shows optimism slipping as owners grow more cautious about the months ahead, so today’s news couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Today’s announcement gives South Carolina small businesses some breathing room as they work through these challenges. The less our members have to pay in unemployment insurance taxes, the more money they can put back into their businesses to grow and hire.”